I am shocked I am just now hiking out at Linville Falls. Now is the absolute most wonderful time to go if you haven't been before. The COLORS!! Love, love, love them - so vibrant. The falls, the views, the air...perfect!! There is so much to tell you hiking friends!
I knew per my research there were multiple trails at the falls. Each trail gives you a different view or perspective of the trails. What I didn't realize in my research was that all of these trails and views are offered to you at one location. This is awesome. You just park one time and explore the day away. There is a visitor's center at Linville Falls. This is where you park. In fact, for your GPS, just type in "Linville Falls Visitor's Center."
It was crowded and busy even on a Wednesday afternoon. I see why. I wouldn't choose to be in a crowd but it's honestly not that bad because everyone is just so happy that people are considerate and helpful, and kind. So don't go thinking you will be having solitude...but you will find joy and stunning breath taking views.
There are EXCELLENT maps provided and the trails are very obvious and marked. I am actually awful at maps and usually just use my good senses but the map they gave was perfection. Even Ellie enjoyed peering at it and "telling" me how we should go! Haha!
We began with the "big hike." Online and even by Linville Falls themselves, their largest hike is rated strenuous. I don't believe it is strenuous. It is moderate and the hardest parts are very short lived. You should however be in shape to do the "big hike" which is The Linville Gorge trail. So let us first discuss this.
The Linville Gorge trail + Plunge Basin trail: (Moderate-Strenuous) Wear hiking boots not tennis shoes due to mud at times.
This trail in full totals 1.7 miles if you do all the views. You begin by going to the left of the Visitor's Center if you are standing right in front of it looking at it. On your left, you'll see a little staircase. Follow that and you will begin your first trail. You'll see these things as you get started:
Above: The stairs to the left of Visitor's Center
You will see this sign! If you plan to see both the overlook of this trail and to go down to the gorge to be on the river and have the actual best view of the falls, you will do both "Plunge Basin Overlook" & "Linville Gorge"
As you continue along to what will be a fork in the trail to approach either of these two options, you will walk amongst many roots and rocks. When you get to the fork which looks like this:
...you will pick which one you would like to do first. My suggestion is to do the overlook as it is shorter and less technical, though there are still stairs and a short climb back up after you view. Once you have gone to the Plunge Basin Overlook, walk back the way you came to it and stop when you return back to this trail post. Now, go to your right towards the Linville Gorge. THIS is the trail most consider strenuous. I considerate moderate. Ellie (3) did it with no help whatsoever...carrying a baby doll the entire time. Now, I know she and I are seasoned frequent hikers therefore; this trail may be seen as strenuous to you if you find trouble with climbing stairs, venturing over rocks and roots, and navigating some narrow, rocky, muddy terrain. The trip to the gorge is obviously downhill. And obviously, to come back out, you return uphill. I find uphill easier and faster. Those who have labeled this as strenuous agree that it is not very strenuous, it is a climb, you want to be in shape or prepare to take breaks, but it isn't a long trip down or up this trail. The "strenous" portions are short lived. I would only caution those who have never hiked before or those with aching joints in knees and hips, and those who are not stable on their feet as there is plenty of opportunity to trip or slip in mud, slick eroded rock, and wet leaves. Take this how you will. I hope this is more helpful than confusing. I will also say, this trail...if you are on the edge of yes or no...is wildly beyond worth it. The payout is HUGE. Take your time, there are some spots to sit and places to break if you need. Hiking is for your enjoyment so do what suits you.
Here are views from the Plunge Basin and Gorge:
But, once you have accomplished that part, it is all easier from here on out! So just keep that thought in the back of your mind for your endurance if needed. I really didn't think it was hard. though so don't let what you read online scare you. Try it. You can always turn back if you change your mind!
So, now when you are back at the visitor's center, go through the building and past the bathrooms where you will see a bridge over the Linville River. This is the start of the other trails which simply take you to overlooks for more views of the upper falls and lower falls (what you see in the gorge), as well as a deeper perspective of the gorge! It is incredible and you really must do them all. These are easy and quick. They are uphill...so maybe I should say moderate...but they are definitely not difficult and I would say most any hiker can do all of these overlooks. These are where you will find most of the crowds but again, people were so considerate and kind. The signage is excellent here as well to coincide with your map. You hike up a little ways then level out and you find your first trail post with a left turn to the Upper Falls Overlook just 500 ft. down a path. Here is what you will see venturing to this point:
Above is the sign mentioned just before in the above paragraph. Great signage, right?!
Above: The Upper Falls Overlook View
Ok! So now you walk back out from that overlook and head left to the next point of overlooks. The next one up is "Chimney View Overlook." See below.
Above: This is the "Chimney View Overlook." This is .3 mi away from the "Upper Falls Overlook." You are able to now see the upper falls from where you just were, as well as the lower and main Linville Falls down in the gorge. Ellie and I were actually able to see from this overlook point the very boulder we sat and had lunch on and it was mesmerizing to us both. It didn't seem real. But there it was! There are two outlook spots at the Chimney view.
Next, go to "Erwin View." Just follow the trail! "Erwin View" views:
The last overlook is The Gorge Overlook. So beautiful! And what a view to end the day!
After that last view, you just walk back out, mostly downhill. Ellie and I almost ran it all together! She was giggling the whole way. We got in the car and drove to the Blue Ridge Parkway to watch a beautiful and peaceful sunset. Ellie the entire day made remarks such as, "This is so awesome!" "This is so beautiful!" "I love it!" "Thank you for taking us on this hike!" "Look at the Autumn colors mommy! A leaf just danced on my face! That was funny!" "This is a quiet place. It's so peaceful." "I had a great day, mommy!"
Get out there and enjoy!
The total mileage for all the trails (with the exception of the 20 minute walk on Duggar's Creek) was approximately 3.2 miles. give or take a few tenths. All measurements have slight variations. And that mileage is accurate as well because the entire day took us 4 hours with a stop to pic-nic and enjoy the views. (Usually calculate 1 hour per mile with toddlers as a rule of thumb.)
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