This hike gives you five different spectacular perspectives of the waterfalls in two short sections and every view is worth the walk. The first section, on the Linville Falls Trail, takes you to three overlooks where you’ll appreciate the power of the water that carved the gorge. On the second section, you’ll see where the lower falls plunges into a basin and then into Linville River itself. Both sections can be done in a half-day.

Length: 4.2 miles

Altitude gain: 1,000 ft.

Map: Available at the Linville Falls visitor center

Trailhead: On the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.4, north of US 221 and south of NC 183, take the Linville Falls Spur Rd. for 1.5 miles to the Linville Falls Visitor Center.

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