Linville Falls - Milepost 316

Road Status and Closures Is where you want to visit closed?   Linville Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Photograph it from several areas along the trail. Lower Falls is in the foreground, with upper falls seen behind it upstream. Bill Bake photo   The Linville River flows from its headwaters high on the steep slopes of Grandfather Mountain and cascades through two falls as it begins a nearly 2,000 foot descent through this rugged and spectacularly beautiful gorge. Known by the Cherokee as "the river of many cliffs," Linville Gorge was the nation's first officially designated wilderness area. Towering hemlocks, dense stands of rhododendron, and native wildflowers grow along the trails that begin at the visitor center and encircle the falls.   One of the cascades at upper falls during the golden hour in autumn. Jim Ruff photo At a Glance: Visitor center Waterfall Hiking trails Campground Picnic area Points of Interest: Visitor Center: Talk to a ranger for information and to grab a map. Open seasonally; check the opening schedule for specific dates. Sleeping and Eating: Linville Falls Campground: Spend a night under the stars at this 70-site campground. See the camping page for more details. Campground is open seasonally; check the opening schedule for specific dates. Linville Falls Picnic Area: Pack your picnic basket and grab a table. The picnic area is open seasonally; check the opening schedule for specific dates. When you visit Linville Falls, we ask that you Leave No Trace. Things to Do: Hike a Trail: Take the moderate Erwin’s View Trail or the Strenuous Linville Gorge Trail to see spectacular views of Linville Falls. Plan your hike with the Linville Falls Trails page. Avoid weekends for a less crowded experience.