📷 Nyttend, Public domainLinville Falls
Linville Falls, NC
A double waterfall where the Linville River drops into Linville Gorge, with trails of about 1–2 miles round trip to overlooks from the lot at the end of the spur road at Parkway milepost 316. Free; Hurricane Helene destroyed the visitor center, so bring water.
Linville Falls is a double waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316 in North Carolina. The Linville River rises on the steep slopes of Grandfather Mountain and tumbles over two falls, the Upper and the Lower, through Linville Gorge, dropping nearly 2,000 feet (600 m) along the way. The Cherokee called it the river of many cliffs.
The trails begin at the visitor center and circle the falls. According to the National Park Service, Erwin's View Trail is moderate and Linville Gorge Trail is strenuous. There is also a seasonal campground with 70 sites along the Parkway.
Please note: some trails remain closed after the damage from Hurricane Helene (as of the NPS page dated 14 May 2026). Check current trail conditions and the status of facilities beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Linville Falls, NC
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.9543, -81.9275
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Down by the River CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Linville Falls · 100 pitches
- Pineola Inn CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Linville Falls · 13 pitches
- Buck Hill CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Linville Falls
- Camp Linn HavenCampsite7 mi from Linville Falls
- Big Mike's Creekside RV ResortMotorhome stopover9 mi from Linville FallsMotorhomes
- Mountain View Motorcycle CampCampsite15 mi from Linville FallsTents
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Linville Falls?
Linville Falls is in Linville Falls, NC, at GPS 35.9543, -81.9275. It is about 19 mi from Blowing Rock.
Can you camp near Linville Falls?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Linville Falls Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 57 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Linville Falls?
Linville Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Blue Ridge Parkway high peaks: Mount Mitchell to Blowing Rock.
What is there to see near Linville Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Linn Cove Viaduct (11 mi), Grandfather Mountain (11 mi), Julian Price Park Campground (17 mi) and Blowing Rock (19 mi).
When is the best time to visit Linville Falls?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)