The Linville Gorge - 3 Day Backpacking the Grand Loop
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- čas přidán 17. 04. 2018
- The Linville Gorge, also known as the grand canyon of North Carolina, is a wilderness area maintained by the United States Forest Service. It features breath-taking views, rugged terrain and trails galore. You can easily spend a week here exploring the area. Rocking climb, fishing and hiking paradise. Don't try and do a lot of miles here. Take in the scenery and enjoy what this magical area has to offer.
I highly recommend you download the free Avenza app and then download the Linville Gorge Wilderness map (free). It will make your trip easier when you get to the northern section past the visitor center.
Here are some great maps of the area: www.lgmaps.org/?page_id=10
Trip Data
Parking lot: 35.903623, -81.878907 (Spence Ridge Trailhead)
Day 1: 12 miles
Mountains-to-Sea
Camp near opposite side of Linville River
Day 2: 16 miles
Mountains-To-Sea
Linville Gorge Trail
Camp near Pine Gap Trail
Day 3: 12 miles
Linville Gorge Trail
Pine Gap Trail
Road walk to visitor center
Duggers Loop
Gulf Countour (bushwack trail)
Gulf Ridge (bushwack trail)
Martin Road to bushwack trail (bushwack trail)
Jonas Ridge
Hawksbill
Short Road walk to Spence Ridge Trailhead
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People (me including) have underestimated the LGT. On a map, it looks super easy. On map it just appears to be a nice flat stroll along the river. It isn't. It's a pain in the ass. Many of us locals consider the LGT one of the hardest trails (to complete in one day) there. Not any huge climbs, but it is 13miles that feels like 26. I watch this video every few months, one of the best gorge videos created. Well done.
One thing about the Linville Gorge is that people from out of state are SUPER excited to get here and experience the Gorge. 99% of those folks never return. It is extremely tough hiking.
In my experience the gorge is best traveled by doing 5-7 mile days. This slows you down so one is able to sit back and soak it all in. There are places to knock out 10-20miles a day, Linville Gorge isn't that place.
ABSOLUTELY TRUE.
I mean it literally is like 26 miles idk where u got 13 from
Thanks for posting really enjoyed your trip. Looking forward to more superb hikes!
Your adventure was amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Video was amazing! What an awesome area! Thanks for sharing.
Great video!! I'll have to put this one on my list.looking forward to the next one.
Loved this video!! What an epic adventure!! Thanks man!! 🙏🏻😊
That is some beautiful country for sure - great video as always.
I can attest that Linville Gorge is a beast in the rain especially trying to cross where the washed out bridge is but also one of the most beautiful trips I've done! Awesome video with some great views!
I've hiked a lot of places, but the Linville Gorge still may be my favorite place to hike. The view from the top of Shortoff Mountain is unbelievable! Great video!
Looks fun... thanks for sharing!
Beautiful scenery as always
Stay safe you young fart
That is some beautiful very high scenery very vast views
You guys did awesome. Very hard hike. Hat off to you guys!
Awesome trip glad to see you hooked up with Ian he’s a great person I hope he’s good ,we hike the Gorge each year and it always gives as much as it takes great to see you all hike it
Thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks for taking me along ☺️
Love your excitement
Awesome video. I love this area in the NC mountains. I have never hiked down in the gorge, but this is definitely on my bucket list.
Badass trip, loved the video! I've been there a few times but have yet to attempt that loop. I took my 67 y/o Dad down Pinchin and up the LGT to Conley cove, my brother and I had to carry his gear. It was a little too much for him but made for an epic trip when all said and done.
Great Video!! It was fun watching!
Awesome trip!
Glad to see you back on trail. Awesome trails love them
Thanks for watching.
57 minutes of AWESOME ..... WOW so many times.. in particular... 24:50 , AMAZing view.. really cool longtime viewer gets to hike with you // too bad he got hurt but im sure it was worth it to him regardless... so many great views of the trail... got pretty rough out there!! so cool you collected rainwater for drinking!! fun bushwhacking and crazy fog.. this one had it all..awesome good times thanks for taking us with you!
Fantastic. Thanks Frozen.
Jason this is my favourite of your adventures I have been wanting to see you on a not so planned trip toatly Awesome you seemed very relaxed and happy on this hike. Grand views to bad you friend had problems.
Have been wanting to go to the LG for a while now. As always, great vid..
Looks like a great adventure. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Glad you had a great time. Will be there in a few days. One of my favorite getaways.
