Best trails in Linville, North Carolina

NOTE: There is no fee to enter the State Park, however this trailhead is located inside the privately owned Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, which does charge admission. The trail then enters the state park. The Grandfather Trail runs the length of the summit ridge from the Grandfather Mountain attraction to Calloway Peak. It offers astonishing variety, running in and out of wind-dwarfed spruce and fir, across or around rock walls and pinnacles and into open spaces with mountain views in every direction. It was along this trail two centuries ago that explorer/botanist Andre Michaux broke into song thinking he had arrived at the high point of North America. The pace is often slow. There are chutes where progress is hand-over-hand and extra steep sections where hikers use in-place cables and ladders. An alternative to taking the ladders up MacRae Peak is to opt for the more sheltered Underwood Trail. Not recommended for children, inexperienced hikers, or pets.Show more

There is a fee to complete this hike.Show more

Linn Cove Viaduct on the Tanawha Trail is located near Grandfather, North Carolina. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes 1-3 hours. This small section is part of the Tanawha Trail which is 13.5 miles long in total distance winding along the Blue Ridge Parkway mountains Travel through the parking lot to the trail head which takes you on a nice pleasant walk under the viaduct where you can gaze at the amazing modern marvel of construction and hear the many cars traveling overhead. This very short hike is about 900 feet. Continue up the wooden stairs as the trail winds up and down through a maze of rocks, boulders, and rock staircases. Along the trail there is a bridge where Wilson's Creek runs under and a pretty waterfall to see.  As you near the end of the viaduct about an hour later there is a fork in the road; take the fork with the red ribbon to the right. The trail going straight continues as part of the Tanawha Trail. The red ribbon indicates you have made it to one of the most distinctive picture taking points of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You have seen this vantage point in many pictures and magazines about the Blue Ridge Parkway Not only will you be elevated above the parkway but above the viaduct watching cars come around the bend as they travel over the viaduct.Show more

Dogs are NOT allowed at a few points along the trail (even leashed), such as Rough Ridge. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/tanawha-trail.htm. Show more

NOTE: Please note that this trail begins in the privately owned Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, which charges a fee for entry. From the attraction's Black Rock parking lot, the Black Rock Trail slopes out gradually to a wide-angle view of the swinging bridge, MacRae and Attic Window peaks as well as Beacon Heights and Grandmother Mountain to the southwest. To reach these view points at the end of the trail, hikers must climb a ladder and cable up the rock. This trail rambles through northern hardwood and spruce forests. Hikers return to the parking lot via the same trail. Show more

This route begins at the Stack Rock Parking area and uses the Tanawha Trail towards the destination of Wilson Creek. Hikers will pass by the Linn Cove Visitor's Center along the way.Show more

Park at the top of Grandfather Mountain, hike to Boone Fork Parking area. Show more