linville gorge

This trail is not as hard as I originally expected. But the view was far more beautiful than anything I could have imagined by looking at pictures. There is several different places to enjoy multiple angle views of the falls along the trail. This is one if the best waterfalls I have ever seen, you must check this one out for sure!

My husband and I hiked to the falls....it was kind of a long walk- but worth it, because its so pretty!

The Linville Falls Visitor Center is easily accessible off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone/Blowing Rock/Banner Elk, NC. I've visited the area many times, but had never been to Linville Falls.We had a group of friends (12 adults and 12 children ages 4-13) that were staying in Blowing Rock for the weekend and we decided to take a day trip to visit Linville Caverns and Linville Falls. It was about an hour drive from Blowing Rock. The Visitor Center was closed for the winter, but the trail to the falls is large and easily identifiable as you walk from the parking lot.As other reviews have noted, the trail is not that long to the upper falls and pretty easy to walk - even the 4 year old was able to walk the whole way. The trail to the overlook to see the lower falls is a bit more challenging as it is mostly uphill. The 4 year old had to be carried at times. However, the views of the falls and the gorge were very nice and worth the trek.Unlike many falls, you really can't get close from the main trails. For obvious safety reasons, the upper falls viewing area has a fence to keep you away from the water. There is probably a trail down to the lower falls, but we did not have time nor the inclination to explore on this trip. It would be fun to go down there, but I would guess it would be a more strenuous hike given the terrain.There is no fee to see the falls or walk the trails, but donations are encouraged. Overall, I think the Linville Falls are worth a visit as the views are very nice and the trails are open and only moderately difficult to walk.

What an amazing view!! My wife, myself and our two boys (11 & 14) made it to the park. It was about a half-mile hike to the beginning of the falls and another half-mile hike to a high over-look but the view was well worth it. The beginning of the falls is a large natural rock plateau with a winding river leading to the main falls. The over-look is absolutely breath-taking! We went in the winter and had to be careful of icy spots. Wear hiking shoes but it's worth it!

Growing up we always visited the gorge and falls. And as I got older and went to school in banner Elk, I made it a place to hike and camp. One of the hidden gems in NC and oldest mountain range systems in the world.The Liville Gorge has something for everyone...beginner trails to the Falls and more advanced trails for the pro hiker. I think it has a total of 15-20 trails that start from the 13 mile gravel road that rides the top of the ridge of the gorge.My favorite trail is the Linville Gorge Trail. It goes in at the start of the system and follows the Linville River for about 11 miles. Plan to bring 2 vehicles...one to park at the end of the trail. Grab a trail map or check it out here http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/null/recarea/?recid=48974&actid=37

The easy and short hike to the Linville Falls from the Visitor Center comes with a big payoff. Each of the 3 viewing areas (the furthest being just over 1/2 mile from the parking area) give magnificent views of this gorgeous ravine with the majestic falls at the head. Make a nice loop from Rte. 40 up NC 221/226, down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Linville Falls, and then back down to Rte. 40 via NC 181. It's a worthwhile day or afternoon trip.

This gorge is a must see. The topography blended with the water makes a fabulous picturesque photo shoot. The path is well maintained. The rangers were also nice with a nice gift shop. Good access and parking.

Took a detour and then after riding down blue ridge parkway was easy to find then.Less that 1/3 mile walk to the first view point and about a mile to see all 3 view points.Some steps to walk and some steep paths to traverse.All in all very nice and photogenic area.

These falls are beautiful. It was crowded the day we went, it was the last of the waterfalls we were visiting for our trip. I was so sore from hiking the previous days that I could not make it down the stone steps to get the best view. The views we did get to were beautiful and well worth the hike on the trail. There were a lot of people with dogs on the trail so it was not so peaceful especially when some of the dogs wanted to fight with the others.

A beautiful place for a short hike with a unique waterfall. The only negative for me was it was crowded. But, I should expect that at such a beautiful place in October.

46 years ago, we hiked up LInville Gorge, and this year, on our 46th anniversary, we made the same hike and it was so worth it. The views are lovely, the woods quiet and peaceful and still pristine. We loved every minute of it -- although it took us a bit longer this time! Thanks to the Park Service for maintaining this lovely site.

My biggest issue with this trail as well as other trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway is that the trees need to be cut back so you have more views. This trail was very nice and yes you get to a point where you come to alot of stone stairs which take awhile to get up and down especially if someone in your group walks with a cane like our group. The walk was worth it though. Follow it all the way down and you get very pretty views and great pictures of the falls. Wish we could have found the other trails that lead further down but we didn't. Very peaceful walk through the woods. We say several chipmunks and birds

The hike was very nice, not too hard or long. We did this with our dogs. There were a ton of people on the hike though. There were lines to get through a lot of the smaller passages. There were also lines to get to every vantage point. The falls themselves were very nice, but it was hard to see with so many people. I'm sure a lot of people were out just to see the fall foliage and it's not this busy all year. The whole parkway was packed. We had to park far away from the visitor's center to even get a spot.

Linville Gorge has a reputation of being 'tough'...that's not blowing smoke...be prepared to give up your best for this area...we were there today, & with it being 'leaf color' season, lots of folks there as well....an experience to be savored!

Great views of water and fall foliage. Easy enough hike for my parents. Also easy enough for me with a baby in a backpack carrier. Worth the extra 800 ft to go to the higher view of the falls.