Enjoy
Watching this makes me kick myself for not meeting up with y'all at camp. I just knew my knee problems were slowing you down and I didn't want to not be able to make the whole loop. y'all had an awesome time getting lost on ginger cake mtn.. I told you it was a bushwack lol. I appreciate y'all letting me tag along! Thanks for the great video!
It was fun hiking with you. You weren't slowing us down. Was worried about your knee giving out like mine did on a winter hike a few years prior. I know how bad that thing can hurt.
really cool you got to go out there with them!
Shawn Caney I told them to go on ahead after we came off of leadmine and got on lgt. I crossed at Spence ridge that afternoon and went home
Shawn Caney yeah I grew up there actually
i love these trips you do!!! thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Frozen that was a very nice adventure, we want more
thx men
YOU'LL LUCKED OUT BREATHTAKING VIEWS! WEATHER LOOKS PERFECT! BEST TIME TO GO LATE SPRING / LATE FALL WHEN THERE ARE NO LEAVES TO HIDE THE VIEWS! AWESOME!
Another great video! I've got to hit this trail...
One of my fav places! -Mike
Lots of Shug aspects in this film, loved it from start to finish.
I've been in Blowing Rock with all of that thick fog and it is very eerie! The mountains can really close in so thick with impenetrable fog! Take care. Love that area.
Great video Frozen! Really makes me look forward to the Dream vs. Warbonnet comparison video that I'm sure will be in the works at some point.
Ha, I’m heading to LG tomorrow from Florida! Perfect timing for a video frozen!
I’m watching tonight! Also, I’m planning to do the meet up in Ohio in May !
That hour really flew by. Thanks for sharing this adventure, I've been wanting to do something like this, after watching I'm feeling super inspired. One of the cars at the very end is the same exact car as mine, as if I needed more confirmation to get out there :D
Great views!!
Shortoff Mountain was my favorite.
Nice Video my man, Looks like a great trail !!
Yes, the pack liner was a great idea. I have a light weight dry bag I was using but after looking around I found an real light weight one. 👍👍
Looked like an awesome trip man. I need to make it down there one day. Great video my friend 👍
Thank you!
you’re starting tmrw man! awesome.
Great video, nice views!!
Thank you!
It was fun watching your video and the brothers videos. Kinda fun seeing the different point of views on this hike. I feel you had a lot more fun than others did haha. They did a very good job on their video but I can definitely tell a quality difference between yours and theirs for sure.
I thought I had watched all of the Linville Gorge videos but somehow just ran across this one almost two years late. LOL! I live 10 miles from the gorge and always enjoy watching videos of hiking and camping there. Great job on the video! I subbed. I'll be watching more of your vids.
That was an exciting trip!
What a great trip!! Loved it! Sizzle that spam up over the fire and its sooo much better :) That fog scene was awesome!
I don't want to spoil myself with cooked spam Jason!
Hey, have you done the 75 mile Quehanna Trail or the 75 mile Foothills trail yet?? I might consider doing one of those before the Sasquehannock and the LHHT if you would like to join me....it would be mid Sept or Oct before I could do it though. I would plan on trying to do it in 2 nights, 3 days. I would like to invite Meerkat along too...
Not yet. It is on the list though at least the quehanna. At least one of those I could do with you. Let me research and we will talk closer to the date.
Looked like you guys had a great time. Those views were spectacular!
I’ve been using Dream Hammock Raven. Love it.
Yup this trek is on my calender this year.
Enjoy
Found your channel while searching for info on hammock camping options. Excellent stuff. Really well spoken and great info. Then I saw this LG vid. Nicely done as well. Been hiking the western side of the Gorge since the 70’s. Yea, I’m an old fart compared to you guys. Started hiking more of the eastern side recently and looking at a shorter loop by using the Spence Ridge trail counter clock wise. Couple of notes if you return. You crossed over the Babel Tower trail on your way to the Falls. One of the most outstanding views back toward Wiseman is from the top of the tower. A bit hard to find the way up, but worth it! Camped on top many times. NOT if thunderstorms are forecast! I already see someone mentioned missing the larger, bigger Falls and not the smaller upper Falls you saw. And I second that if you can hit the Devils Cliff trail off the Jonas Ridge trail in clear conditions, you will not be sorry you did. Stunning views. One more suggestion. Look at Slickrock Creek area in the far western NC/TN border. Been hiking these trails for 10 years. Happy to share any trail info. You would LOVE it! Happy trails!
One more suggestion when you return. Good idea to check out the water level of the river before you head in. Can give you a heads up on how deep some river crossings will be and whether you even can cross safely. Check out this link. waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02138500 When you crossed that first day, water level looked to be above 100. Closer to 50-75 it would be about ankle level. Some places, like where the Spence Ridge Trail bridge use to be, can possibly be crossed dry south of crossing. If not, you’re gonna swim.
