Each month, we’re celebrating North Carolina’s official Year of the Trail by exploring amazing places to hike, bike, walk, and play across the state.
linville gorge
Written in Stone: North Carolina’s Rock Formations
According to Cherokee legend, when the Earth was created, the Great Buzzard flew low over the flat land, his beating wings sculpting mountains and valleys below. Today, science offers its own explanations for our state’s geological marvels.
8 Scenic Drives in the North Carolina Mountains
Need inspiration for your fall leaf-peeping trip? During a drive on these winding scenic byways — with plenty of stops for waterfalls, hikes, museums, delicious food, and gorgeous views along the way — the journey is the destination.
How to Find the Most Magnificent Views of Linville Gorge
When it comes to mountain vistas, nothing compares to the magnificence of Linville Gorge. From gentle strolls to near-vertical climbs, there’s a path for everyone who wants to enjoy some of the state’s most stunning scenery.
Living Cliffside
A retired biology professor at Appalachian State University studies the new species, the rare species, and the really old species that grow on Linville Gorge cliffs.
The Godfather of Linville Gorge Climbing
Joey Henson found that the best way to protect this wild and vital landscape is to conquer it.
The Long Way Back to The Sphinx
Three years after a devastating fall from the side of a mountain in the rocky wilderness of Linville Gorge, an avid hiker returned to the scene to find acceptance and renewal.
From Elizabeth Hudson: The Bigger Picture
Our editor in chief marvels at the awe-inspiring landscape of Linville Gorge as she climbs Shortoff Mountain.
Away Message’s Season 3, Episode 2: A Rescue In The Gorge
On May 7, 2016, a hiker fell hundreds of feet down a mountainside, and ended up in a treacherous spot in North Carolina’s most rugged place. This is the story of a rescue that took hours and a recovery that took months — one that shows how unforgiving the wilderness can be.
