Location: Linville Falls Gorge, Blue Ridge Parkway
Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 252 feet – with some moderate slopes and steep steps.
Pros: Amazing Views, wide path and easy to navigate, a few benches along the way, lots of wild rhododendrons, good-sized parking lot at trailhead.
Cons: fairly crowded (on a Sunday), deep muddy areas at observation decks, trail to upper falls closed
“I like adventures, and I’m going to find some”
-Louisa May Alcott
Sunday Funday! We are staying in North Carolina for a few weeks, and had the opportunity to go jeeping and hiking with our besties and their wonderdog, Scout. This was my first hike of the season that was not a solo trip, and I loved having some company! Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina mountains lies the Linville Gorge, River, and Falls. The road up the mountain to the trailhead was several miles of dirt and gravel, twists and turns, ruts and potholes – a great trail run for the Jeeps! Several overlooks along the way provided views and photo ops, the best of which was Wiseman’s View.
This place was certainly popular on a Sunday afternoon, filled with those seeking both the epic scenery and an escape from the summer heat. But the parking lot seems to be able to accommodate the number of visitors, and the trail is wide. Different routes of varying lengths and difficulty wind through the forest, but some of them are currently closed due to hurricane damage. Ours started off with a good, downhill slope, then leveled out. Tall rhododendron bushes lined the trail, still blooming in mid-July. We scrambled over (or under) some fallen trees, and across a tiny stream via some stepping stones. The last section consisted of a lengthy section of steep rock steps down to two overlooks.
A mile of trekking, a couple of applications of bug spray and a water break or two, and we reached our destination! Though the overlooks were fairly muddy from a recent thunderstorm, they did have wood railings and stone ledges, and enough dry ground for everyone who wanted to grab a selfie or just sit and soak in the grandeur of it all. The forest, canyon, river and waterfall were truly breathtaking.
Along with sweeping landscapes, I also love looking for small beauties, microcosms of wonder, to photograph on my hikes. These colorful little mushrooms looked like a fairy garden.
Photo cred: Debi Smith
After a well-deserved break at the overlooks, with snacks and chugs of water, we gathered the willpower to start the hike back up to the parking lot. 😉 UP all the stairs, over the trees and stream, and UP the hill. The Linville Falls trail is the most strenuous hike I’ve done this year and I’m certainly feeling it today! But our adventure here was worth every sore muscle. I’m glad I went a little farther, a little higher. I want to continue to grow in this hobby, to push past my boundaries, to increase my territory. 6.1 miles down, 13.9 to go! And I’m so grateful for the time spent with my husband and our friends, making memories.
So don’t be afraid to stretch yourself a little. We are all so much more capable than we give ourselves credit for. Find your tribe, and find your next adventure.
Til next time, shine bright friends!
~Dawn 🌻
It was a fun hike!! Definitely felt challenged in some areas! Days like these are what make life worth living!!
!Well done…a kind of Stairway to Heaven scene