wiseman's view

This is by far the most amazing and beautiful view we have ever experienced while hiking ever. We got some awesome photos. If cut through a little path to the left there is a rock ledge that sticks out. I was able to take some breathtaking shots of my family standing on the rock jetty from wisemans view. If you are afraid of heights you would not like this.

This is a very easy walk from the parking lot. The views are totally worth driving and walking for -- and I'm afraid of heights, but it was spectacular and I would go again.

The drive to Wiseman's was pretty fun itself, lots of hills on a dirt road. The view is a short walk from the parking lot. I wanted to see the gorge and so we made the trip. Glad we did. It's a beautiful area. You can walk past the "fence" and onto some rock outcroppings too. Great spot.

We hiked the Table Rock trail and went to the Chimneys. We also went to Linville Falls. It was very impressive. At Wiseman's View you can view the east side of the gorge and see from a safe location a great 180 degree view. This location is off of a gravel road but the walking trail to the overlook is paved and rated as accessible. There is also an outhouse type facility if needed. If you are not a hiker you can still enjoy this amazing view. It should be nice at anytime of year. Highly recommended and it is free.

This location offers a number of beautiful views of the mountains and valleys to photograph from near Linville. It is a relatively short and easy walk from the parking lot to the location. It is actually wheelchair accessible. The spots for photography are well-placed and most are very safe. However, there are some inviting spots off the beaten path that are actually on the edge of a cliff and caution is warranted.

We were up in the Linville / Banner Elk area for vacation as a family this past June. My wife and I grew up in NC and had been to the area many times both growing up and as a couple, so we were surprised to hear about this awesome view when told about it by one of the locals. "The most amazing view up here and definitely of the gorge (Linville)." Yeah...right, but I was game to give it a shot.Well, he was right...WOW. A panoramic view of the Linville Gorge and river while looking across at Hawksbill Mtn and Table Rock Mtn. It's free...so definitely treat yourself to an amazing view of the area.Pointers...This isn't the easiest place to find. Off of Hwy 183 not far from the intersection with Hwy 221 there is a dirt road, fairly well marked that says "Wiseman's View - 4 Miles." And that is exactly what it is - 4 miles up this dirt road (yes, I am one of those geeks that measures stuff like that). We had a big SUV and I think most cars could make it without trouble, but if your car has low clearance you may want to take a pass. The parking lot is well marked and there is a paved trail leading down to the observation point. There is even a handicapped paved slope for easier access down to the lookout. Keep an eye on the weather. Not a place you want to be exposed in a storm.If you are up in the area, you would be remiss if you did not at least make the drive up and see the view.

The 4 mile trip to the view was rough in places and in an SUV, we had no trouble, but we did see a car having trouble climbing in one part. The road is gravel and very steep and curvy. There were primitive camping spots all along the road, by primitive, bring your own lights and toilet. The view was amazing of the Linville Gorge, 1500 feet below and the mountains close and in the distance. We hiked some and just enjoy the beauty laid out in front of us. I would definitely go again and am glad to have found it. There is no charge to go up there, but bring water if you're going to hike.

Wiseman's View (along with Linville Falls) is how many people first experience the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. As you travel along this dirt road (can have ruts in the Winter) you pass by a few nice hiking trails. The Sign to Wiseman's View is very well marked. The parking lot has a primitive toilet. There are two trails but both wind up at the same place. One is a steep paved path and the other is a winding one for folks in wheel chairs that is longer but not as steep. Hawksbill Mountain will be directly in front of you (other side of the Gorge) then as you pan to the South you will see Table Rock and then Shortoff. Very spectacular in the Fall.

Favorite spot to relax. Kinda a drive, you feel like the road is going no where but well worth it. Take a picnic and enjoy the view.

Best view in the Blue Ridge, but please don't tell anyone - it's a secret. You do have to travel a dirt road to get there but the scenery is worth the ride. Once there, the path is paved and the overlooks are rock walls which protect yet allow a great view!

When visiting Linville Falls take the dirt road past the information cabin about 4 miles. The road is tricky in a few spots but when you get there you won't be disappointed. There is a bathroom with a nice blacktop trail next to it. Take the trail about 150 yards and you will see hidden beauty of several mountains.