📷 Photo by Sakina Faisal on UnsplashLinn Cove Viaduct
Linville, NC
A segmented concrete bridge that curves around Grandfather Mountain. It was the last piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway, finished in 1987.
The Linn Cove Viaduct at Milepost 304 of the Blue Ridge Parkway swings around the flank of Grandfather Mountain in an S-curve at about 4,100 feet (1,250 m). It was the last missing piece of the road: its dedication on September 11, 1987 completed the roughly 469-mile (755 km) Parkway after more than 50 years of construction. The bridge, just under 1,250 feet (380 m) long, consists of 153 precast concrete segments of about 50 tons each. They were set in place from the finished deck, so the fragile slope never needed a construction road; ground work was limited to drilling for the seven piers.
You can't stop or walk on the viaduct. You can see it from the visitor center and from the Tanawha Trail, which runs about 13.5 miles (21.7 km) between Beacon Heights and Julian Price Park; even a short stretch is worth it. At Rough Ridge, boardwalks lead to more views. There is no lodging at the viaduct, but you'll find campgrounds at Julian Price (Milepost 297) and Linville Falls (Milepost 316).
- Nearest town
- Linville, NC
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 36.0826, -81.8110
- Editor's pick
- ★
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)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Photo by The AIRDEEz on UnsplashThe Blue Ridge Parkway, end to end
Photo by Sakina Faisal on UnsplashBlue Ridge Parkway high peaks: Mount Mitchell to Blowing Rock
Photo by Sakina Faisal on UnsplashBlue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camp Linn HavenCampsite5 mi from Linn Cove Viaduct
- Big Mike's Creekside RV ResortMotorhome stopover6 mi from Linn Cove ViaductMotorhomes
- Mountain View Motorcycle CampCampsite12 mi from Linn Cove ViaductTents
- Waterwheel RV ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from Linn Cove ViaductMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- KOA KampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Linn Cove ViaductMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- The Hamptons RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Linn Cove ViaductMotorhomes
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Linn Cove Viaduct?
Linn Cove Viaduct is in Linville, NC, at GPS 36.0826, -81.8110. It is about 8 mi from Blowing Rock.
Can you camp near Linn Cove Viaduct?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Grandfather Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 50 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Linn Cove Viaduct?
Linn Cove Viaduct is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Blue Ridge Parkway, end to end, Blue Ridge Parkway high peaks: Mount Mitchell to Blowing Rock and Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains.
What is there to see near Linn Cove Viaduct?
Places worth a stop nearby: Grandfather Mountain (2 mi), Julian Price Park Campground (6 mi), Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (8 mi) and Blowing Rock (8 mi).
When is the best time to visit Linn Cove Viaduct?
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)