Linn Cove Viaduct, a design and engineering marvel, skirts the side of Grandfather Mountain. There is a visitor center and trails.

305.1 - U.S. 221, Beacon Heights. Right 3 mi. to Linville
305.25 - Beacon Heights parking area, elev. 4212
306.2 - Grandmother Mountain Gap, elev. 4051
306.6 - Grandfather Mountain parking overlook, elev. 4154
307.4 - Grandmother Mountain parking area, elev. 4063
307.6 - Parking widening, elev. 4015
307.9 - Public road, right 2 mi. to Linville; left to Roseboro
308.3 - Flat Rock parking area, elev. 3987. Self-guiding trail

Mile 308.3 - Flat Rock

Flat Rock is worth the walk for the superb view of Grandfather Mountain and Linville Valley.

310.0 - Lost Cove Cliffs parking overlook, elev. 3812. E.
312.25 - NC. 181, right 2 mi. to Pineola; left 32 mi. to Morganton
315.6 - Camp Creek parking overlook, elev. 3442

Mile 316.3 - Linville Falls

Linville Falls is a beautiful series of dramatic falls that drop to a deep gorge, accessed by a trail lined with rare virgin stands of white pine, and hemlock. The area around the Falls is one of the few places in these mountains where the rosebay, Catawba, and Carolina rhododendron grow side by side.

Trails

Several trails are accessible at Linville Falls. There are short, easy to moderate trails to view the viaduct and falls, as well as access points to the longer, more strenuous Tanawha and Mountains to Sea Trails. There are three short "leg-stretcher" trails in the area, the Beacon Heights (milepost 305.2), Camp Creek (milepost 315.6), and River Bend Overlook Trails (milepost 316.4). The Flat Rock Trail (milepost 308.3) is a moderate self-guiding trail that explores the flora and fauna of the area. Also located at Linville Falls are the strenuous Linville Gorge Trail, and the easy Duggers Creek and Linville River Bridge Trails.

Fishing

There are two fishing opportunities in the Linville Falls area, one at Camp Creek (milepost 313 - 317) and at the Linville River (milepost 317). Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check with the visitor center for any special regulations.

316.4 Linville Falls Campground

The campground has sites for 50 tents and 20 trailers. Facilities include water, flush toilets with sink but no showers or hook-ups. Relax by the campfire circle, where interpretive talks are often given during the summer months.

Visitor Center

There is a visitor contact station in the Linville Falls area via an access road at milepost 316.4. Trail maps, publications and area information are available here.

316.5 - Linville River parking area, elev. 3250.

Picnic Area

Linville Falls picnic area is adjacent to the river and has 100 picnic sites and comfort stations.

316.6 - Linville River Bridge, elev. 3257
317.55 - U.S. 221, right 6 mi. to Spruce Pine; left + mi. to Linville Falls community, 24 mi. to Marion
318.4 - North Toe Valley parking overlook, elev. 3540. S.
319.8 - Humpback Mountain Viaduct

Mile 320.7 - Chestoas View Trail

Chestoas View Trail provides spectacular scenery.

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