Linville Falls Hike
Boone, NC has some great areas to explore: Grandfather Mountain, Mt. Mitchell (6684’ Elev.) and Linville Falls just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 316.4. Linville Falls is the Parkway’s biggest waterfall by sheer volume of water. This hike could be described as a “Tale of 2 Trails”. The 1st half of the trail is relatively easy with the 2nd half being a bit more strenuous. There are some great views of the Falls throughout this short hike. Be sure to visit this trail if anywhere near Boone, NC.The 1st part of the hike begins to the right of the Visitor Center, take the bridge across the river and in 0.5 miles reach the short spur trail to the Upper Falls Overlook. Return to the main trail and continue another 0.2 miles to the Chimney View Overlook for the first great view of the Falls. The last view on this side of the river is the Erwin View Overlook which you will reach in another 0.2 miles. Return to the Visitor Center for the second half of the trail which will get you down to the Falls.
If it was rated by itself, it would be a 4 in Difficulty, don’t do this part of the trail unless you are in reasonably good shape as it is quite a workout. The trail begins to the left of the Visitor Center and reaches the Intersection for the Plunge Basin Overlook in 0.4 miles, bear to the right to go down to the Overlook, reaching it in 0.2 miles. Return to the Intersection and bear to the right to continue on the trail to the bottom of the Falls.
In 0.1 miles from the Intersection you will go down a steep set of wooden stairs and then immediately bear to the right. The trail will go by a cliff on the right and reaches the river and Falls < in 0.2 miles. Decide how close you want to get to the Falls but be very careful on the rocks. Each of the overlooks has its’ own unique view of the Falls but seeing it from the river level was my favorite. Retrace your steps to return to the Visitor Center and your car.
