| Below
are places we saw along the way with links to separate pages, if applicable. |
| Mile-post |
Attraction |
| 316 |
 |
Linville
Falls Campground |
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On
the banks of the Linville River - the Parkway’s smallest and
most popular campground. Once exiting the Parkway, the visitor's center
is 1/2 mile and the campground is 1.5 miles. There's an overlook (River
Bend Overlook) on the way that's RV friendly and a beautiful stop. |
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It
wasn't time for an overnight stop when I got to Linville Falls
Campground, but I drove through to check it out anyway. This
is the entrance to Area A. The first pull-through you see on
the left is A-6. |
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Info
on the NPS website says there are only 20 RV sites here, but
that must be outdated info. These sites in Area B (#36-#39)
may be a bit smaller, but most would fit RVs of various sizes.
The site map shows both areas (total of 70 sites - some double-wides)
available for RVs and tents. |
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I
was pleasantly surprised to meet Alisa again - she had checked
me in when I stayed at Crabtree Meadows. Her job title is
"Visitor Use Assistant" and I can attest that she
was an excellent assistant to this visitor. She told me all
about the trails and answered all my questions patiently.
When I complimented her on her helpfulness, she said, "I
have the best job in the whole world" and that she just
loves helping people make the most of their visit to the Parkway.
And I appreciate this kind of service and attitude!
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Visitor
Center - Start of trails to overlook two falls and gorge. Linville
Falls is the most famous waterfall in the Blue Ridge. Allow 1 -
3 hours - Upper Falls (Linville Falls Trail) - 10-12' high into
a pool; Lower Falls (Linville Gorge Trail) - 80' into the gorge.
Plan on 45 min. to hike to those 2 falls.
Linville
Falls Picnic Area is RV friendly with plenty parking and turn-around
area - is very pretty and shaded.
|
| 312 |
Although
the view of Grandfather Mountain is at the Parkway's Milepost 306,
you need to exit here (if you're heading north) and take SR 181 and
US 281 and go through the town of Linville to get there for a visit. |
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| This
is where I chose to stay to explore Grandfather Mountain
and enjoy having full hookups again for a while and get
caught up on laundry, shopping, etc. Definitely a recommended
stop! Click link above for pics of my visit there. |
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| I
had been looking forward to this since first seeing the
brochure in 2001. Don't miss it if at all possible. Click
link above for pics of my visit there. |
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|
| 308 |
Flat
Rock Trail - An easy self-guiding loop - .63 miles |
| 306 |
Grandfather
Mountain Overlook - According to the NPs site, "one of the best
southern views of Grandfather Mountain. You might notice how the mountain
also resembles the head of a hawk--which also explains the Cherokee
name "Tanawa" meaning hawk." When I passed by here,
I didn't see the resemblance to either one, although the outline of
grandfather was easily seen from Grandfather Campground. |
| 304 |
| Linn
Cove Viaduct |
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|
I
had seen this picture countless times while researching the
parkway - sometimes with rhododendron in the foreground and
other times with brilliantly colored fall leaves. Unfortunately
neither was here to decorate it when I passed through, but
the view was still phenomenal.
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This
bridge was engineered to wrap around the mountain, not cut
into it to minimize the impact on the fragile environment
here. There's good RV parking at the Linn Cove visitor's center.
Ask there exactly where to go to get this shot. You can also
hike down a trail to get a view of the underbelly of the viaduct.
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Click
arrow for next page of Parkway
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