One of the most heavily used trails in the wilderness area, and the longest at 11.5 miles, the Linville Gorge Trail parallels the river along its western shore, descending along steep, rock-strewn slopes and dense hardwood forests. The trail frequently approaches the riverbank, providing excellent views and access to numerous unusual rock formations. Because of the difficulty of the terrain, the entire hike often takes two days to complete, and overnight backwoods camping is allowed between May and October with a permit. This trail also connects to many shorter hiking trails along the west rim of the Linville Gorge.
Nine trails explore the west rim of the Linville Gorge, most of them accessible from various trailheads along state Route 138. The 2.8-mile Linville Falls Trail is the northernmost option, with three scenic overlooks and views of a series of waterfalls that tumble down through the Linville Gorge. The easiest trail is probably the Pine Gap Trail, which makes a gradual 1-mile descent into the gorge and connects with the Linville Gorge Trail at the bottom. Many of the west rim trails intersect with the Linville Gorge Trail, allowing you the opportunity to hike down into the gorge on one trail and ascend out on a different trail, using the Linville Gorge Trail as a connector route between the two.
The east rim trails are more diverse than those along the west rim, so you can either explore the gorge itself or hike to the top of several peaks that shadow the eastern half of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. One popular -- albeit strenuous -- hike travels 1.2 miles along the Table Rock Summit Trail to the top of 3,930-foot Table Rock Mountain. The summit rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the gorge and the surrounding landscape. If you'd like to explore the eastern side of the gorge, you can descend to the river on the 1.5-mile Devil's Hole Trail or the 1.75-mile Spencer Ridge Trail. Most of the east rim's eight hiking trails are accessible from Forest Road 210, which branches off state Route 181 south of Jonas Ridge.
Many of the trails in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area are challenging, involving steep climbs and descents over rocky and uneven ground. Hikers should assess whether a hike is within their abilities. Durable footwear, accurate trail maps and lots of water are essential. Water from streams, springs or the river itself must be filtered, treated or boiled before drinking. You can get maps and backcountry camping permits at the Grandfather Ranger District office on East Lawing Drive. Always let someone know where you are before setting off on a trail, and hike with a companion, especially if you've never hiked in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area before.
