Linville Gorge Wilderness – Image Gallery
Linville Gorge Wilderness
The Linville Gorge Wilderness is a rugged and remote wilderness area known for its dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and pristine forests in western North Carolina.
Details
Linville Gorge Wilderness
The Linville Gorge Wilderness is located in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. It is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" due to its rugged terrain and stunning views. The gorge is approximately 12 miles long and reaches depths of up to 1,400 feet, making it one of the deepest gorges in the eastern United States.Features
The Linville Gorge Wilderness is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. The area is covered in lush forests of oak, hickory, and pine trees, and is home to a variety of wildlife including black bears, deer, and a wide range of bird species. The Linville River runs through the gorge, providing a vital water source for the plants and animals that call this area home. The wilderness area is also popular among outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and camping. There are over 39 miles of trails that wind through the gorge, offering hikers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Rock climbers flock to the area to tackle the challenging cliffs and rock faces that line the gorge.Ecological Significance
The Linville Gorge Wilderness is an ecologically significant area, home to a number of rare and endangered plant species. The gorge provides a unique habitat for these plants, as well as a variety of wildlife that rely on the diverse plant life for food and shelter. The wilderness area is also important for its role in protecting water quality. The Linville River, which flows through the gorge, is a tributary of the Catawba River, which provides drinking water to millions of people in the region. By preserving the wilderness area, we are also protecting the water quality of these important rivers. In addition, the Linville Gorge Wilderness provides a valuable opportunity for research and education. Scientists and students study the unique ecosystems found in the gorge, helping to further our understanding of the natural world and the importance of preserving these wild places for future generations.Linville Gorge Wilderness
Points of Interest
1. Linville Falls
Linville Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Linville Gorge Wilderness. The waterfall is a popular spot for visitors to hike to and offers several different viewpoints to admire its beauty. There are several trails that lead to the falls, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate. The main attraction is the 90-foot waterfall that cascades into the Linville Gorge below.
2. Wiseman's View
Wiseman's View is a popular overlook in the Linville Gorge Wilderness that offers breathtaking views of the gorge below. Visitors can see the Linville River winding its way through the rugged terrain, as well as the surrounding mountains and forests. The overlook is accessible by a short hike from the parking area and is a great spot for photography and picnicking.
3. Table Rock Mountain
Table Rock Mountain is a prominent peak in the Linville Gorge Wilderness that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers, with several trails leading to the summit. From the top, visitors can see for miles in every direction, including views of Linville Gorge, Grandfather Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
4. Linville Gorge Trail
The Linville Gorge Trail is a challenging hike that traverses the entire length of the Linville Gorge Wilderness. The trail is approximately 13 miles long and follows the rim of the gorge, offering stunning views of the rugged terrain below. Hikers can choose to do the entire trail as a multi-day backpacking trip or opt for shorter day hikes along sections of the trail.
5. Shortoff Mountain
Shortoff Mountain is another popular peak in the Linville Gorge Wilderness that offers incredible views of the surrounding area. The mountain is known for its exposed cliffs and rock formations, making it a favorite spot for rock climbers. Hikers can also enjoy the views from the summit by following the Shortoff Mountain Trail, which offers a challenging but rewarding hike to the top.
Linville Gorge Wilderness – Images
Description: Original uploader: Babel Tower at Linville Gorge Wilderness taken spring, 1989. Edit from anonymous IP: Photo is not Babel Tower. It MAY be the Chimney just downstream of Linville Falls.. Geotaging would be helpful. Edit from another anonymous IP: I agree. It doesn't look like Babel Tower, even from the air.
Image by Badgettrg at English Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 2.5 – Wikimedia
Description: Hawskbill Mountain as seen from Dogback Mountain.
Image by Tsimmons – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia
Description: my photo. Linville Gorge from Wiseman's View (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
Image by No machine-readable author provided. Amcbride~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Scale ca. 1:24,000; 1ʺ = .38 mile. Folded title: Linville Gorge Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. "Contour interval 40 ft." Includes location map. Text and illus. on verso. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.
Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Botanists with the Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service recently visited the Linville Gorge area of Pisgah National Forest to monitor the threatened mountain golden heather and it’s response to recent fire. The plant is adapted to fire, which biologists believe helps control the plant’s competitors. A significant threat at heavily-visited sites is simple trampling by hikers and rock climbers unaware of the plant under their feet and its significance. One way you can help mountain golden heather is joining countless hikers in heeding area-closed signs on public lands, which often mark fragile habitats or species easily damaged by foot traffic. Photo credit: Gary Peeples/USFWS
Image by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Botanists with the Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service recently visited the Linville Gorge area of Pisgah National Forest to monitor the threatened mountain golden heather and it’s response to recent fire. The plant is adapted to fire, which biologists believe helps control the plant’s competitors. A significant threat at heavily-visited sites is simple trampling by hikers and rock climbers unaware of the plant under their feet and its significance. One way you can help mountain golden heather is joining countless hikers in heeding area-closed signs on public lands, which often mark fragile habitats or species easily damaged by foot traffic. Photo credit: Gary Peeples/USFWS
Image by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Botanists with the Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service recently visited the Linville Gorge area of Pisgah National Forest to monitor the threatened mountain golden heather and it’s response to recent fire. The plant is adapted to fire, which biologists believe helps control the plant’s competitors. A significant threat at heavily-visited sites is simple trampling by hikers and rock climbers unaware of the plant under their feet and its significance. One way you can help mountain golden heather is joining countless hikers in heeding area-closed signs on public lands, which often mark fragile habitats or species easily damaged by foot traffic. Photo credit: Gary Peeples/USFWS
Image by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Linville River and falls Mitchell county North Carolina
Image by Unknown authorUnknown author – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Sunrise At Wiseman's View, North Carolina
Image by Jdshepard at en.wikipedia – Public domain – Wikimedia
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