United States · Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Linville Falls
Two drops feed into Linville Gorge, the deepest canyon in the eastern United States, with several short trails leading to overlooks at different heights above the churn. The gorge below remains one of the most rugged, lightly developed wilderness areas in the Appalachians.
Two drops feed into Linville Gorge, the deepest canyon in the eastern United States, with several short trails leading to overlooks at different heights above the churn. The gorge below remains one of the most rugged, lightly developed wilderness areas in the Appalachians.
Linville Falls drops 27 metres (89 ft) on the Linville, inside Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Linville Falls, with AVL the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Spring and fall give reliable flow and, in October, vivid foliage around the gorge.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Spring and fall give reliable flow and, in October, vivid foliage around the gorge.
Entry: Free; Blue Ridge Parkway access
Getting there
- Base townLinville Falls
- AirportAVL
- CountryUnited States
- RegionBlue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, North America
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
35.9569, -81.9308
Quick answers
How tall is Linville Falls?
Linville Falls drops 27 metres (89 feet). It is a tiered-type waterfall on the Linville.
When is the best time to visit Linville Falls?
Peak flow is April to May and September to October. Spring and fall give reliable flow and, in October, vivid foliage around the gorge.
What can you do at Linville Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Linville Falls?
The usual base is Linville Falls, and the closest airport is AVL. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Free; Blue Ridge Parkway access.
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