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Address
316.4 Milepost |
Photo Suggestions
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Erwin's View to the Overlook - consider
photographing - The both falls (right and left) at various angles - Be sure to photograph the water as it is passing through the rocks on it way to the lower falls (see photo above). |
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Plunge Basin Overlook - When you get to the overlook, there are small trees obstructing the perfect view of the falls - However, there is a cement platform that you can crawl up onto the photograph the falls without the trees - Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens to you can include not only the falls but also the beginning of the Linville Gorge |
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In the spring look for wildflowers |
Driving Tips and Other Information
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From Asheville, you can take the Blue Ridge Parkway
north for about 66 miles to Milepost 316.4.
The Parkway is closed much of the winter in sections between
Asheville and Linville. This is a spectacular, winding, leisurely
drive. Allow two hours. |
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Linville Falls is probably the most
photographed waterfall in North Carolina. It is located on the Blue
Ridge Parkway near Milepost 316.4, about 66 miles north of
Asheville.
You can hike to five viewpoints via two trails leaving from the Visitors Center (1.5 miles drive off the Parkway). The Visitors Center offers restrooms, a picnic area and an
information center (open May-October and weekends in April). |
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Erwin's View Trail, a moderate hike of 1.6
miles round-trip from the Visitors Center, offers four overlooks,
each revealing a different aspect of the Linville Falls area.
Following this trail to the left (when it forks), it will take you to an overlook facing the Upper Falls. This is approximately 0.5 miles from the Visitors Center This trail is located to the right facing the Visitors Center. The first overlook is the Upper Falls. Standing below the small cascades and watch the water rush into a narrow canyon before it plunges 45 ft. over the lower falls. Linville Gorge Trail is the more challenging trail. From the Visitor Center, it takes you down into the gorge 3/4 of a mile to the base of the waterfall. This trail has many steps and a few steep climbs, but it's well-maintained and safe. You are rewarded by close-up views of the rock cliffs and plenty of big boulders to relax on - even have a picnic by the Linville River. No swimming is allowed (currents are too swift). Relax to the soothing sounds of the waterfall and river. The same trail takes you to the Plunge Basin Overlook (1/2
mile from Visitor Center). Watch for the side trail that forks to
the right and descends to the stone overlook for a view down on the
falls and pool. |
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Bathroom facilities available at Visitors Center |
Information compiled by Bob Spalding