The Blue Ridge Parkway is a stunning drive through the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, with dozens of trailheads nearby to explore this rugged ecosystem on foot. One of the easier trails in the area is the 1.7-mile, out-and-back Erwin’s View Trail, which takes hikers to overlooks for spectacular views of Linville Falls, one of the largest and most popular waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Let’s go for a hike on the scenic Erwin’s View Trail…

The trail starts at the small Linville Falls Visitor Center, which is essentially a gift shop, information desk, and restroom.
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The primary trail is wide and made of gravel, making for an easy journey into the woods.
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There are four overlooks that branch away from the primary trail. Hiking to all of them extends the total distance to 2.25 miles.
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The first overlook is to Upper Linville Falls, a pair of scenic falls that cascade over a basin.

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Ten minutes of hiking later, you’ll find yourself at the trailhead to the Chimney View overlook.
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There are about 50 steps to get to the overlook from the trailhead. This scenic vista provides the best and closest view of the Lower Linville Falls, which plunges 90 feet into the gorge.
There are two more overlooks along the trail -- Erwins View and Gorge View -- but they take you further from the waterfall.
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Continuing on adds an element of ‘moderate’ hiking to what is, up until this point, an easy, beginner-level hike.
If you want a view of the base of the waterfall, you can add the 0.75-mile Linville Gorge Trail. Though short, the hike is rated as strenuous with steep climbs and rocky terrain.
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Away from the Gorge Trail, there are some gentle uphill climbs, and the terrain becomes more rugged, but you’ll still find people of all ages and abilities hiking this popular trail!

Have you hiked Erwin’s View Trail before? What are some of your favorite hikes in North Carolina? Share them in the comments below!

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Linville Falls Visitor Center, Warrior Ln, Marion, NC 28752, USA