Spence Ridge, Linville Gorge

[Hikenpaddleboy]

Does any one know if the bridge has been rebuilt at the end of the Spence Ridge trail down by the Linville River?

[WV]

I suggest you try LinnvilleGorge.net.

[Shug]

Bridge is still out as far as I know. Some folks cross the rocks down there. All depends on water level. Take heed~
Shug

[Twistytee]

Shug is correct. It has not been rebuilt and Forest Service has no budget nor publicly disclosed plans to replace it. Best to cross at the walkway near the falls visitor center or along the MST on the southern boundary. Or check the USGS water levels and swim across/rock hop at Spence Ridge if flow is below 200 cfs. Warning - this gauge does spike dramatically after a rain event.

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitorin...owMedian=false

[mistone]

From what I've heard, they're not going to rebuild the bridge

[Dvankirk]

Crossing at spence isn't too bad if the water levels are below 200cfm like Twistytee said. Some people try to rock hop close to where the bridge was, but there is a wider shallower crossing about 75 yards down river that is less dangerous (I have tried to hop and have slipped several times). You will get wet up to your knees, though. If the flow is up and you have to cross, I have taken off my pack and clothes and swam across the pool just upstream from where the bridge was (even did it once in February).

When doing the ITAYG loop, I often like to start at Wolfpit so that I can turn around and go back if I need to if the crossing at Spence is too rough. It is about the half way point of the loop when starting at Wolfpit. Headed out to do the loop this weekend.