Top 5 Trails of the Linville Gorge | Best Hiking in North Carolina | Pinchin | Hawksbill | Shortoff

[@marcusloftis2779]

We used to camp in the gorge a couple of times a year 30 years ago. We usually went down Devils Hole trail and camped at the bottom of Spence Ridge trail. Great times!

[@bekindrewind1145]

Awesome video, went to the north? side ridge for first time today.. (I think, the opposite one from table rock) Only did Pine Gap trail since it was closest. Definitely going back and gonna keep Babel Tower and Pinch In, in mind for next time

[@renohiker]

Great options! Cheers 🍻

[@criscale3667]

Remote and rugged compared to most hiking areas, but worth the effort! Cheers!

[@leewoehlke5099]

I used to hike long distances, but I fell 20 feet and broke both my heels 2 years ago.... I've been getting better and wanting to go to Linville for a hike once im strong enough. Seeing your dog inspired me so much. Much love. See you on the trail soon.

[@criscale3667]

Ugh. Broken heels sound very painful - and likely are followed by a rough recovery. We do hope you recover enough to make it to Linville. It is quite the experience. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[@leewoehlke5099]

@Cris&Cale thank you so much! Last week, I hiked 10 miles!!! My feet were dead, but 1 year ago, I couldn't even walk. I'm so excited about getting better and finally being able to hike again.

[@marcusdolby1]

Babble tower trail is my favorite. Sandy Flats is a close second.

[@criscale3667]

Thanks for the comment. It sounds like we need to check out Sandy Flats!

[@robertunderwood1011]

Sandy flats is a disaster

[@roymeetsworld1]

Had no idea N.Carolina was so beautiful

[@criscale3667]

Oh, you bet it is!

[@SatoriRose]

There are steeper trails into the gorge than Pinch in. Pinch in is very steep though.

[@darrenermey8739]

Love yalls videos. Babel Tower is my favorite hike in the Gorge. You missed the best part of the Babel Tower hike which was heading down to the river afterwards.

[@criscale3667]

Ya’know, now that you say that, it would be really cool to make it down to the river. Especially in the summer. Thanks for the tip.

[@darrenermey8739]

@Cris&Cale absolutely. I'm sure yalls dogs would have a blast down there.

[@robertunderwood1011]

If you were interested in highly scenic rock, scrambling trails that are usually fairly dangerous, especially in winter. I suggest rock shock, North Carolina wall, upper North Carolina wall, lower ledge, and Hinson creek. These are not found on far as service maps with the exception of rock chalk.

[@criscale3667]

If you are talking about the NC Wall near the Chimneys, then it is interesting that you should share that. We just hiked there on Jan 14th and ran into some dicey ice-covered areas near ledges. It is closed Jan 15 - Aug 15 due to the falcon nesting, so our timing was just right. Let me know if this sounds like one of the areas you noted. I hope to post this video soon, so keep an eye out for it. Thanks for your comment. We will be looking into those other areas for future hikes.

[@robertunderwood1011]

Yes that’s the area I was talking about. It is the base of the low of the North Carolina wall and it is quite dangerous and ice plus the area is closed due to the falcon until about mid August so your only real legal entry is about September through I don’t know October, but of course many people hike it at other times and it is the most spectacular trail in Linville gorge I can’t recommend it for backpackers. There’s no place to camp. It’s really a very rough scramblers trail but my favorite of all.

[@davidkiser5250]

Good job on this. I'm local and used to hike anywhere and everywhere in the Gorge...25-35 years ago! Not now though-too old and fat...! I prefer flatter easier trails. One clarification I could humbly add-Wiseman's View is named for Lafeyette Wiseman (a well known landowner in the area long ago, who was fond of the overlook) so it's still a local family surname, and it's pronounced "WISEmun" (so it's "WISEmun's View"). Just to clarify it's not in any way related to a "wise man".

[@criscale3667]

We very much appreciate that insight into the naming of Wiseman’s view. I had no idea. Also, thanks for the kind words - and taking the time to leave that comment.

[@junglialoh]

Nice place for hiking but not great place photography due to reverse sunbeam direction

[@Hollowsmith]

What week of the year would you say the daffodile on the Daffodill Flats trail generally peak?

[@criscale3667]

Typically the last week of February is the best. But it can last until early March. Thanks for watching.

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

Are these trails easily accessed? Driving wise to get to them?

[@criscale3667]

Most trails require several miles on a dirt road with uneven terrain. If the weather is good, you really don't need a 4WD, but higher ground clearance makes navigation around the rough spots a little easier. Don't take a lowered vehicle - and take your time - but most standard cars should be able to handle it.

[@ralphkeith2905]

I'll be moving to Chattanooga next year and look forward to doing these hikes, and mountain biking, in NC. Is dispersed (boondocking) camping allowed in the area?

[@criscale3667]

You can camp just about anywhere in the wilderness area, but you still have to get a permit from the Grandfather Ranger Station at exit 90 off I-40. We hope you get a chance to enjoy this wonderful area. Thanks for the question.

[@ralphkeith2905]

@@criscale3667 thanks for the info!

[@SatoriRose]

You only need a permit on weekends. You can camp at any of the road sites without one anytime, first come first served.