Linville Falls Visitor Center
Linville Falls Visitor Center
Linville Falls Visitor Center
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
288 reviews
Excellent
191
Very good
69
Average
20
Poor
6
Terrible
2
ChrisH
Frederick, MD551 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Two adults visited this on a Sunday in late September 2023 and were frankly disappointed in this National Park Visitor Center. It was tiny with 1 or 2 meager displays and part of the NP store. The volunteer was helpful in pointing out local trails. We only did the 0.5 mile loop to the upper falls though. A reasonably easy hike. It’s further to the rest of the falls. There are decent restrooms available.
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie L
21 contributions
May 2022
Friday 05-06-2022. The person at the visitor center was really not friendly. Certainly, efficient about directing us to the worthwhile hiking options but limit rude. Looks like she repeats and repeats the same speech all day, with her long wood stick to show the map on the wall.. not event checking if we do follow her or if we do pay attention.
This is what happens when you don't like your job anymore!
Decent bathrooms. Large parking area.
This is what happens when you don't like your job anymore!
Decent bathrooms. Large parking area.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
60742Traveler
206 contributions
Linville Gorge has a beautiful waterfall that can be seen from 3 different trails at different heights. There is a Visitors Center with Rangers on duty at the entrance. There are restrooms here also. You can picnic in the parking area. The lower trail has some uphill slope to it but there are places to rest along the way. The two upper trails are more steep and one has stairs. This is a good place to take dogs as the trails are wide and level. The more adventurous can climb down to the bottom of the gorge. Beware--in warm weather, there are snakes in and around the water. Black snakes do not take kindly to efforts to direct them, by the way! They will raise up, so just leave them alone if you encounter them. If you have a vehicle with a high ground clearance, you might enjoy driving on the dirt highway at Linville Falls to see more of the gorge. Cars that are low to the ground should not go on this road as there are rocks sticking out of the roadbed that could damage the bottom of your car.
Written January 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy W
Hillsborough, NC5 contributions
May 2015 • Family
I could not wait to visit Linville Falls, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. My goal in life if to visit this amazing place as often as I can. The falls are amazing, The trails are well marked and make taking pictures a necessity.
Written June 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather R
Coastal South Carolina, SC10 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Stop in here before you hike up to see the Linville Falls! Pretty small, but good information, maps, and water. The falls themselves are beautiful and the hike isn't too bad, about 1.6 miles there and back, with 3 or 4 overlooks.
Written May 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiketographer
Morganton, NC51 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
I spend a lot of time in the Linville Gorge and around Linville Falls. Sure, the upper views of Linville Falls are a must see, but until you view the Falls from the plunge basin, you will never want to experience it any other way.
To get to the plunge basin you must take the trails on the left side of the Visitors Center (everyone else hits the right to get to the overlooks). Simply follow the trail that says "Linville Gorge" (.7 miles) you will pass the Plunge Basin Overlook but if you want to get down to the bottom this is not how to get there. It is worth seeing though if you have the time.
Once you get to the bottom the trail will become a little more difficult, so if you are not sure footed this will not be a trail for you.
A great view of Linville Falls can be seen by an easy scramble onto a rock beside the river. A little further scramble along the right side gets you near the falls. You will experience the rumble of the falls and feel its power from relative safety here.
There are several places you can cool your heels in the Linville River from the the bottom of the trail.
I would advise taking a bottle of water with you, good shoes that offer support, some insect repellent, and a camera!
If you are not comfortable with simple rock hopping/scrambling (easy to moderate) then do not attempt.
Go down where the locals avoid the crowd and experience the roar of Linville Falls up close and personal and come back with some memories that many visitors will never witness.
To get to the plunge basin you must take the trails on the left side of the Visitors Center (everyone else hits the right to get to the overlooks). Simply follow the trail that says "Linville Gorge" (.7 miles) you will pass the Plunge Basin Overlook but if you want to get down to the bottom this is not how to get there. It is worth seeing though if you have the time.
Once you get to the bottom the trail will become a little more difficult, so if you are not sure footed this will not be a trail for you.
A great view of Linville Falls can be seen by an easy scramble onto a rock beside the river. A little further scramble along the right side gets you near the falls. You will experience the rumble of the falls and feel its power from relative safety here.
There are several places you can cool your heels in the Linville River from the the bottom of the trail.
I would advise taking a bottle of water with you, good shoes that offer support, some insect repellent, and a camera!
If you are not comfortable with simple rock hopping/scrambling (easy to moderate) then do not attempt.
Go down where the locals avoid the crowd and experience the roar of Linville Falls up close and personal and come back with some memories that many visitors will never witness.
Written May 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jag68_12
Roanoke, VA2 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
Easy hike with great falls, loved it, a little crowded on a Saturday afternoon, but still worth the walk, we needed the exercise.
Written July 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bowmanator22
Charlotte, NC5,314 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
As far as visitor centers go, this one is small with a little gift shop. The restrooms were decent. The staff was friendly and the maps were helpful.
