Of course, reaching this kind of scenery also requires a bit of hiking. The Hawksbill hike is not the easiest, especially if you want to catch the sunset from the summit. In that case, you’ll need to hike back down in the dark, which comes with a real risk of getting lost. Linville Falls offers several different trail options, each with varying difficulty levels. The trail down to the base of the waterfall is the most challenging. As for photography, timing really matters. The best shots are usually before or after direct sunlight hits the waterfall. If you can’t get there at those times, an overcast day can actually produce better results than a bright sunny one.
Linville Falls
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
27m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Linville Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Linville Falls famous?
Linville Falls is famous as one of the most photographed waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway, cascading in multiple tiers into the dramatic 2,000-foot-deep Linville Gorge, often called the 'Grand Canyon of North Carolina.' The falls and gorge are featured prominently in Appalachian outdoor recreation and were named after explorer William Linville who was killed by Native Americans here in 1766.
Can you swim at Linville Falls?
No. Swimming is prohibited at Linville Falls due to dangerous currents and rocky terrain. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Linville Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on trails but not permitted on Linville Gorge Wilderness trails. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Linville Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free. No entry fee or permit required to access Linville Falls trails within the Blue Ridge Parkway. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Linville Falls?
Free parking available at Linville Falls Visitor Center off US Highway 221. The parking area has restrooms and is approximately 1 mile from trailheads via a short access road. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Linville Falls?
About 1.6 km / 1 mile return for the Erwins View Trail to upper falls overlook, or 2.6 km / 1.6 miles return for Chimney View to see the full falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Linville Falls hike difficulty
Moderate. Trails involve moderate elevation changes with stone steps and some steep sections to reach overlooks. Erwins View is easier than Chimney View. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Linville Falls?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) for peak water flow and comfortable temperatures. Autumn offers spectacular foliage views from overlooks. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Linville Falls
From the visitor center parking, follow the access trail to the main trail junction. For Erwins View (upper falls), turn right and follow moderate trail with steps to overlook. For Chimney View (full falls vista), bear left and descend steeper trail with more elevation change to the gorge rim overlook. Multiple viewpoints offer different perspectives of the two-tiered cascade.
Linville Falls official website
Attractions near Linville Falls
- •Linville Gorge Wilderness — dramatic 12-mile gorge with rugged hiking and rock climbing
- •Grandfather Mountain — mile-high swinging bridge and nature preserve 15 miles north
- •Blue Ridge Parkway — scenic mountain drive with numerous overlooks and trails
- •Linville Caverns — underground limestone caves 10 miles north on US 221
- •Table Rock — challenging summit hike with panoramic views of Linville Gorge
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.
More to explore nearby
Dry Falls
Highlands, North Carolina
Walk behind this 75-foot waterfall.
23m·No reviews yet·65been
Looking Glass Falls
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Roadside waterfall in Pisgah National Forest.
18m·No reviews yet·143been
Sliding Rock
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Natural 60-foot rock waterslide.
18m·No reviews yet·47been
Hooker Falls
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Wide veil falls popular for swimming.
4m·No reviews yet·75been