Linville Gorge Wilderness area

The Linville Gorge Wilderness, in the mountains of Western North Carolina, is part of the Pisgah National Forest. The gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville Mountain on the west and is bisected by the Linville River which drops 2,000 feet into the valleys below. The terrain is steep and rugged with numerous rock formations. It is covered by dense hardwood/pine forest and a wide variety of smaller trees and other plants. Recreation opportunities include hiking backpacking, rock climbing, fishing and hunting.

A camping permit is needed on weekends and holidays May through October. Group size is limited to 10 persons. Each visitor or group may receive one weekend permit per month and may stay up to 3 consecutive days and 2 nights. 

On nights when permits are required, 50 people total are permitted per night for overnight camping. 70% of the quota is available on the first day of the prior month. 30% of the quota is available for reservations each Wednesday at 10am ET for the coming weekend.

General Information

Grandfather Ranger District
109 Lawing Drive
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-2144

Discover a Trail

NOTE: All trails within the Wilderness are primitive trails with very strenuous hiking.

NOTE: Trails are signed at trailheads but are not signed or blazed once inside the wilderness. You should be able to read a topographical map and use a compass. You can purchase topo and other maps from the Grandfather District Office.

NOTE: The Spence Ridge Trail bridge at the Linville River is currently washed out.  Hikers must execute a wet crossing to proceed.

Passes / Permits / Restrictions

A permit is required for overnight camping on weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) and holidays from May 1 through October 31. Day use permits are not required. Permitted users are limited to 50 per night. For more information contact the Grandfather Ranger District, 828-652-2144.

Length of stay is limited to 2 nights, 3 days. Group size is limited to 10 people. No mechanical transport of any kind is allowed. No removal of plants, stone, moss for personal or commercial use.

Several outfitter guides have permits for the Gorge for rock climbing and other activities. Contact the District Office for more information.

Getting There

Elevation

4,120 feet

Directions

Access to Eastern Section:

From Morganton, take US 181 and head north for approximately 23 miles to Forest Service Road (FR) 210 (Gingercake Road). Turn left onto FR 210. At the first fork, turn left and continue through Gingercake Acres subdivision.

From Marion, take US 221 and head north to the intersection of NC 183 and continue to NC 181. Turn right and go south on NC 181 and continue three miles to Forest Service Road (FR) 210 (Gingercake Road). Turn right onto FR 210. At the first fork, turn left and continue through Gingercake Acres subdivision.

To reach Table Rock Picnic Area, go one mile to the first intersection and turn right. Stay on this road, bearing to the right through several switchbacks to the picnic area.

Access to Western Section:

From Marion, take US 221 north to the intersection of NC 183 at Linville Falls. Turn right on NC 183 and go one mile to NC 1238, Kistler Memorial Highway. Trailhead and parking lots accessing the western section of the gorge lead off Kistler Memorial Highway.

To access Kistler Memorial Highway from Marion, take US 70 and head east to Nebo. At Nebo, take NC 126 across Lake James and continue eight miles. Turn left one NC 1238, Kistler Memorial Highway. Kistler highway is a gravel road and is very rough in places, especially for two-wheel-drive vehicles.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting