Pinchin Trail | Linville Gorge Wilderness | Insanely Steep and Rugged Hike of North Carolina Legend

[@CaseyAllen-nc2ty]

Thank you for doing this video! You used my review in it. I've done Pinchin several times, at different times of the year. Now that it's fall, I need to do it again. Pinchin and Conley Cove are my favorite hikes in the Gorge, thus far.

[@frailingbanjo]

Doing the Pinch In in a couple days! Really excited!

[@PisgahGravelProject]

One of my most favorite places on Earth. I love backpacking there, and try to get there several times a year.

[@criscale3667]

It is a special place to me, too. The scenery and hiking challenges never leave me disappointed. And if you are into craft beers, may I recommend Fonta Flora Brewery - Whippoorwill Farm. Its near Lake James at the southern end of the gorge. A wonderful place with an outdoorsy vibe.

[@eterlizzi]

Great video! Just climbed this yesterday at the END of a 3 day loop around the gorge. I had on a 40 lb pack. Please tell me I was not going crazy questioning my existence! 😂

[@criscale3667]

That's quite an accomplishment with a 40 lb pack. I'm sure many folks wonder "what the h&!l am I doing?" during this hike. We have many posts on hikes around the Linville Gorge and would love to hear your opinion about your favorite spots. I intend to post a "Top 5" favorite Linville Gorge hikes in the near future. What are your thoughts?

[@RAVEN_8611]

Dude that trail is no joke !!!! I have been hiking those trails for 8 years and loved every part of the trails . Now I have had some good trips and some not so good !!! Just be careful in the winter lol.

[@lmoretz4282]

Awesome video! The views are spectacular. I was in this area yesterday and stopped at the parking lot of this trail and would love to hike it. I'm curious how long it took you to walk in and back out. Also, do you mind sharing what type camera you are using? Such beautiful imagery! Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@criscale3667]

Great question. We stopped a lot along the trail to rock scramble and take pics. Having said that, we spent 2 hrs 45 mins in total. My camera is a Nikon D3300. I bought it back around 2015. It has been through some brutal environments, from winter snow in the Carolinas and Colorado to sweltering heat in Arizona and California. It is still ticking. Thanks for the question and comment. We hope you enjoy the Linville Gorge.

[@StarrDaniel]

Gorgeous view!

[@criscale3667]

The fall colors really brought out a level of gorgeous that I did not anticipate. Thanks for commenting!

[@josephsinski6785]

Did you ever come across any Moonshiners or a still?

[@criscale3667]

No we did not. Other than a long WNC tradition, is there reason to believe one is near by?

[@robertunderwood1011]

Pinchin is indeed a mean long grind. It could be replaced with a gentler BUT MORE SCENIC route..but I don't think the USFS has the capacity to figure out how to do it. If you want high exposure trails in Linville, Pinchin is not it. You won't find such trails on the official USFS map.

[@criscale3667]

You are absolutely correct. The design of the trail gets you down in the gorge - but really goes against any guidelines for a proper trail. That is what makes this so treacherous. But the lack of exposure on the trail can be overridden by climbing out on a few outcroppings near the trail. I anticipated that there would be a lack of vistas, but I was pleasantly surprised that some views could be had with a little effort. Other Linville hikes do a better job, but you don't have to go home empty-handed on Pinchin. Your comments are spot on! Thanks for sharing them.