The Shortoff Trail at Pisgah National Forest within the Linville Gorge Wilderness near Nebo, North Carolina is a difficult 5.5-mile out-and-back hike that features stunning views of the gorge from the western slopes of Shortoff Mountain.
Hike
The Shortoff Trail climbs Shortoff Mountain to the rim of Linville Gorge and is one of the most scenic hikes in the Pisgah National Forest. The first 1.5 is steep and exposed. So can be hot on a warm day. There are many views of the gorge and valley on the hike with the best at hike turn around point on the rim. This is also an excellent overnight backpack with over 15 campsites on the ridge and a spring on the trail where the trail arrives at the ridge.
Parking
Hikers and backpackers will find parking located at the end of Wolf Pit Road near Nebo, NC. The lot is large enough to fit over a dozen vehicles with overflow road parking as of 2024.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
Warning
Cliffs: This hike leads to steep and sheer cliff drop-offs within the Linville Gorge.
Hike
The Shortoff Trail climbs Shortoff Mountain to the rim of Linville Gorge and is one of the most scenic hikes in the Pisgah National Forest. The first 1.5 is steep and exposed. So can be hot on a warm day. There are many views of the gorge and valley on the hike with the best at hike turn around point on the rim. This is also an excellent overnight backpack with over 15 campsites on the ridge and a spring on the trail where the trail arrives at the ridge.
Parking
Hikers and backpackers will find parking located at the end of Wolf Pit Road near Nebo, NC. The lot is large enough to fit over a dozen vehicles with overflow road parking as of 2024.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
Warning
Cliffs: This hike leads to steep and sheer cliff drop-offs within the Linville Gorge.
