Top 10 Things To Do In Linville, North Carolina
Linville is one of North Carolina’s best areas for wilderness lovers. While Linville is only home to 560 residents, it boasts numerous things to do in Linville, with breathtaking sites to explore from hiking to camping to wineries, etc!
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Linville numerous times and love it more and more with each visit. Read below my favorite things to do in Linville, North Carolina!
First… a little about Linville, North Carolina:
Linville is located in western North Carolina, very close to the Tennessee border. It is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is completely surrounded by mountains. This makes Linville a true Appalachia. It’s a wonderful town to visit year-round as each season offers new activities!
This town was established in 1883 and named after William and John Linville, who were both killed and scalped by Native Americans in the late 1700s. Prior to the establishment, this area was called “Clay”.
Now, Linville is known as a gateway to some of the East’s most beautiful natural scenery, and some of the best outdoor activities in the area!
To read more about this area, check out my related blog posts below:
Linville Falls
Website: Linville Falls
Price: Free Entry
*insert heart eyes*
Linville Falls is one of North Carolina’s most beautiful waterfalls! This three-tiered waterfall is the number one most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge and it’s a must see in Linville, North Carolina. The gorge that the falls plunge into is considered the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”.
There are three hiking trails around the falls, giving you a variety of viewpoints.
1. Falls Trail (1 mile roundtrip – easy)
2. Gorge Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip – strenuous)
3. Plunge Basin Trail (1.7 miles roundtrip – moderate)
Linville Caverns
Website: Linville Caverns
Price: $12 per adult
Who knew there were caverns to explore in North Carolina?! Well – there is in fact only ONE cavern open to the public in North Carolina and it is located here in Linville!
Linville Caverns is a unique experience that takes you inside a mountain cave. This 30 minute guided tour gives you history about the discovery of the cave and the rock formations found inside.
In order to get tickets, you need to arrive on property to purchase & reserve your spot. This cannot be done over the phone or in advance. Many people will stop by here first thing in the morning, get a return time for a tour later in the day, and then go explore other parts of Linville.
Note: The Caverns are closed every Tuesday & Wednesday. Plan accordingly!
Linville Falls Winery
Website: Linville Falls Winery
Price: Free Entry, $8+ per glass of wine
Linville Falls Winery feels as if you’ve been transported to Europe. This gorgeous, hillside winery is a must-see while in Linville. Enjoy a variety of wines by trying one of their wine flights and walk through the vineyards to take in the beautiful sites!
On the weekends, this winery can be very crowded. Reservations are not needed, as you can enjoy your wine anywhere on property (ie sitting by the pond, walking around, in the barn, etc).
If you’re visiting during the winter season, you’ll notice that they’ve transformed their barn into “Red Barn Tree Farm” – where you can purchase freshly cut Christmas trees!
Grandfather Mountain
Website: Grandfather Mountain
Price: $22 per person
Grandfather Mountain is an all-day activity for all ages! This park requires paid entrance but provides so many fun activities to do and see. The star of the show is their mile-high swinging bridge – cross it if you dare! Afterward, check out the gift shops, animal exhibits, museums, toffee shop, and more.
The best part about Grandfather Mountain, in my opinion, is the variety of hiking opportunities here! Challenge yourself on a strenuous hike climbing up ladders and pulling yourself up via rope. The views are well worth it!
Read More: Everything You Need To Know Before You Visit Grandfather Mountain
Linn Cove Viaduct
Website: Linn Cove Viaduct
Price: Free
The Linn Cove Viaduct was the last part of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be built due to it’s unique design & engineering. Now, this iconic part of the parkway is the most photographed! In fact, it is so popular that it even has its own visitors center! Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 304.4, just a few miles away from Linville, it is a must see while in the area.
While you cannot stop along the road for pictures, several hikes and overlooks give you a great view of the Linn Cove Viaduct.
The Orchard at Altapass
Website: Orchard at Altapass
Price: Free Entry, $10 per peck of apples
Who doesn’t love fresh apples from a countryside orchard farm?! This seasonal activity is a must-do if you find yourself in Linville in the summer of fall. Orchard at Altapass is open between June 1 – October 31 with numerous activities available for all ages.
