{"id":21541,"date":"2022-12-29T13:21:32","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T21:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=21541"},"modified":"2022-12-30T10:30:00","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T18:30:00","slug":"linville-gorge-a-hikers-paradise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/linville-gorge-a-hikers-paradise","title":{"rendered":"Linville Gorge: A Hiker’s Paradise"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

North Carolina\u2019s Linville Gorge Wilderness Area<\/a> is roughly 30 miles south of Boone and spans 12,000 acres within Pisgah National Forest<\/a>. It\u2019s a popular destination for many different types of outdoor recreation, from hiking to rock climbing, and for good reason\u2014this protected area is an outdoor lover\u2019s paradise.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hike through Linville Gorge will leave you in awe of its incredible landscapes, which include waterfalls and some of the best mountain views North Carolina has to offer. After hiking in the gorge, you\u2019ll undoubtedly be back to tackle more trails: You can\u2019t just go once. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linville Gorge is open year-round but is subject to seasonal road closures<\/a>. Planning is one of the most important factors for having a successful trip to the gorge. If you have time, go for a drive and do a few hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway<\/a> as well while you\u2019re in the area.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Linville
Linville Gorge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Hiking in Linville Gorge<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Linville Gorge is beautiful, but it can be dangerous if you\u2019re not prepared. The rugged terrain and lack of trail markers or maintenance (it\u2019s a wilderness area, after all) can create added challenges for even the most experienced hikers. According to the U.S. Forest Service website, \u201cTrails are signed at trailheads but are not signed or blazed once inside the wilderness. You should be able to read a topographical map and use a compass.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, preliminary research and planning are of utmost importance. These recommendations (which are written by someone who has hiked, backpacked, car camped and rock-climbed in the gorge) will help you prepare for your next adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Your Research and Plan Conservatively  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve never hiked in Linville Gorge, it\u2019s best to err on the side of caution. There\u2019s a saying that 2 miles almost anywhere else equals 1 mile in the gorge. The steep and rocky terrain can be unforgiving, and between the lack of cell service and the number of unmarked boot-path trails, it\u2019s easy to get lost. Therefore, it\u2019s best to start small and work your way up to longer, more challenging trails as you get to know the area better. Good starter trails include Linville Falls and Wiseman\u2019s View (more on both below). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilize the Avenza Map <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While AllTrails<\/a> can be a helpful tool for planning purposes, do not solely rely on it for navigation when hiking in Linville Gorge. Bring a good quality, detailed topographic map with you when hiking in the wilderness area. For online maps, we prefer the Linville Gorge Wilderness Avenza Map<\/a> (both the Avenza app and the map itself are free). Not only does the Avenza map include hiking trails, but also it works offline and has markers for other helpful information such as water sources, restrooms and parking. Remember: Your phone battery will last longer in airplane mode<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join the Linville Gorge Facebook Group <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With over 20,000 members, the Linville Gorge Facebook Group<\/a> is a great resource for anyone who plans to hike in Linville Gorge. You can find information about current conditions (or ask if you can\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for), updates to the aforementioned Avenza map, road closures, photos and more.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download Offline Google Maps  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cell service can be spotty in Linville Gorge. Therefore, it\u2019s a good idea to download offline Google Maps. Offline maps will ensure you can pull up driving directions in the area if needed. This tool can be especially useful if you plan to tackle several hikes in one day and need driving directions to multiple trailheads.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack the Ten Essentials <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with any hike, make sure to pack the \u201cTen Essentials<\/a>\u201d when hiking in Linville Gorge\u2014even if some things seem unnecessary for a quick day hike. These items could save you in the event of an emergency. The unfortunate reality is that there have been instances when hikers have fallen or gotten lost in the gorge on what seemed like simple day hikes. Additionally, it\u2019s not uncommon for hikers unfamiliar with the challenging terrain to pack an insufficient amount of water. When researching, pay attention to the difficulty of the trail(s) you intend to hike and take more water than you think you\u2019ll need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the Leave No Trace Principles  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All visitors should adhere to the seven principles of Leave No Trace<\/a> to protect Linville Gorge and preserve the land for generations to come: Environmental stewardship is part of being a hiker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a High-Clearance Vehicle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need a high-clearance vehicle to get to every trailhead in the gorge, but there are some areas where extra clearance is necessary due to washboards and ruts along the gravel roads. This is especially true if you drive on Kistler Memorial Highway (commonly referred to as Old 105) along the West Rim to access trails like Babel Tower and Wiseman\u2019s View. There are several patches of rough terrain, and the conditions of this road change constantly. (Yet another reason it\u2019s so important to research ahead of time). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Hiking Trails in Linville Gorge <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know more about Linville Gorge, it\u2019s time to talk about hikes. There are many options for day hikes on both sides of the gorge. Whether you\u2019re looking for something short and simple or something longer and more challenging, you can find that in the gorge. When you download the Avenza map, you\u2019ll notice that the list below is just the beginning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linville Falls Overlook Trail<\/a> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n