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Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 303 Google reviews · Running trail in Morganton, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 2.2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Linville Gorge Wilderness Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This scenic gorge in Pisgah National Forest features rock formations, hiking trails & camping areas.
What runners say about Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
“It has so much to offer, from all the falls to explore, to the many trails either up to the top of a beautiful mountain peak, or down to the bottom to explore the Linville river.”
“Hikes of all levels and difficulty are available here but most will have you descending into the gorge or up to an overlook, or both!”
I highly enjoyed the Linville Gorge trail heading down to the waterfalls vs. going across the river and up to the top views!! The view of the waterfall is just 100x better down here. Turn left before walking through the visitor center and up the stairs to find this trail!
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.
Each trail has a phenomenal view of the gorge below. The waterfalls are breathtaking and the river is a calming oasis. One of my best hikes in NC.
Absolutely beautiful! Nature at its best. The trails are easy to find, clear and relatively easy to hike. Pet friendly for the most part in terms of navigability. Temps were in the mid 40’s - mid 50’s in the morning (Sep 2024). A must see if you’re in the western part of the state.
Trail conditions & character
“It has so much to offer, from all the falls to explore, to the many trails either up to the top of a beautiful mountain peak, or down to the bottom to explore the Linville river.”
“The trailhead markings (or lack thereof) get a 1.”
“There's a small hike to the falls up hills uneven ground tree roots and rocks so wear comfortable shoes lol.”
“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 & steep ascents.”
Plan your run at Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance2.2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 828-257-4200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Morganton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Spence Ridge Trailhead
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Table Rock Summit Trail
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The Chimneys
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Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
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