Linville Gorge Wilderness Area — Attraction in Spruce Pine

The wilderness area gets a 5. The 105 access road gets a 0. The trailhead markings (or lack thereof) get a 1. My cousin and I had a great adventure exploring Linville Falls, and doing an overnight trip backpacking from Bynum Bluff down to the Linville Gorge Trail, and back out on the Babel Tower Trail. The views are 100% stunning at all times! Either you're looking over breathtaking vistas while standing atop a rocky crag, looking up at rocky crags while standing beside the babbling Linville River, or stepping among mossy stones covered with dapples of light and white flowers that have fallen off the ubiquitous rhododendrons. But as others have warned, BE PREPARED. This is intensive hiking and trails are not always obvious. I'd advise getting the free Avenza app and downloading the Linville Gorge trail map (available offline), AND to purchase a paper map & compass as backup. My phone got fried during the hike...after that we had to rely on the paper map. It is difficult because there are very few trail markings. I can do without blazes, but the lack of trailhead signs seems ridiculous. Standing atop Babel Tower, there are at least five trailheads that converge, and none are marked. The paper map only shows three, so you be the judge. A simple trailhead sign on a tree would be fantastic. We ended up hiking partway down several trails (leaving our heavy backpacks at the top), checking our progress relative to the river using GoogleMaps, and referencing that against the paper map in order to verify we were on the correct trail. This process was time consuming & exhausting. Make sure to bring plenty of water and/or methods of filtering or treating river water. On the day we were there EMS and park rangers were looking for a young man who had reportedly sat down on one of the trails, and was suffering from dehydration. Nobody could say where he was or what trail they had been on. Not sure if they ever found him or what came of it. Seems like putting up a few trailhead signs could really cut down on resources used for these frequent rescues (maybe they could use that money to fix the dang access road!). Finally, I would NOT advise taking a vehicle higher than the Bynum Bluff Trailhead parking lot (first parking lot after the Information Cabin) on the 105 mountain access road unless it is a 4WD or large truck/jeep. It is extremely rough, and popped the right rear tire on my Kia Soul. Even in my cousin's pickup truck we were spinning out and bouncing all over the place. The road has many deep ruts and potholes. In the future I'd borrow a bigger vehicle, look into a shuttle service, or just hike up the road. All in all, this wilderness area is beautiful and I can't wait to go back! It is a gem. Just don't underestimate it, because it is unforgiving. (Which is also part of the allure ;) ). P.S. Cell service is limited–don't count on having it. There are black bears here (one was spotted by another hiker near where we camped) so bring your rope & carabiner and make sure to hang your food & toiletries from a tree at night, or bring a bear canister/bag. Wear good hiking boots (I'm gad I decided against my Keen sandals) to protect your feet and to help keep you from twisting an ankle on the rocks &...

I'm only giving us four stars only because of the fact that every water fall over there was completely shut down. We couldnt even get in the water the whole time we were there. And we got stuck on a pad that had no shade what so ever. My red headed boy had to walk around with a umbrella the whole time at the campsite. Very beautiful place. Not happy about getting tickets on a road you cant even go 10 miles a hour on. Because my son wasnt wearing a seat belt because A. On vacation B. Cant go over 10 miles a hour and C. Only going a quarter miles away from where we where. But kids can hang out bouncing around in the back (bed) of truck. With no parents back there. And they were younger than mine. Just stupid. Mind you i have NEVER got a ticket. And of course while on vacation i get one for doing the same thing other people where doing. With younger kids. Anyways. The place was nice. Clean for the most part. Thanks...

It is one of the most beautiful places on this planet. I grew up on 105 the road that takes you thru the Gorge. The best advice is do not under estimate this place. People have died hiking, I myself lost a friend who was in there a couple times a month. Read about the trails before you bite off more than you can chew. Don't think all the trails a like Linville Falls trail, or Wiseman View. The trails are marked, but not a lot very easy to lose the trail then your in over your head. I am not trying to discourage anyone, but every year the rescue squad is up there at least a few times, someone lost, or someone fallen. Enjoy it and as much as you think you are ready for the terrain, its always a little tougher than you think, or it is for me anyway. I love it, when I pass that is where my...