Linville Falls

The Linville River flows from its headwaters high on the steep slopes of Grandfather Mountain and cascades through two falls as it begins a nearly 2,000 foot descent through this rugged and spectacularly beautiful gorge. Known by the Cherokee as “the river of many cliffs,” Linville Gorge was the nation’s first officially designated wilderness area. Linville Falls is probably the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina. 

Linville Falls Landscape
Waterfalls in the Mountains

Linville Falls in North Carolina

Linville Falls is a waterfall located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The falls move in several distinct steps, beginning in a twin set of upper falls, moving down a small gorge, and culminating in a high-volume 45-foot drop. It is named for the Linville River, which goes over the falls.

Linville Falls in North Carolina