Linville Gorge 1st timer

[Hikenpaddleboy]

I am planning on a trip to the area this spring and want to backpack a one or two night trip. I am an experienced hammock backpacker, but the other person on the trip is not.

I am looking for trip suggestions: What might be a good route that we could take? Do the trails there have designated campsites, or is it a disperesed camping set up?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Shug]

I am planning on a trip to the area this spring and want to backpack a one or two night trip. I am an experienced hammock backpacker, but the other person on the trip is not.

I am looking for trip suggestions: What might be a good route that we could take? Do the trails there have designated campsites, or is it a disperesed camping set up?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Good first one is down Conley Cove...south on Linville River Trail. Especially if your friend is inexperienced. Or just double back and back up Conley. Also Shortoff Mountain up from Wolfpit parking. Some of the best views of the Gorge from up there. Conley down by the river and Shortoff up on the mountain.
Lots of camping that way. You will see fire pits to give you a clue where to camp.
Shug

[SubaruWx]

For a first visit, Shortoff up to the Chimneys and back is a good 2 night trip with a good collection of the best views. The trail from Saddle Gap up to the Chimneys is being redone and should be a much nicer tread now. The road up to Table Rock parking lot is closed for winter, or I’d recommend starting there. Check out the community maintained maps at https://www.lgmaps.org/ for campsites and water spots.

if you want to go down into the Gorge and the river, then Babel Tower and Conley on the west side are better trails to enter and exit.

Linville Gorge is a great experience, but many of the trails can be slow and challenging. Really fast hikers manage only 2 mph. It took me an hour to hike 1 mile on PinchIn… going downhill.

[Hikenpaddleboy]

Thanks for the info Shug! I'll start looking for trail maps now.

[Hikenpaddleboy]

Thanks for the info! Ill look into the areas.