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Linville Falls
Hiking in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina
Linville Falls
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Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.3 and follow a paved 1.2-mile spur road to the visitor center
Linville Falls, NC 28647
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Hiking
Linville Falls Description
Even in an area with many gorgeous waterfalls, Linville Falls stands out. It's 150 feet high and moves the greatest amount of water of any waterfall in the area. Hiking to the top is a popular activity, but it's not for the out-of-shape or unenergetic. It's only 0.8 miles long, but it's steep. Kids who can handle the hike feel a sense of pride in their accomplishment, and are rewarded with an amazing view. A visitor center has a bathroom, water fountains, picnic tables, and a small gift shop. Although the falls and the trails are always open for business, the visitor center is seasonal.
Kid Tips
Babies: The trail is too steep for most hikers to carry a baby in a carrier.
Toddlers & Pre-K: The trail is too steep for most preschoolers.
School-Age Kids: Kids who are used to hiking up hills will be able to handle this. It's ranked 7/10 in trail difficulty by the state of North Carolina.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Most should be able to handle this. The view is worth the hike.
Planning Notes
- Read up. The book "Walking the Blue Ridge" gives loads of detail about this hike, as well as others in the area.
Just the Facts
Hours: Trails are always open.
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours
