When most people think of the National Park Service in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee) come to mind. But there is another phenomenal place in North Carolina that’s owned and overseen by the NPS, and it’s truly unlike anything else in the Tar Heel State — it might just be one of the best waterfalls near me!
Linville Falls is perhaps the most powerful waterfall in the South, and is truly a sight to behold.
The fall marks the beginning of the Linville Gorge and is a series of falls that begin with a twin set (seen in the above two photos) that includes a narrow winding chute that channels water through to the two falls, one on top of the other.
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The water funnels through the top of the falls with great power and is said to be the spot where Native Americans would execute prisoners.
From the top of Linville Falls, the view of the chute can be quite unnerving, especially knowing only one person has been known to survive going over the falls, and that was a man in 2010 in a kayak. (Note: it's illegal to swim or go in the water at Linville Falls in any way.)
The National Park Service maintains the trails to four spectacular overlooks. The Upper Falls trail leads to the top of the chute where you can see the very top of Linville Falls.
Although there is a bit of elevation gain to most of them, the trails are all rated as easy and don't require technical hiking skills. None of the trails are ADA compliant and most contain stairs with adequate rails for support.
The four overlook trails all lead to different view points along the Linville River, and most of the overlooks offer views from different angles of the main set of falls at the top of Linville Gorge.
Locating the Linville Falls visitor center operated by the National Park Service was a bit of a challenge the first time I made the attempt. Here's a Google Maps link that should take you right to the parking lot at the NPS Visitor's Center.
Have you visited Linville Falls and seen this amazing North Carolina natural wonder? We’d love to know and to see your photos in our Facebook feedback!