YOUR CAMERA REALLY DID GOOD WITH THE STARS AT NIGHT!
Awesome Jason! You were backpacking in my backyard. I live in Charlotte and friends and I enjoy Linville Gorge. Glad your long time subscriber, Ian was your guide until he had IT Band issues. I'm happy you and the others had a great time visiting. Great video production as usual! Hope this is building you up to take on the AT in 2019. I believe you said your friend, Muircat, is on the AT now. I need to check out his CZcams channel.
Yes Gary is on the AT right now. He is in Virginia now. Thanks for watching!
Awesome video!
Next time check out the actual main portion of Linville Falls. You wont be disappointed!!!
Awesome! I need to do this myself. I have been to the falls, though. You were actually at the top. There are view points further back with great views of the lower section.
We saw some people standing on a ledge further back. Didn't have time or a map to show us where to get up on that trail.
Yeah when you exit that area where you were, you simply take a left and you can get to either points. The view of the lower portion is pretty cool. Sounds like you'll be back again so you'll have to see it then.
Glad you came to my backyard, great vids as usual. You picked a good time to be there, if you got lost Search and Rescue was having their annual training at Steele creek area.
We saw a fighter jet fly over us a couple times. Couldn't get the camera our fast enough. I wonder if it was related.
Doubtful but jets do fly quite a bit around there. Mostly a search helicopter will be used in some of SAR's training for lost hikers etc.
I've often thought about adding a spare O ring to my kit, but just seemed unnecessary. After seeing you and Joe Robinet have issues with it, guess I'm making a Home Depot trip!
We started at Spence ridge also and went down to the river for the ITAYG loop last month. Man we just missed ya. Lol great stuff!! The chimneys was my favorite for sure :-)
You really did. Would have been really cool seeing you guys out there.
Outdoor Adventures for sure man! I have the trip on my channel if interested, we may have a late summer early fall trip to picture rock, if works out u should come along!!! :-)
I'll check it out tomorrow!
You are in my neck of the woods!
ya the trail along the river is awesome but super hard. Totally took me by surprise, i thought itd be super easy because it just goes along the river but it is just up down up down non stop.
Subbed and added the 700th like to this video!
Boom!
Nice hike Freezer. I've seen the falls there but none of the other stuff. Rugged and beautiful area but lots of crappy looking terrain...burns, scrub, trees down etc.
Wow, very cool video...definitely added to my list for future hikes...although I think I might need 4 days based on what you guys went through...lol.
4 days would set a great pace for this area especially going up the LVG trail =p
Great video! It sucks that you guys couldn't see off of Hawksbill. In my opinion, that and Tablerock are the 2 best spots to watch a sunset from. Also, you guys missed the Linville falls. You were only at the pool above it.
cool video. always love them. beautiful. but have to say i prefer your solo videos. altho with Gary, is an exception :)
Solo trips coming soon!
If you ever go back, the perfect trail is Shortoff to Table Rock (Shortoff Mountain Trail) and then you can explore some surrounding trails in the area!
Finally a star field shot
I'll start doing more when I can. It seems every time I go out 99% of the time it's cloudy and I can't do a shot for you all.
Twenty seconds in; already gorgeous. But, I gotta say, I'm missing a frozen solo trip. Get out there for me, man.
-Your fellow Pittsburgh native stranded in nyc for years😵
Haha. 4th person to say this. It's definitely been a while. It will happen soon. I had a lot of invites this year for trips and wanted to do some collaboration videos. Solo trips are coming though! Going to be doing some high mileage hikes and 4+ day trips on the solo adventures, so it should be a great time.
Linville Gorge the Grand Canyon of the South. Beautiful area. I love going there. That fog was wild That’s awesome that you got to meet up with other CZcamsrs for a trip. Great video frozen. Keep the videos coming!!! 😃👍
Had to watch this video again. One of my favorites. That trail looks rough! Can’t imagine hiking that in wet conditions. How would you compare the difficulty to the BFT?
Thanks for the great video. Alot of fantastic views, the trails look awesome too. Looks like a good prep hike for the Pemi loop brother. Lots and lots of steep up and downs there too. Completed it last September you wont be disappointed. How did the darien work out this trip? Patiently waiting for mine to arrive. Thanks again for a great trip video......
Darien is getting better each trip. I seem to sleep better in it.
When are you going to surprise Gary with some trail magic?
Luv the vid.
Hopefully soon. Here. Had a lot of trips planned and then got slapped with jury duty.
