Linville Falls
- Height
- 45 ft
- Hike
- 1.6 mi round trip
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
Linville Falls drops about 45 ft on Linville River in Burke County, North Carolina. Reaching it is a 1.6 mi hike round trip.
Closures and warnings
Hurricane Helene damaged facilities and trails (Sep 2024). Swimming in the Linville River and climbing on rocks is not allowed. Entering the river between upper and lower falls is prohibited (NPS compendium). As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 45 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow note | Two-tiered falls: upper falls spill gently, then the river plunges 45 ft over the lower falls into Linville Gorge. |
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Jumping | Prohibited |
Access
| Hike | 1.6 mi round trip |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Parking | Access via USFS gravel parking on Old NC 105 / Kistler Memorial Highway for Linville Falls trails (MP 316.4). NPS visitor center demolished after Helene. |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Seasonal closure | Visitor center destroyed; campground and picnic area closed after Helene (Sep 2024). Falls accessible with limited services; check NPS trail status. |
| Managed by | National Park Service (Blue Ridge Parkway) |
| Picnic sites | No |
|---|---|
| Note | Portable toilets only while facilities are rebuilt; picnic area closed (NPS recovery news, Aug 2026). |
Rules
| Camping | Not allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Linville Falls open?
Hurricane Helene damaged facilities and trails (Sep 2024). Swimming in the Linville River and climbing on rocks is not allowed. Entering the river between upper and lower falls is prohibited (NPS compendium). As of September 28, 2026. Seasonal closure: Visitor center destroyed; campground and picnic area closed after Helene (Sep 2024). Falls accessible with limited services; check NPS trail status.
How tall is Linville Falls?
Linville Falls drops about 45 ft.
Can you swim at Linville Falls?
No, swimming is not allowed at Linville Falls.
How long is the hike to Linville Falls?
It's a 1.6 mi hike round trip. The road in is paved. Parking: Access via USFS gravel parking on Old NC 105 / Kistler Memorial Highway for Linville Falls trails (MP 316.4). NPS visitor center demolished after Helene.
Do you need a reservation for Linville Falls?
No reservation or permit is required.
When is Linville Falls flowing?
Two-tiered falls: upper falls spill gently, then the river plunges 45 ft over the lower falls into Linville Gorge.
What facilities are at Linville Falls?
No picnic sites. Portable toilets only while facilities are rebuilt; picnic area closed (NPS recovery news, Aug 2026).
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Linville Falls is inside Blue Ridge Parkway .
Just outside: National Forests in North Carolina (0.2 mi) , Linville Gorge Wilderness (0.3 mi) .
Sources
6
- https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-trails.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / waterfall.heightFt, waterfall.ephemeral false / waterbodyName)
- https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/nc-trails.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.parking)
- https://www.nps.gov/blri/learn/news/blue-ridge-parkway-seeks-public-input-on-linville-falls-recovery-plan.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.seasonalClosure / amenities.note / picnicSites false, rules.camping)
- https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=137825 (accessed September 28, 2026; backs hazardNote / access.seasonalClosure)
- https://www.nps.gov/blri/learn/management/compendium-cfr-3-21.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed)
- https://nps.gov/blri/learn/management/compendium-cfr-1-5.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs hazardNote)
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