Waterfall Hero Hikes: Linville Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway)

Linville Falls is a spectacular 50-foot waterfall on Linville River in Burke County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Linville Falls Recreation Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hike Length: Varies, 1 to 4 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Linville Falls Recreation Area (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1 with multiple views)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.95595,-81.92844
Waterfall GPS: 35.94967,-81.92657

Directions:

From Boone, head south on NC-105 for about 17 miles to Linville. Turn right on US-221 south and then left to stay on the highway in 0.6 miles. Go 2.9 miles and turn left on NC-181 south. In 1.6 miles, turn left to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and then right to go southbound. Drive 4.3 miles and turn left to enter Linville Falls at milepost 316.4. Drive 1.4 miles to the parking at the end by the visitor center.

Map:

Hike Description:

There are numerous overlooks to access different viewpoints of Linville Falls and all start from the visitor center. Plunge Basin Trail starts in the southeast corner of the parking lot and leads 0.3 miles to a split. Go right to the Plunge Basin Overlook which is looking down at the main lower drop of the waterfall and pool at the base.

Going back to the main trail, go right to continue on Plunge Basin Trail as it descends into the gorge. This part of the trail is moderately difficult. Once at the river, go upstream a short ways to the base of the waterfall.

To view the falls from the other side, return to the visitor center and take the Erwins View Trail that crosses the river on a wide bridge. In 0.4 miles from the bridge, a trail to the right goes to a Forest Service parking area. Right after this, go left to Upper Falls Overlook.

There's a scenic twin falls above the main waterfall. The top of the main drop is also visible from here.

Head back to the main trail and go left and gradually head up to another split. Go left to Chimney View where you can see both the main drop and the upper falls.