Linville Falls North Carolina
“Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”
Linville & Linville Falls NC
Linville, North Carolina is best known for its caverns and waterfalls. Located outside on the skirts of Avery County, the small community is a perfect day trip for anyone visiting the mountains looking for an adventure! Linville has three country clubs in the area that feature golf courses, restaurants and beautiful retreat homes. The Eseeola Lodge is a popular destination for lodging, especially during the summer months. During the winter, Linville has easy access to three skiing and snow tubing destinations, Ski Sugar, Ski Beech and Ski Hawknest. Just a short drive from the town of Linville is an abundance of popular attractions including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain and of course, the Linville Gorge, Caverns and Falls.
History of Linville, NC
This small community was founded in 1883 and designed by Samuel T. Kelsey, of Kansas. The town was named after William and John Linville, two men who had been killed by Cherokees in 1766. The East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (“Tweetsie”) passed through the community for nearly 26 years. The railway was washed away by a major flood in 1940 and the old route has now become the road between Boone NC and Banner Elk NC, NC 105.
Linville Falls
Linville Falls located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 316.4 is definitely the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina. There are five overlooks you can hike to on two major trails that leave the Visitors Center. The Linville Falls Visitor Center offers restrooms, picnic area and an information center gift shop (open May-October and weekends in April).
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Known as the “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina”, the Linville Gorge is the third largest wilderness area in North Carolina and one of the only two wilderness gorges in the Southern United States. The Gorge was formed by the Linville River many years ago. The Gorge lies inside the Pisgah national Forest and is popular destination for hikers and tourists. The Gorge features one of the few remaining old growth forests in the Blue Ridge Mountain range. The area features a diverse collection of animals and plants species. Camping and hiking are allowed within the Gorge, but the hiking can be strenuous and challenging. Permits must be acquired through the United States Forest Service and stays are limited, as well as group size. Hunting and fishing is also allowed in area but must be kept within local seasons and hunting regulations. Have no fear though, the actual practice of hunting is rare due to the inaccessible terrain and presence of campers/hikers. Linville Gorge is always very popular with rock climbers and feature great spots including the famous Table Rock, The Amphitheater, The North Carolina Wall and Hawksbill Mountain. The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area served as the backdrop to the popular film Last of the Mohicans. The Linville Gorge is a great example of the beauty of Mother Nature and is a must stop if you’re in the area!
Linville Caverns
The Linville Caverns are a privately owned active limestone caverns located just south of Linville Falls. The caverns are open year round to the public for guided tours. The Linville Caverns are the only show caverns in the state of North Carolina. Discovered in 1822 by local fishermen, the caverns have been a point of interest to locals and travelers alike. The tours are filled with information on the cavern history, resident creatures and geology of stalactites/stalagmites. The Linville Caverns are a great once in a lifetime change to explore the subterranean world of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Wisemans View
The Eseeola Lodge
Since 1892, generations of guests have been coming to the Linville area to enjoy the beautiful Eseeola Lodge! With award-winning gold courses, appointed rooms, spa and fitness center, fishing and other outdoor activities, the Eseeola Lodge is the perfect place to stay during your mountain vacation! The Lodge also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at their exquisite dining area. Come enjoy the beautiful mountains of North Carolina at an equally beautiful Lodge!