Beech Mountain Brewery
Website: Beech Mountain Brewing Company
Price: Free Entry, $5-$8 per beer
North Carolina has over 200 breweries in state, but this brewery is unique in its own way! It’s one of the only breweries in the US that is owned and operated by a ski resort! Thankfully, you do not need to be a guest at the ski resort in order to enjoy this fun brewery.
They have a variety of beers available from IPA, Pale Ale, Kolsch, Hard Cider, etc! Beech Mountain Brewing Company also has rotating seasonal beers that are each unique! Order a flight to sample the many types of beers available!
Note: They’re only open Thursday – Sunday.
Lake James State Park
Website: Lake James State Park
Price: Free Entry, $30+ per night for camping
Lake James State Park is about 20 minutes outside of Linville. It is a beautiful lake nestled between mountains! This is a great activity for those who want to boat, swim, fish, or enjoy the clear waters.
This lake is over 6,800 acres which gives us over 25 miles of hiking trails. There are also (3) different campgrounds on property: Catawaba River (20 campsites), Paddy’s Creek Area (33 campsites), and Long Arm Peninsula (boat-in campground). We personally camped at Paddy’s Creek Area and loved our experience.
Hike to Waterfalls
The iconic Linville Falls is not the only waterfall in this region of western North Carolina. In fact, there are 7 other very popular waterfalls that are accessible via hikes! Each of the hikes listed below are under 3 miles roundtrip and feature beautiful waterfalls. I personally love Catawba Falls!
- Catawba Falls (2.3 miles roundtrip – moderate)
- Crabtree Falls (2.6 miles roundtrip – moderate)
- Duggers Creek Falls (0.4 miles roundtrip – easy)
- Hickory Brand Trail Falls (4 miles roundtrip – strenuous)
- Roaring Fork Falls (1.4 mile roundtrip – easy)
- Setrock Creek Falls (1.4 miles roundtrip – easy)
- Tom’s Creek Falls (1 miles roundtrip – easy)
Skiing at Sugar Mountain
Website: Sugar Mountain
Price: $40 to $100+ per person
If you’re visiting Linville in the winter season, you’re in luck! It’s the best place to ski or snowboard here in NC.
There are a few nearby ski resorts, but the closest (and best) is Sugar Mountain! They even have ice skating, tubing, and snowshoeing so it’s the perfect place for all ages. Be sure to buy tickets in advance as they do sell out of the activities, especially on weekends.
However, if you’re visiting in the summer, it is still worth a visit to Sugar Mountain Resort – you can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, scenic chair lifts, and so much more!
Can you see why I love Linville, NC?! It is truly a great place for outdoor lovers. Linville is beautiful year-round as you can camp in the summer, hike in the fall, ski in the winter, and winery hop in the spring!
Save this post on Pinterest for the Best Things To Do in Linville, NC!
Interested in visiting other western North Carolina cities? Check out my related blog posts below:
BLOWING ROCK/BANNER ELK:
Best Things To Do Around Blowing Rock
Visiting Grandfather Mountain
BRYSON CITY:
15 Things to Do in Bryson City, NC
Treehouse Cabana Soaking Tub Experience
I loved Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain! I just wish I’d explored more of what Linville had to offer! This is an amazing post and I can’t wait to go back to this area😊
We love to find new areas to enjoy the wilderness. I will need to add Linville in North Carolina to the list. It sure does look like fall is a colourful time to visit. I figure we would have to stay for a very long weekend to try all the hikes and outdoor spots. And who would miss the winery?
Catawba waterfalls do not seem real. It looks so so magical.
Such a great post. I just moved to Georgia and I’ve been looking for things to do in the nearby states for long weekends. Thanks so much for sharing. Saving this for later.
Wow, I had no idea Linville had so much natural beauty! I’d love to check out the winery and do some hiking in this beautiful area.
I’d never heard of Linville until I happened upon this post, but you’ve made it sound beautiful and very enticing to visit. I love that there are so many outdoorsy things to do, and those falls look fabulous!