Awesome video! Maybe try a peak shelf on the Darien?
I think I might try that when it's colder out. I needed some where to put my extra clothes.
SBO,s video came up at the same time! I'll watch them later and drop you a comment👍😀 Slowly working on my RRG video and it should be up on Monday.
They were nice enough to coordinate with me on the release.
I finally got a chance to watch the rest of this video. Great weather for the first half, but a little different for the second half of the trip. Like you said it gives you another reason to come back. Very good video again!
Awesome video, man! Those Schill Brothers are some great guys.
That section at 38:45 I've seen in other vids and it freaks me out. Is it as treacherous as it looks?
Thanks for sharing this awesome trip with us.
Yes. I would not try it in ice.
Ya missed the link of LEDGE TRAIL.. just as well. LEDGE is a killer. ...short but far far far rougher than anything you have done. Not reccommendef for backpackers.
Should be treated as a separate trail entirely.
But you have NOT done the Grand Loop unless you have done LEDGE.
Maybe one day (just for challenge) you'd like to try trails in Asian countries. Not as long as what you usually do but mountain's are really steep to the point you can touch the clouds, weather is crazy, lakes and stream crossings are fun, and on a good day the view's are awesome :) thanks for this vid!
Absolutely loved this video. Felt like I was right there with you although I did back up when that snake blocked the trail. 🐍 You really love what you are doing and that is what makes this video such a delight to watch. Thanks for the adventure. I can hardly wait for the next one. ⏰
Props to ian for getting as far as he did. He did the whole Is That All You Got loop which kicked my ass and im a much smaller guy.
I hate snakes. 😂😂 That area looked awesome. Great, now I have someplace else I have to go. 😐
Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem
good sleeping there in the LG
Was squarely defeated by the Gorge back in '14, foolishly attempting before the grips of winter had fully let go of the region....looks like ya'll had a much better time!
What problems did you encounter?
@@blain5827 Bitter cold and not having the proper gear for it. I went into hypothermic shock crossing the creek that runs through it at one point.
Great video Frozen. When are you coming up to my stomping grounds to hike the Whites?
Soon hopefully very soon now that spring has decided to start.
Great place and really good video. What are you shooting...must be 4k but what brand? Would like to do that trip. Nice job!
It's actually 1080p on a very cheap Sony handycam cx405 model.
Did you go down to the lower falls area? It is beautiful!
I believe we did. But not sure. I need to get back there and pick up a few more trails
I’m only 2.5 hours away and have spent very little time there, hope to change that very soon
Looks awesome! I would like to hit Linville Gorge sometime
Highly recommend it. It was an awesome trip
There are Two loops that go entirely around the Gorge: the Grand Loop and Linville Gorge Hiking Circuit. The LGHC is a shortcut of the GL and is a newer trail. The problem with the LGHC is that it has a steep section which is a drainage gully and will create an erosion scar if heavily used. Two hikers have reported that it is already something of a disaster. The segment in question is called Red North as it descends to the Linville River. The other trail, Grand Loop is about 3 miles longer and avoids this erosional scar.
Should note that both trails use the Red North, but the GL hikes only part of it , and does not descend to the The River
Good to know about the other trail. With the lack of views and weather coming in we just made the decision to lower the miles and hike out on day 3.
Did you have any sightings of the elusive Shugquatch which is rumored to inhabit the Gorge?
Didn't see anything like that lol
Frozen, how would you say this loop compares to The Virginia Triple Crown? I did it last April and wanted a loop that was similar in comparison
Linville is harder. Great views though.
Hey man, great video and I appreciate all of you videos. I am getting into hammock camping myself and they are really helpful. I was checking out your gear list on lighterpack and noticed that you have different weights than me for some items. For example, your sawyer squeeze with flip cap is 1.27 oz and mine is 3.46 oz or your Toaks ti spoon is .56 oz and mine is .8 oz. I made sure my scale was calibrated so that is not an issue, is there a reason for the differences that I am not getting?
Every scale is going to be a little bit off. I have 2 scales I've collected over the years and AccuRite and an Ozeri. They both differ on weight by a gram or 2 depending on the item. The sawyer weight is when the filter is completely dry. The spoon I just checked on 2 scales and it's accurate. I also weigh everything in grams because it's more accurate too and then lighterpack can convert it to whatever people want to use.
My sawyer weight was off thank you. I updated it. Remember to weigh it dry. It came out to 68grams / 2.4oz
Cool man, thanks for the response and keep up the good work. Also, have you ever tried your HG cuben fiber tarp on the ground? I am thinking about getting a hammock tarp with doors but also want to be able to go to ground when necessary. Thanks!
