Top 5 Trails of the Linville Gorge | Best Hiking in North Carolina | Pinchin | Hawksbill | Shortoff
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2024
- In the Southern Appalachian mountains of North Carolina lies the Linville Gorge Wilderness area, a region of extraordinary beauty and brutal ruggedness. The gorge drops over 2,000 feet from its ridge to the river below. It is the steepest in the eastern United States and is a utopia for backpackers, hikers, and mountain climbers. Uninterrupted wilderness, however, comes at a cost - as the gorge is remote and wild. There are some easy hikes at Linville Falls and Wiseman’s View, but here we outline more serious challenges. These are our picks for the Top 5 Trails of the Linville Gorge.
CONTENTS
00:00 Intro Overview
00:45 Daffodil Flats
03:02 Table Rock & Chimneys
05:28 Hawksbill Mtn
07:34 Shortoff Mtn
09:58 Babel Tower
12:24 Pinchin
#5 Daffodil Flats
Once a year in February this aggressive trek is frequented by those looking for a unique floral spectacle. This epic wildflower hike is indeed eye catching, but don’t underestimate the rigorous effort the infamous Linville Gorge brings.
#4 Table Rock and the Chimneys from Spence Ridge
While you can drive within a mile of the Table Rock summit, what’s the fun in that? Spence Ridge will give you a taste of the steep, rocky ascents within the gorge - and a path to an iconic peak, epic views, and the best rock climbing in the Southeast.
#3 Hawksbill Mountain
The shortest of the hikes on our list, the trip to Hawksbill is aggressive but has the greatest reward to effort ratio. The true 360 degree views at the summit are a large reason why it is listed as one the best hikes in North Carolina.
#2 Shortoff Mountain
Shortoff brings breathtaking views of the nearby Lake James as you ascend to the ridgeline and experience fabulous vistas at the mouth of the gorge. Summer or winter, it is easy to see why this trek mentioned among the top day hikes in America.
HM Babel Tower
This sleeper trail in the Linville Gorge should be recognized for the rock scrambling required to reach an outstanding vantage point directly above the river. From here, a look down the river is awe inspiring as you see Table Rock rise triumphantly above.
#1 Pinchin Trail
While this hike is only two-and-a-half miles long, it is the epitome of what the gorge has to offer. Breathtaking views, gorgeous flora and river access is combined with a splash of rock scrambling and an ample serving of rugged terrain. This is the steepest trek out of the gorge and among the toughest stretches of trail in the eastern United States.
We used to camp in the gorge a couple of times a year 30 years ago. We usually went down Devils Hole trail and camped at the bottom of Spence Ridge trail. Great times!
Awesome video, went to the north? side ridge for first time today.. (I think, the opposite one from table rock) Only did Pine Gap trail since it was closest. Definitely going back and gonna keep Babel Tower and Pinch In, in mind for next time
Great options! Cheers 🍻
Remote and rugged compared to most hiking areas, but worth the effort! Cheers!
I used to hike long distances, but I fell 20 feet and broke both my heels 2 years ago.... I've been getting better and wanting to go to Linville for a hike once im strong enough. Seeing your dog inspired me so much.
Much love. See you on the trail soon.
Ugh. Broken heels sound very painful - and likely are followed by a rough recovery. We do hope you recover enough to make it to Linville. It is quite the experience. Thanks for sharing that with us.
@Cris&Cale thank you so much! Last week, I hiked 10 miles!!! My feet were dead, but 1 year ago, I couldn't even walk. I'm so excited about getting better and finally being able to hike again.
Babble tower trail is my favorite. Sandy Flats is a close second.
Thanks for the comment. It sounds like we need to check out Sandy Flats!
Sandy flats is a disaster
Had no idea N.Carolina was so beautiful
Oh, you bet it is!
There are steeper trails into the gorge than Pinch in. Pinch in is very steep though.
Love yalls videos. Babel Tower is my favorite hike in the Gorge. You missed the best part of the Babel Tower hike which was heading down to the river afterwards.
Ya’know, now that you say that, it would be really cool to make it down to the river. Especially in the summer. Thanks for the tip.
@Cris&Cale absolutely. I'm sure yalls dogs would have a blast down there.
Good job on this. I'm local and used to hike anywhere and everywhere in the Gorge...25-35 years ago! Not now though-too old and fat...! I prefer flatter easier trails. One clarification I could humbly add-Wiseman's View is named for Lafeyette Wiseman (a well known landowner in the area long ago, who was fond of the overlook) so it's still a local family surname, and it's pronounced "WISEmun" (so it's "WISEmun's View"). Just to clarify it's not in any way related to a "wise man".
We very much appreciate that insight into the naming of Wiseman’s view. I had no idea. Also, thanks for the kind words - and taking the time to leave that comment.
What week of the year would you say the daffodile on the Daffodill Flats trail generally peak?
Typically the last week of February is the best. But it can last until early March. Thanks for watching.
I'll be moving to Chattanooga next year and look forward to doing these hikes, and mountain biking, in NC. Is dispersed (boondocking) camping allowed in the area?
You can camp just about anywhere in the wilderness area, but you still have to get a permit from the Grandfather Ranger Station at exit 90 off I-40. We hope you get a chance to enjoy this wonderful area. Thanks for the question.
@@criscale3667 thanks for the info!
You only need a permit on weekends. You can camp at any of the road sites without one anytime, first come first served.
If you were interested in highly scenic rock, scrambling trails that are usually fairly dangerous, especially in winter. I suggest rock shock, North Carolina wall, upper North Carolina wall, lower ledge, and Hinson creek. These are not found on far as service maps with the exception of rock chalk.
If you are talking about the NC Wall near the Chimneys, then it is interesting that you should share that. We just hiked there on Jan 14th and ran into some dicey ice-covered areas near ledges. It is closed Jan 15 - Aug 15 due to the falcon nesting, so our timing was just right. Let me know if this sounds like one of the areas you noted. I hope to post this video soon, so keep an eye out for it. Thanks for your comment. We will be looking into those other areas for future hikes.
Yes that’s the area I was talking about. It is the base of the low of the North Carolina wall and it is quite dangerous and ice plus the area is closed due to the falcon until about mid August so your only real legal entry is about September through I don’t know October, but of course many people hike it at other times and it is the most spectacular trail in Linville gorge I can’t recommend it for backpackers. There’s no place to camp. It’s really a very rough scramblers trail but my favorite of all.
Are these trails easily accessed? Driving wise to get to them?
Most trails require several miles on a dirt road with uneven terrain. If the weather is good, you really don't need a 4WD, but higher ground clearance makes navigation around the rough spots a little easier. Don't take a lowered vehicle - and take your time - but most standard cars should be able to handle it.
Nice place for hiking but not great place photography due to reverse sunbeam direction