Linville Falls & Duggar Creek Falls (BRP 316)


Linville Falls is a very popular waterfall and for good reason. It's easy access, beautiful setting, and multiple viewpoints and trails make for a nice trip at almost any time of the year. I have been here multiple times personally and each trip has been no less amazing than any of the others. I decided to make this trip on this day because a. I had the day off and b. this was just after hurricane remnants had dumped a ton of rain in the area which, in my thinking, would make an already impressive and beautiful waterfall even more voluminous. I was not disappointed, the falls were absolutely roaring today! 

The parking lot and trailhead are very easy to find as it is well known and well marked from the Blue Ridge Parkway and from another local road which provides a secondary access. I almost always use the BRP access though because of the much easier access to all of the trails and the visitors center and bathrooms located at the trailhead(s). Because it is such a popular area, there is a nice, very large parking area able to accommodate a LOT of vehicles. You have your choice of several viewpoints of the falls with each having their advantages. There is essentially 2 trail systems that travel each side of the river. The visitors center/bathrooms serve as a central point to make your choice in which direction to go. I was feeling great on this particular day, it was cool but not cold, so I aimed to complete all of the trails. 

To the right/through the building is the main trail (Erwin's Trail) that gets used as the trek to Upper Linville Falls is doable by most everyone. This portion of the trail is very wide and an easy stroll to the first viewpoint (~.5 miles). Take a well marked side trail to the left to view Upper Linville Falls and the top of the main Linville Falls drop. This is a nice spot and gives an interesting view of how the river traverses the rock ledge before making the main plunge. If you travel with kids, please watch them closely in this area as the river travels very fast and there has been only 1 successful kayak trip down the falls to my knowledge. Continue on Erwin's trail further up for the easiest view of the main falls, the Chimney View. Again, this view is reached via a side trail to a designated viewing area far above the falls. Once I rested and took pictures I continued on up the mountain up to the end of the trail at Erwin's View. This is a bit higher up and further away but is a different perspective of the main falls and you can see Linville Falls in its entirety here, incorporating the upper falls and the main falls in one view. From the same viewpoint you can also see a nice portion of Linville Gorge towards the right. After a few pictures and video I made my way back towards the trailhead.

I opted to eat a quick snack before taking on the trails on the left side of the river. After my snack, I took the steps to the left of the bathrooms and began climbing up to get to the Plunge Basin view and the Gorge view of the falls. This trail is a bit more difficult than Erwin's Trail on the opposite side of the river. There is plenty of signage directing your way as the trail splits. I opted first to go to the Plunge Basin overlook. This side trail is all downhill to the viewing area that comes out on the gorge wall on the right side of the main falls. You are looking down towards the falls from here. The trail was also quite muddy from all of the recent rain. A few moments here and I made my way back up to the trail split and continued on the Gorge trail. This trail is all downhill from here as you are making your way all the way down the the gorge floor and the river. This trail was quite difficult to navigate, even though it was down hill due to all of the downed trees and debris covering the trail. Once you reach the river, you have to navigate the river's edge to get closer to the falls. I spent a great deal of time here admiring the shear power and beauty of the falls. The river, even at lower water, is quite swift so swimming in this area is prohibited due to the apparent danger, though I have seen several people cliff diving here. I enjoyed a much larger snack while at the river, trying to replenish my energy for the hike back up this steep and strenuous trail.

Once I returned to the visitors center, I walked to the far end of the parking lot for 1 more quick hike, Duggar's Creek Falls. This is a bonus gem of coming here that many visitors to the main falls are unaware of its existence. This is a lovely .3 mile hike that makes a loop with a bridge crossing and nice views of the falls and cascades below it. While the Linville River is not suitable for much playing in the water, Duggar's Creek is a nice area for you or your kiddos to get a little wet. 

Overall, Linville Falls and the area is always a nice visit and well worth it for any of the views you wish to explore. Come earlier in the day for fewer people.

Total Miles: 6.1 - this includes all views/trails of the main falls, exploring around the river at the bottom of the falls, and Duggar's Creek Falls. Easy, Moderate, and Strenuous, all depending on the trails you choose to explore.

Features: Waterfalls

Overall rating: 5/5

















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