Linville Gorge, NC --> Nov. 30 - Dec. 2

**gfstanley** · 11-18-2018, 13:52

A backpacking buddy and I are wanting to backpack some in the Gorge Nov. 30 - Dec. 2. This will be our 3rd attempt after the first 2 were interrupted by illness and truck wreck about 1 hour out from the Gorge. Here is our tentative plan:

1. Park at Spence Ridge Trailhead around 12:00 Friday, Nov. 30
2. South on MST connector to Table Rock (~1.2 miles)
3. Continue South through the Chimneys, NC Wall, Ampitheatre, and back toward Table Rock (~3 miles)
4. Camp somewhere on the route of #3 (suggestions welcomed!)
5. Saturday, Dec. 1, Little Table Rock to Spence Ridge down to the river (~2 miles)
6. Camp somewhere near the river (suggestions welcomed!)
7. Sunday, Dec. 2, Spence Ridge Trail back to car (1.3 miles)

We want to camp (5 people in hammocks) one night on the rim and one night near the river and would like suggestions somewhere on item #3 above that would be reasonably protected from the wind.

I'm hoping the above route will allow for some "lollygagging" to enjoy the views without having the primary goal of just covering miles to reach camp. Any suggestions on "don't miss" spots or other advice is very welcomed.

I have posted this report on linvillegorge.net as well so I can get as much feedback/suggestions as possible.

**TrailSlug** · 11-18-2018, 15:18

Now this looks like a group I could hike with with the modest miles. I see so many people try to do too many miles in the Gorge and then hate it. Enjoy your trip and be sure to give us an update. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and you guys have a good trip.

**gfstanley** · 11-21-2018, 19:49

After a little more research, We’re thinking of camping at the camp where Ampitheater intersects MST or at saddle camp on Friday night. That will give us about a 4 mile Fri, 5-6 mile Sat, 1-2 mile Sun. Any suggestions or preference of one versus the other when considering space (5 hammocks), water source, views, wind exposure, etc?

**Rat Mama** · 11-29-2018, 07:47

Bring rain gear for Saturday . . . .70-80% change of rain . . .

**clusterone** · 11-29-2018, 17:29

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

Now this looks like a group I could hike with with the modest miles. I see so many people try to do too many miles in the Gorge and then hate it. Enjoy your trip and be sure to give us an update. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and you guys have a good trip.

They are not kidding when they say plan to go about 1MPH(average). I did not believe it, until actually making it to the Gorge!

**brianb** · 11-30-2018, 00:06

Linville Gorge is a nasty bunch of trails full of ankle breaking, windy, rainy, and bear infested treks. There’s a few die hards that love that place but there are nicer spots around NC. If you head out have fun, but watch for drop offs.

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