Linville Falls

Linville Falls is pretty much incomparable when it comes to size, beauty, accessibility, and photogenic qualities, and thus it is one of the most recognizable and popular in the state. It has the highest water volume of any major falls along the Blue Ridge. Visiting is highly recommended!

Directions

Driving

Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and head either north or south to the Linville Falls area at milepost 316.4. From Asheville, it's about 65-70 miles scenic miles north depending on where you got on, and you'll pass the Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell and Crabtree Falls areas. From Boone/Blowing Rock it's about 35-40 miles South and you'll pass Grandfather Mountain. Turn onto Linville Falls Road; go 1.5 miles and park at the visitor center where the hike starts. Note: The section of the Parkway between Asheville and N.C. 80 near Little Switzerland is frequently closed while the section near Linville Falls is still open; there are plenty of places to access the Parkway closer to Linville if this is the case (or if you want a quicker trip). Use your favorite mapping website to find the best route.

Directions to the Visitor Center from the closest Parkway access point (U.S. 221) on Google Maps .

If the Parkway is completely closed, you're still in luck: there is a "back lot" on Forest Service property, off of the Kistler Memorial Highway. From the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 221 and N.C. Hwy. 183, go 0.7 miles South on 183. Turn right onto Kistler Memorial Highway, S.R. 1238, which is actually a gravel road. The parking area is on the left after just 420 feet - follow the big signs.

Directions to the Back Lot from U.S. 221 on Google Maps

Trail

There are several trail options; some lead to overlooks of the falls and some lead to the base. Distance ranges from about 0.5 miles and easy round-trip to the Erwin's View overlook, to about 2 miles and more difficult to the Plunge Basin overlook from the "back lot". Look at the map and directions at the Visitor Center to find your best route.

Links

Hike to This Waterfall

More Information About This Waterfall