National park · United States
Linville GorgeLinville Gorge Wilderness
Spend a day in Linville Gorge: hike the short Hawksbill Mountain loop for under 2 h and $0 entry, or tackle the full 12 km (7.5 mi) east‑west ridge trek (hard, 6–8 h) in spring–fall; avoid the gorge in winter snow or midsummer heat.Spend a day in Linville Gorge: hike the short Hawksbill Mountain loop for under 2 h and $0 entry, or tackle the full 7.5 mi (12 km) east‑west ridge trek (hard, 6–8 h) in spring–fall; avoid the gorge in winter snow or midsummer heat.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
48 km² (18 sq mi)18 sq mi (48 km²)
approximate
Established
1964
Best months
Apr–May, Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 13Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- South ↗A car is close to essential outside city cores; interstate driving is the cheapest way to cover ground.
- South ↗Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, US$1–2 a drink.
- North Carolina ↗Outside Charlotte and the Research Triangle, plan on a rental car; intercity buses exist but do not reach most coastal and mountain sights.
- North Carolina ↗Speeding more than 15 mph over the limit can suspend your licence even with a clean record; the state enforces this strictly.
- North Carolina Mountains ↗Bottled liquor is sold only at state-run ABC stores; hours vary by county, and sales stop at 02:00 and resume at noon on Sundays.
- North Carolina Mountains ↗The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road, not a highway: low speed limits, no commercial traffic, and sections close for weather.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 48 km² (18 sq mi)18 sq mi (48 km²)
- Park covers 11,786 acres (≈47.7 km²) of gorge and forest; figures from USFS source.
- Established
- 1964
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct
- Permits
- Not needed
- Base
- Asheville
Linville Gorge Wilderness offers steep cliffs, river scenery and a network of trails ranging from short viewpoint loops to a demanding ridge trek, with free day use and optional backcountry permits.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1964.
Size and age
48 km² (18 sq mi)18 sq mi (48 km²) · national park since 1964
Park covers 11,786 acres (≈47.7 km²) of gorge and forest; figures from USFS source.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Asheville.
Why go
- Steep cliffs and river scenery for hikers and climbers.
- Multiple short viewpoints (Hawksbill, Table Rock) for quick photo stops.
- Backcountry camping spots with fire rings along the gorge.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanSnow in higher areas, limited trail access.
- FebCold, possible ice on river crossings.
- MarEarly wildflowers, cooler temps.
- AprMild weather, waterfalls full.
- MayWarm, dry, good for long hikes.
- JunWarm, occasional thunderstorms.
- JulHeat, high river flow, bugs.
- AugHeat, possible thunderstorms.
- SepCooling, lower humidity.
- OctCool, crisp, foliage color.
- NovCold nights, possible early snow.
- DecSnow, limited services.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bears (rare sightings)May–Oct · Store food in bear‑proof containers. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Copperhead and rattlesnakesMar–Oct · Watch footing on rocky sections. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Songbirds and raptorsMar–Oct · Good for early‑morning hikes. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Asheville, NC
Take US‑221 north to Linville, then follow signs to the Linville Falls trailhead or the Information Cabin.
1–1.5 h
Open the page →
From Boone, NC
Drive US‑221 south 30 km (19 mi) to Linville; road is paved to the Falls area.Drive US‑221 south 19 mi (30 km) to Linville; road is paved to the Falls area.
45 min
From Blue Ridge Parkway
Exit at Mile 317 (Linville Falls) and follow the paved access road to the trailhead.
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Linville Falls area | Visitor centre, restrooms, short steep trail to the falls and nearby viewpoints. | Open daily May–Oct, 10 AM–4 PM; free parking. |
| East side cliff trail network | Long ridge trail (Hawksbill, Table Rock, Shortoff) with multiple viewpoints. | Open year‑round; trailheads at Linville Falls and Shortoff Mountain. |
| Backcountry campsites | Designated sites with fire rings along the west side of the gorge. | Free; may need permit in peak season. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from USFS site; approximate for trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (USFS wilderness) | Free | person | No fee for day use; parking at trailheads may have a small lot fee (check). |
| Backcountry camping permit (seasonal) | US$5–10 | person | Required for some campsites in high season (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Backcountry camping no permit
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on paved sections only; not on backcountry trails.
- Camping
- Only in designated sites; fire rings only, no open fires.
- Leave No Trace
- Pack out all trash, bury waste 6 inches deep away from water.
- River crossings
- Check current level at linvillegorgemap.org before crossing; crossing bridges may be washed out.
- Drones
- Not permitted without USFS permission.
Where to stay
Near the park
Linville Falls Campground
Reservation‑required campground with restrooms and water (seasonal).
Near the park
Asheville
Full range of hotels, B&Bs and hostels 30 km (19 mi) north.Full range of hotels, B&Bs and hostels 19 mi (30 km) north.
Safety
River crossing hazards high
Snake bites medium
Heat exhaustion medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Trailheads have parking and restrooms; short paved paths to falls are wheelchair‑compatible (check).
- Steep sections and river crossings are not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use designated campsites and fire rings only.
- Carry out all trash; avoid single‑use plastics.
- Support local businesses in Asheville for meals and supplies.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Linville Gorge?
Day use is free; parking at most trailheads is free. A backcountry camping permit may cost $5–10 in peak season.
What are the best hikes in Linville Gorge?
Short hikes: Hawksbill Mountain (1.5 h, moderate). Longer: the east‑west ridge trek (12 km, hard).
When is the best time to visit Linville Gorge?
April to October offers mild weather and full trail access; avoid winter snow and midsummer heat.
Do I need a permit to camp in the gorge?
Most backcountry sites are free, but a permit may be required in the busy May–Oct period; check at the Information Cabin.
Are there restrooms in the gorge?
Restrooms are at Linville Falls, the Information Cabin, and a few picnic areas; otherwise none.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go