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole H
North Port, FL148 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
The moderate hike was great. You will for sure get your workout to get to the falls, but be careful near the edge of the water. I unfortunately slipped on the rocks and fell right in. Camera, phone, watch, keys and all. Don't be like me and be careful near the rock edge.
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Momofarp
Los Gatos, CA156 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
We arrived about 10:30 on Saturday and there was plenty of parking available at Visitors Center (so you don't have to get there TOO early) however, when we left about 1:30, the lot was full and tons of cars parked on side of road.
There are three trails. The first, which is accessed by following path that passes between the visitor center and bathrooms and then immediately crosses the river. This is a moderate hike with a few areas that require a little bit of maneuvering up and down steep 'boulder' steps. Views is so worth it! First overlook is only .5 miles (we did not look at this view unfortunately - determined teens). The nest overlook (chimney view) gives you a view of both upper and lower falls and the plunge basin. The last overlook is the more 'strenuous' boulder climb and provides stunning distant views of the lower falls and river cutting through gorge.
The 2nd and more strenuous (but still not long) hike is to the left of the bathrooms. You will come to a split in the trail, one goes to the plunge pool 'overlook' which has you walking right by the upper "pool" area and has a railing and allows you to looker over the falls. The other trail takes you down to the base of falls. This is lots of down and up quickly and not for the faint of heart. Lots of exposed "ankle twisting" roots, "knee knocking" logs to climb over and slippery "shin bruising" knee-high drop-offs and outcrops. However, if you are used to walking, hiking, etc, you will be find. Just be mindful of the elevation gains and losses, it doesn't seem like much but if you have asthma (and forget to take your inhaler because it is only 1.5 roundtrip) you might notice it. :-) Totally worth it though to be at the base of the falls and hear and feel the power of the water. We hung out for a while down by the falls because it was so beautiful and quiet.
There are three trails. The first, which is accessed by following path that passes between the visitor center and bathrooms and then immediately crosses the river. This is a moderate hike with a few areas that require a little bit of maneuvering up and down steep 'boulder' steps. Views is so worth it! First overlook is only .5 miles (we did not look at this view unfortunately - determined teens). The nest overlook (chimney view) gives you a view of both upper and lower falls and the plunge basin. The last overlook is the more 'strenuous' boulder climb and provides stunning distant views of the lower falls and river cutting through gorge.
The 2nd and more strenuous (but still not long) hike is to the left of the bathrooms. You will come to a split in the trail, one goes to the plunge pool 'overlook' which has you walking right by the upper "pool" area and has a railing and allows you to looker over the falls. The other trail takes you down to the base of falls. This is lots of down and up quickly and not for the faint of heart. Lots of exposed "ankle twisting" roots, "knee knocking" logs to climb over and slippery "shin bruising" knee-high drop-offs and outcrops. However, if you are used to walking, hiking, etc, you will be find. Just be mindful of the elevation gains and losses, it doesn't seem like much but if you have asthma (and forget to take your inhaler because it is only 1.5 roundtrip) you might notice it. :-) Totally worth it though to be at the base of the falls and hear and feel the power of the water. We hung out for a while down by the falls because it was so beautiful and quiet.
Written July 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is Grandfather Mountain open? I wasn't sure if it was closed due to COVID.
Written August 31, 2020
You now have to make a reservation with Grandfather Mountain because of COVID.. they have to keep track of how many people they have on the Mountain. I hope this helps!
Written October 16, 2020
is this the best place to park to hike to the falls?
Written December 31, 2019
Yes, the Visitors Center is the best place to hike to the falls & they have maps that show all the different places you can stop along the way & get different views of the falls. GREAT PLACE!! Pack a picnic :)
Written January 1, 2020
Is the hike/trail safe enough for a 26-weeks pregnant?
Written August 12, 2019
While there I seen people young and older. If you are healthy, I wouldn't see an issue. It does have multiple variations of terrain. If at any point you didn't want to continue, you could turn around and there are benches along the way to rest.
Written August 12, 2019
Can I park my 32 foot motorhome towing a car in the Visitor Center parking lot?
Written August 19, 2018
There may be room at the visitors center for buses, you can contact the NC national park service and they will tell you directly. Their info is on the web-site. Their parking fills up quickly so the earlier you arrive the better. 12-2 is the busiest time.
Written August 21, 2018
I have an old post card dated 10-31-1951 from Phyl's Cabins Linville Falls, NC. This was sent to my Grandmother. I wanted to know if you would be interested in having this.
Written December 9, 2016
I have an old postcard (at least 50 years old!) of the "Parkview Motor Lodge and Restaurant, U.S. Hwy. 221".
I would like to find 'a good home' for it, if you would let me know where to send it?
It was 'inherited' from my Grandparents.
Sincerely,
Robin Reid (Mr.)
Fairlawn
Ohio
Written July 24, 2016
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