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Linville Gorge is a vast designated Wilderness area that sits on 11,786 acres of rolling hills and thick forest. The gorge surrounds the Linville River, which is located some 1,400 feet below the ridge, creating a stunning canyon that has earned the nickname "The Grand Canyon of North Carolina." The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway with plenty of natural attractions and recreational opportunities for visitors. Aside from natural features, the parkway is also a cross-section of Appalachian mountain history. Stretching almost 500 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through North Carolina and Virginia, it encompasses some of the oldest historical sites of both pre-historic and early European settlements. The surrounding forest offers hemlock, white pine, oaks, hickory and birch trees, along with a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and an epic array of orange and red shades of leaves in the autumn.
Recreation: The Linville Falls area is a hiker's paradise, and the campground provides easy access to several trails that allow visitors to experience the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Once at the Linville Gorge , visitors can hike more challenging trails down to the river, where fishing for trout is a popular pastime. Linville Falls is another must-see, carrying water from the river over several layers of falls, ending in a spectacular 45-foot waterfall pouring into the sparkling riverbed below. Duggers Creek Falls : accessible from the Linville Falls Visitor Center on a small loop trail. See views of the falls from the foot bridge. These are native brook trout waters (fishing regulations apply). Lost Cove Cliff Overlook : view Brown Mountain and see the Brown Mountain Lights--a natural occurrence which is believed to be caused by natural gases. A good spot to view hawks and peregrine falcons in the spring and fall.
Nearby: Linville Caverns , a privately maintained cave just south of Linville Falls, offers guided tours year-round.