Linville Falls Visitor Center and Hiking Trails

The hiking opportunities here are no joke! Take an afternoon to explore. We went to the highest elevation and it was more than a workout. The views are beautiful, and well worth the workout to get there. There’s a waterfall area which is great for picture taking. If you are adventurous, climb the steps up to the very top and enjoy the view of the waterfall from there.

Awesome waterfall! This was a stop on our fall colors trip. Looking at pictures, I was expecting a small waterfall, but this thong was massive.
It’s a drive to get there from Asheville, but it’s worth the trip!

We went to the address on the website for the visitor center. It was closed and looked to have been for some time. We thought it strange that the signage said it was .6 miles from the main road and not where the actual entrance to the trail where the falls could be viewed. The trail was in need of repair as parts had obviously been washed out. The trail to both of the outlooks were challenging for someone with bad knees. It was the longest 500 feet to the Chimney Rock outlook I have ever travelled on foot and the 800 feet to the Erwin outlook was no better. Maybe it was the change in elevation instead of distance? The falls were pretty enough as seen across the gorge but frankly were not worth the struggle to get where you could see them.

Probably the most accessible, though less stunning waterfalls off the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the parking lot, it is an easy 10 minute walk on a flat compacted dirt path to the falls. You can overlook the falls from a large flat rock in the middle and get some great pictures if there aren’t huge throngs of tourists already there taking pictures with their iPads. The falls are not huge, but are still pretty and unlike the others on the parkway, a very easy, fast walk. Watch out for the local yokels throwing footballs around though or you might get Marsha Brady-​ed.

Rather short and very easy hike to any of view points. It’s rather a waterfall, but beautiful no less. Very relaxing trail.
I was a bit disappointed that you cannot go to the base of the fall, but you still get decent views.
Staff at information center/​gift shop is far from friendly, bad day, dude?

A great place to stop and see the falls. It is an easy short hike from the parking lot. Hiking down into the gorge requires a permit.

We spent the weekend in Banner Elk, and even though our GPS took us the ‘Scenic Route’ we made it. The trails are well maintained, with many off the trail, trails. Their are two waterfalls and the first stop along the journey puts you at a view of first set of waterfall’s to one side, and at the other side you will be able to see the back, or behind the scenes view of the larger waterfall as the water twists and weaves its way through the rocks.
The next stop a short hike from the first will show a clear view of the waterfall and landing pad you were just at. And the third stop really gives you a birds eye view and is the perfect spot for some scenic pictures. There are some other little trails here we had fun exploring with the kids, just keep them close as it can be dangerous!
We were lucky to visit the falls on the last weekend of the season, and look forward to visiting again soon. Stop in the visitor center for some great information on the history of the falls.

Beautiful! Less than one mile to the top vantage point for a great view of Linville Falls! Yesterday was my fourth visit to the Falls and it has been about six years since my last visit. The leaves are just starting to change and all the rain lately made the Falls the most intense I remember!
That Scenic side Hike information off the Blue Ridge Highway was sent to Mechl (I copied this from him): :
«Thanks, it’s Rough Ridge on the BRP… Coming in from Linville it’s the first rest stop on the left after Linn Cove. Definitely worth checking out! »