The Linville Gorge Wilderness is a Federal wilderness area in western North Carolina managed by the US Forest Service. The Gorge comprises 11,786 acres around the Linville River, and is situated inside the Pisgah National Forest. This wilderness area is a haven for lovers of adventure and nature.
After driving a very long forest service gravel road, we found that the Table Rock picnic area where the trail head is located, was closed for the season. We parked outside the gate and began our adventure walking the remaining 1.5 mile distance to the trailhead.
Parking outside the gate, red car is ours. Away we go, with Table Rock Mtn. in the distance.
When we arrived, at the trailhead, it was located beside a pretty, but quaint picnic area, the trail was obvious, and in good shape.
We began our climb up, and were soon reworded with great views of the gorge.
The trail was in great condition.
One of my favorite views along the trail.
We reached the summit, and found what was left of the benchmark.
The view from the top did not disappoint. After taking the obligatory summit photos, we headed back down the trail.
The hike up was just over a mile, but with a lot of elevation gain. Hiking on the way down, we found a spur trail to what is known as the Devil's Cellar below Table Rock. To us, this was more spectacular that the Table Summit. It was stunning.
Incredible
The geology here is unmatched.
Nature has a way of making one feel small.
After exploring what we could of the Devil's Cellar, and finding the geocache that is hidden there, we continued on down the mountain. Our vehicle was a welcome sight even though it was by now covered in dust.
All total, 5.34 miles.
We then headed into nearby Morganton NC, for what has become our post hike tradition. Enjoying a local craft beer. This time we stopped at Brown Mountain Bottleworks (highly recommend) and enjoyed a Porter from a brewery called the Lazy Hiker, and later enjoyed a good pasta dinner at a downtown restaurant.
It was a great day.
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