I personally have not but just setting it up in porch node for my hammock, I'd be a little careful about it if you we're setting up using trekking poles as the d rings are very small and I'd worry about wind knocking the tips out of the dring and puncturing the tarp. I wish they used the next size up.
This is my home. Burke County NC
Hay Jase, very curious if you should know; why is there a regulation against swimming at Linville Falls ? .. Thanks, .. Mike.
It's a little dangerous to swim with the white water there. It was pretty strong in some areas.
Thanks!
Hey Frozen. I watched SBOutdoors video first and was pleasantly surprised to see you show up on their adventure. Seeing the crossovers is really cool and it's interesting to see the two different perspectives on the same hike. I must admit though, IMHO your video was better in showing the scenery and the severity of the hike. Hard for me to admit being a skinny, little Ohio boy and a hater of all things Pittsburgh. ;)
I also am kinda disappointed in that both videos didn't take advantage of a couple chances to show real world solutions to possible life-saving predicaments that can happen on the trail. The first was how to handle getting your clothes (and possibly your gear) soaked while hiking. The other was how you collected rainwater off of your tarp when y'all were running low on drinking water. Maybe you could do a video on emergency life-saving methods on how to survive in these and other mishaps on the trail.
Anyway, thanks for your videos. My wife and I both love your advice and your adventures.
Go Browns!!
Good suggestions. I really wish I would have thought enough at the time to show collecting rain water from the tarp at least. It was a bit rushed at camp. But next time I will definitely do that. As far as clothes I did show a bit of what they did with the roasted shorts comment. But yea it would have been better had I shown more. Thanks for watching man!
It's almost not an outdoors adventure without a shirtless Gary on the trail.
He hasn't even been shirtless on the AT yet. It's been too cold. :(
True, I've been following him and waiting for it, that and his struggles with stinging nettle.
Great video so far. OK I do have a question... I'm from Columbus, the same as the SBO bros. If I go anywhere should it be here? Since I've been watching your channel I've been to Dolly Sods twice so that's out. I know there's Red River Gorge and a few others that aren't too far from Ohio. This just looks like the place I should go. Thanks
RRG is definitely a great place to visit
Alright. Closer for me too. So your saying RRG over Linville? I'm at the point where you guys are starting to struggle a little. Some of those climbs and rocks seem tough.
RRG is a lot easier than linville and a lot closer. Linville was pretty awesome but if you haven't seen RRG go there. It's a completely setting different and is known for arches.
Great... Thanks for taking the time to reply Jason.
Did we see you in the Red river Gorge this weekend?
Haha yes you did.
I backtracked where u said which gps works off line map for this trail. I still did not hear it clearly. Is it on the description? Or did I miss it too? I need that gps 😭
Thank you 😅
Everything is in the description.
Outdoor Adventures - is it like guthook app? It follows you and keeps you on the trail?
From 14:37 to16:65 excellent info on what to expect at a river crossing even when the water is low.
Sleep ck rocks like slimy footballs. Pinch your toes badly..wear crocs.
River can ice over rarely but it is so cold Nov they March your feet will be painful halfway across and you'll want to hurry. Bang up your toes some more but you won't feel it till your feet recover warmth. THEN you'll feel it. Wool socks.
Long 8 ft pole cause you can't lean you weight on walking sticks.
Dangerous in winter and high water.
I feel in to a swift stream crossing in Maine during my AT thru hike. Needless to say, I leave my shoes on now as it wouldn't have happened had I left them on. Ended up chasing my trekking pole 1/8 mile downstream.
Ya also missed the section from Pine Gap trail head to Linville Falls. Why? It is easy and beautiful.
You can't say you have done the Grand if you miss it's segments at Marion Wright and LEDGE on the west side of Hawksbill. But I admit that LEDGE in the fog would have been murderous.
This is all tame hiking. If you want some exposure try LNCW. IE, Lower NC Wall. Not for backpackers.
Did you see the Maple King when you were down there?
No sightings of the elusive Maple King on this one :(
Do you have a webpage with your route posted?
Check the description of the video.
Glad to see you could make it down to Linville Gorge. I see that you saw the upper falls of Linville Falls but I guess you didn't have time to check out the much bigger waterfall just below that spot. You can check it out the next time.
Great video as always! www.ncwaterfalls.com/lin1.htm
We wanted to leave plenty of time for the bushwhack section of trail. We were a little worried relying on solely GPS. That and we weren't that prepared after Ian had to hike out. I want to go back down anyway to see the rest of the trails and the views we missed.