5 ways to see and fall in love with Linville Falls

Linville Falls is a stunning and power waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the most popular stops. Most people know there’s a beautiful waterfall, but don’t realize how many ways there are to enjoy this natural spectacle.

Linville Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway and definitely the most powerful. You really don’t want to miss an opportunity to visit this incredible waterfall.

While Linville Falls isn’t directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is connected to the parkway by a short access road at milepost 316.4.

As always with a visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway, check for closures before you go.

You may or may not already know there are five overlooks to enjoy Linville Falls from. We’ve been to all of them and want to share what to expect and which ones you really don’t want to miss.

Instead of a single trail to the waterfall, there is an entire trail system surrounding Linville Falls. The trails that comprise the system are:

• Erwin’s View Trail

• Plunge Basin Trail

• Duggar’s Creek Loop Trail

Duggar’s Creek Loop goes to a separate, small waterfall. The other two trails, Erwin’s View and Plunge Basin both lead to a variety of views of Linville Falls.

There is no view of Linville Falls from the road or parking lot. The difficulty to reach the overlooks ranges from easy to strenuous depending on which you decide to visit.

With a destination like this, just a little bit of planning can help you have your best visit. No matter how many of the overlooks you decide to hike to, you will have a great trip.

Erwin’s View Trail

Erwin’s View Trail is the primary trail used by visitors to view Linville Falls. It leaves from the Linville Falls Visitor Center at the edge of the parking lot.

The large bridge crossing over the Linville River behind the visitor center marks the beginning of the Erwin’s View Trail. Erwin’s View Trail is an out and back hike with several short spurs to the various viewpoints.

There are three overlooks viewing Linville Falls along this trail:

• Upper Falls Overlook

• Chimney View

• Erwin’s View Overlook

There is also one overlook, Gorge View, that faces away from Linville Falls and into Linville Gorge.

We’ll break down each one so you can plan your hike. But first, here’s the basic information you need about the entire trail.

Upper Falls Overlook

Upper Falls Overlook is the first overlook you will come to on Erwin’s View Trail. Two smaller waterfalls spill into a shallow pool that slowly flows to the main section of Linville Falls.

The overlook area is very large with two distinct rocky sections to view either the upper falls or the powerful waterfall cutting through the stone ledge.

This is by far the most popular overlook in the trail system.

Chimney View

Chimney View is the second overlook in your journey along Erwin’s View Trail. The overlook provides a wide view of Linville Falls and down into Plunge Basin. This is the first really dramatic vista of Linville Falls. If you pay attention you will probable see people resting on the rocks near the bottom of Linville Falls.

The first real elevation change of the hike is on the way to Chimney View. There is a short steep spur down to Chimney View and the climb out is a little tough but this is the most difficult stretch of Erwin’s View Trail.

Because this is a spur you can skip this section if you want and continue on to the other overlooks. Additionally there is a nice covered area to sit at if your hiking group wants to spit up.

Gorge View

Gorge View is the next overlook you come to along Erwin’s View Trail. While the view isn’t of Linville Falls, it’s still incredibly beautiful. The wide overlook provides a view of the stunning Linville Gorge Wilderness. Linville River slices through the thick forest through the overlapping Blue Ridge Mountains.

This overlook is a treat because everyone comes expecting amazing views of Linville Falls but, if you hike to Gorge View, you also get to see the amazing surrounding wilderness.

Erwin’s View Overlook

Erwin’s View Overlook is the final overlook on the trail. From the observation platform, Linville Falls seems far away. You get a good view of the face of the gorge and the falls.

From Erwin’s View Overlook you will have a fairly easy hike back to the visitor center. This is a good opportunity to stop at any overlook you want to see again or, if you skipped Chimney View, you can stop and take it in.

Plunge Basin Trail

Plunge Basin Trail leaves from the parking lot near the visitor center. Only a fraction of the visitors to Linville Falls try this trail. There are two overlooks to enjoy from Plunge Basin Trail. The first is a relatively short, moderate hike. The second, into the gorge, is a steep descent down to the base of Linville Falls.

You can get away with regular tennis shoes on Erwin’s View Trail, but if you are going down into Linville Gorge, you need some ankle support and plenty of water.

If you are going to hike the entire trail here is the basic information.

Plunge Basin Overlook

Plunge Basin Overlook is a wide view of Linville Falls from a side angle. If you have already been to Chimney View, you’ll notice the views have a lot of similar qualities.

The overlook area is down several flights of stairs carved into the rock. You’ll find a lot more privacy at this viewpoint, probably more than any other at Linville Falls.

Linville Gorge

The hike down into Linville Gorge is one you need to really consider before you attempt it. There are steep stairs, steep grades, rocks and roots. To put it bluntly, it’s treacherous. BUT the view from the bottom is incredible and one you will remember for long time.

Once you reach the bottom the trail ends at the Linville River. There are several social trails at the river and it isn’t clear which one you should take. Just remember to go up river (to the right) and you’ll find the views.

Eventually you will be on the rocky river bank. You can find spots to enjoy by scrambling on the rocks.

One thing to note is that it is against the law to swim in the river. If you get injured or need rescue it will be a very long time coming.

Even with all that said, I wouldn’t skip hiking down into the gorge if you are prepared for the hike.

Nearby Overlooks

You will likely be hungry after your visit and you can head to Spruce Pine to find a restaurant or bring a picnic.

We prefer picnics when possible because it saves money and there’s never an unexpected wait. Plus, I usually try to limit my exposure to other people after I hike, no one wants my post hike body odor.

There are a few options very close to Linville Falls.

• River Bend Overlook is the closest and is great if you have kids because there is a rocky beach they can play on while after you eat.

• Linville River Picnic Area is also nearby. There are many more picnic tables at this overlook and you can reach it from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.5.

When we took our most recent road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls was one of the highlights. My oldest son and I hike all of the trails and afterwards it left me tired but also really fulfilled.

Linville Falls is amazing and you will love visiting. It’s one of our favorite hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are planning a trip on the parkway you may want to check out our Blue Ridge Parkway guide for some helpful planning tips.

Did hiking into the Linville Gorge sound like your kind of adventure? Hawksbill Mountain might be your kind of hike. It climbs high over the Linville Gorge along a steep tough trail to two breath taking overlooks. This is not a trail for the casual hiker.