![]() Linville Falls on the
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![]() The Linville Falls are at the beginning of the Linville Gorge, formed by the Linville River, which ends near Lake James. The Linville River begins at Grandfather Mountain in Avery County NC. ![]() |
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![]() More than 140 years ago there was only one falls over this rock formation. In the early 1870s however, the lower ledge broke off. . . "Now the Upper Falls flows over a twelve-foot rock shelf, then the water drops 90 feet at the Lower Falls into a swirling pool. This pool, known as the Plunge Basin, heads the 12,000 acres of Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, unequaled in depth and wilderness in eastern America. For a distance of about 12 miles below the falls, the turbulent river flows in a series of cascades through a narrow gorge. The sides of the gorge reach to depths of 600 to 2000 feet and cut down through the eroded Linville quartzites into the granite below." ![]() |
![]() DirectionsLinville Falls is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are several trails leading to views of the upper and lower falls. The surrounding forests contain virgin hemlock, white pine, oaks, hickory, and birch trees. The falls are located at Mile Post 316.3 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, between where US 221 crosses the Parkway and where NC 181 crosses the Parkway. Access to Linville Falls can also be obtained from NC Highway 221. At the Linville Falls Community, follow the signs to the park. If coming from the north, turn left at "Famous Louise's" restaurant. If coming from the south, turn right. ![]() |
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