The road closures and Parkway closures DO AFFECT Linville Falls! Last I checked, the visitor center is closed indefinitely as well as the trail to both lower and upper Linville Falls. Linville cannot be reached via Blue Ridge Parkway north, and last I checked, just getting to Linville was a detour upon detour.

We tried to get out there about a week or so after the big floods and both hurricanes that hit, however the amount of detours we took was unbelievable. It was great fun, although very depressing seeing the amount of damage that some had sustained. A bridge was washed out, leaving a 30 second ride detour to about a half hour. Please check with the Blue Ridge Parkway information line before heading to Linville Falls.

Hiking Trails: Linville Falls (View of Upper Falls) Blue Ridge Parkway mile 316.4

Hiking Trails > Blue Ridge Parkway > North Carolina > Linville Falls Trail (Upper Falls)

Photo of upper Linville Falls
View of Upper Falls of Linville Falls (click for more Linville Falls pictures)

Length of Trail:

0.8 miles

Rating of Difficulty:

Moderate: trail starts off flat and easy, toward the falls it gets rocky, with a few steps

Description:

For those who have never been to Linville Falls, you're in for a treat. Perhaps one of the most dynamic and spectacular waterfalls in the eastern United States. There is a campground located before you reach the visitor center. Restrooms are located at the visitor center before the trail to the falls begins.

Scenery:

Linville Falls is an absolute must see on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenery of the upper and lower falls is breathtaking.

Click here for more photos of Linville Falls & Gorge

Directions to Trailhead:

From Linville, North Carolina: Go north on the Blue Ridge Parkway about a mile or so. Turn into the Linville Falls parking area on the right. Go all the way to the end, there is a visitors center, and the beginning of the trail.

There is also a secondary trailhead not on the Blue Ridge Parkway accessible from Linville Falls Community. If heading North on the Blue Ridge Parkway, take the Linville Falls Community exit (before Linville Falls Information center, campground, etc.) and take the first left. Going right will lead you through a meandering country road and take you to Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, etc. I believe you go left until you get to this old gas station on the corner, then hang a left at the 3 way intersection. Down this road is a gravel road to the trail head, but it might be wise to ask the gas station first!