Linville Falls - Marion, NC
“Our minds, as well as our bodies, have a need of the out-of-doors. Our spirits, too, need simple things, elemental things, the sun and the wind and the rain, moonlight and starlight, sunrise and mist and mossy forest trails, the perfumes of dawn and the smell of fresh-turned earth and the ancient music of wind among the trees.” - Edwin Way Teale
“One form of loving is when you want the best for someone, whether that involves you or not.” - Unknown
The Story -
On a perfect Saturday morning Ginger, Alex, Sophie, and I hiked four miles on a combination of trails at Linville Falls in Marion, NC. My friend Carrie recently wrote an excellent blog for me on Linville Falls and I have wanted to give it a try ever since reading about her experiences there and her love of the area.
A Tale of Two Trails -
There are two main hiking trails at Linville Falls, the very crowded Erwins View Trail, and the much less traveled Linville Gorge/Plunge Basin Trail. Both leave from the Visitor Center parking lot and offer stunning views of the waterfalls from varied perspectives. The easy Erwins View Trail takes you next to the upper falls, which are two smaller waterfalls, and then high above the area’s signature waterfall for incredible bird’s eye panoramic views. The technical and strenuous Linville Gorge/Plunge Basin Trail takes you down through rock cliffs to the base of the waterfall where you are immersed in the beauty and power of the millions of gallons of crashing water in front of you. We encountered literally hundreds of people on the Erwins View Trail and less than a half-dozen on the Linville Gorge/Plunge Basin Trail.
Linville Falls -
Linville Falls is probably the most famous and most photographed waterfall in all of the Blue Ridge. Located in Burke County, Linville Falls drops over ninety feet into the twelve-mile-long Linville Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The Cherokee also referred to this area as “a river of many cliffs," and Linville Gorge was the nation's first officially designated wilderness area. You will encounter towering hemlocks, dense stands of rhododendron, native wildflowers, and enormous rock formations along the trails that begin at the visitor center and encircle the falls.
Spill The Tea -
We parked at the National Forest Service gravel lot instead of the Visitor’s Center and proceeded to the Erwins View Trail. Since we knew it was going to be crowded, we opted to hike the easier and likely more crowded of the two trails first. The paths on the Erwins View Trail are wide and mostly smooth. We saw all ages and abilities and even passed a family pushing a baby stroller. The path on the Linville Gorge/Plunge Basin Trail could not have been any different. Roots, logs, rock scrambles, climbs, and ladders all must be navigated on a difficult technical trail. We discussed the idea that most of the numerous Blue Ridge Parkway visitors opt for the views of the waterfalls on the easy Erwins View Trail, bypassing the more strenuous Linville Gorge/Plunge Basin Trail. If you are willing and able, you can avoid the majority of the crowds simply by taking the more difficult Basin Trail.
The Family Tea -
Ginger and I were considering three options for our hike on Saturday, two were far away but had lots of water and the third was closer yet only had views. Alex had demonstrated some interest earlier in the week in joining us so we let him choose. To my surprise, he opted for one with a longer drive, even extending an invitation to either drive there or back. Seizing on the opportunity to have our teenager’s undivided attention for two hours, Ginger used the time to discuss and organize Alex’s fast-approaching college application process. With me at the wheel, she peppered Alex with questions and was able to narrow down his thoughts on what colleges he was contemplating applying to. By the time we arrived at Linville Falls, Alex and Ginger had come up with a game plan and both were left feeling better about the whole process. Unfortunately, Davidson College isn't on top of the list 😥
Wrap It Up -
The Linville Falls are one of the most popular stops year-round on the Blue Ridge Parkway for good reason. And with fall and peak leaf color changing season fast approaching, it is a must-add to your list. Yes, the crowds will be there, but if you are willing to try the strenuous Linville Gorge/Plunge Basin Trail you might have the waterfall and views to yourself.
Sassafras and Skinks