Linville Gorge Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Linville Gorge Trail makes up the entire western portion of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop. This is considered the most strenuous portion of the loop, and is not recommended for novice hikers as the trail is poorly marked (if at all) in many locations. Maps and a compass are strongly recommended or be sure to use the Hiking Project mobile app.

Hikers will notice a great number of fallen trees in the area, due to the Southern Pine Beetle infestation.

This trail follows the Linville River for the most part, providing ample locations to replenish water. As always, please remember to use a filter - never drink water directly from the source.

Local flora - rhododendron, sand mrtyle, red chokeberry, azalea, turkey beard, bristly locust, yellow root, silverbell, orchids, ninebark, and wild indigo.

Local fauna - white-tail deer, black bears, squirrel, raccoon, grouse, turkey, vultures, owls, hawks, as well as brown and rainbow trout. As for snakes, there are copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Smaller fish and crawfish can also be found in the river.