Linville Gorge Directions

From I-40

Exit 105, turn north on 18. Travel north 3 miles to the city of Morganton and bear left on 181 north. Just before leaving town, there is a Food Lion (groceries) and a K-Mart on the right. Continue another 20 miles north.

After climbing the mountain and passing the Brown Mountain Overlook, you enter the town of Jonas Ridge. 

To access the eastern trails turn left at the "Table Rock Picnic Area" sign. After turning, take another left at the second "Table Rock Picnic Area" sign. Continue down the dirt road and use your map to locate the trails.

To access the western trails continue north on 181 and turn left on 183. A mile and a half down the road turn left on the dirt Kistler Memorial Highway. Use your map to locate the marked trail heads of your hikes. Parking areas for trails that lead to the falls are on your immediate left.

*Note: The first two miles of the Kistler Memorial Highway is suitable for cars that drive slowly. After that point the road becomes very rough and is suitable for high clearance four wheel drive vehicles.

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PERMITS

A permit is required to camp in Linville Gorge on weekends from May first to October thirty first.

Obtain your permit from Hansel at the permit office on the Kistler Memorial Highway. Always pleasant he'll offer you piece of candy and his extensive knowledge of the gorge. He'll also issue you a permit.

For permit information:

District Ranger
U.S. Forest Service

(828) 257- 4200      Fax (828) 257-4263

160A Zillicoa St. 

 Asheville, NC 28802

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