Linville, North Carolina
Linville, North Carolina is a great destination for those looking to get out and explore. From scenic trails to must-visit attractions, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the area's natural beauty. Popular activities include hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and camping. Popular attractions in and near the area include Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Gorge, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. With its stunning views and great opportunities to explore, Linville is a great destination for outdoor adventurers.
Top Spots in and near Linville
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Bristol, Tennessee
Bouton Loop Trail
5.01.45 mi / 157 ft gainThe Bouton Trail Loop is an approximately 1.5 mile round trip on TVA land. There is a gravel parking lot with an information sign and trail map. Sections of the trail are gravel and sections are dirt. There are multiple places along the trail that cut off and lead down to the river for prime fish...Read more -
Bluff City, Tennessee
Spelunk Worley's Cave
5.03.5 mi / 100 ft gainWorley’s Cave, also known as Morrill Cave, lies just outside of Boone across the Tennessee border. It is the second longest cave in the state of Tennessee at a whopping 4.4 miles in total length. It is a non-lit cavern that’s path is lit only by those who venture in its depths (i.e. headlamps, la...Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Explore the South Holston Dam
5.0Coming from US-421 turn off on Emmett Rd and keep left to get on Holston View Dam Rd and continue straight on this road by the river. There are parking spaces by the river below the dam and short easy trails to walk on next to the river. You’ll see fly fishers in the river below the dam on early ...Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Emmett Trail
5.02.16 mi / 194 ft gainThe Emmett Trail is one of the TVA South Holston Tailwater Trails. This trail began as a footpath created by anglers. The trail now has gravel, which makes for easier access for families and pets. The trailhead begins on Piney Hill Road where it the traverses down to the waters edge and leads to ...Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Osceola Island Loop
5.01.52 mi / 95 ft gainThe Osceola Island Loop is a 1.50 mile gravel loop on an island in the South Holston River. There are multiple benches along the loop to stop and observe the wildlife. Fishing is a common activity along the edge of the trail. There is a large parking area and bathrooms at the start of the trail.Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Tailwater Trail
5.00.95 mi / 30 ft gainThe TVA Tailwater Trail is a 0.5 mile trail along the east side of South Fork Holston River. The trail is dirt and ends in an incline. Along the edge of the river, there are views of the distant Holston Mountain. This trail provides access to the river for fishing. It is located near the Emmett T...Read more -
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Sawtooth Campground via Chestnut Knob Trail
5.06.18 mi / 1299 ft gainThis 6.2-mile total trip will take you through the highlights of South Mountains State Park with an overnight stay in one of the drier campsites. OPTIONAL: You can get a warm-up in by starting with a 2.5-mile loop to High Shoal Falls that you can do without packs before picking up with a 3-mile...Read more -
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
High Shoals Falls
4.62.47 mi / 617 ft gainFrom the Jacob Fork parking area in South Mountains State Park, it is a short 1 mile walk over the Jacob River to the High Shoals Waterfall (80'). If you choose to continue past the observation deck, High Shoals Falls Trail (blue circle) climbs up above the waterfall, crossing the river. Keep rig...Read more -
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail
4.83 mi / 1043 ft gainHigh Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.Read more -
Hickory, North Carolina
Geitner Rotary Park Loop
5.02.65 mi / 354 ft gainGeitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.Read more -
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Chestnut Knob via River Trail
4.05.9 mi / 1115 ft gainThe journey begins at the Cicero Branch Parking Area along South Mountain Road, following Jacob Fork River Trail. The trail runs along the Fork before ascending Chestnut Knob. After completing the trail, you will find yourself on the highest peak of the South Mountain chain, where there are breat...Read more -
Bluff City, Tennessee
Kayak or SUP the South Fork
5.0There is a mud parking area on Lakeview Drive underneath the 11E bridges with a cleared mud parking area with access to the the South Fork of the Holston River. There is a gradual drop to the water where kayaks, canoes, or SUPs can be placed in the water. To the east, the river is more narrow at ...Read more -
Shady Valley, Tennessee
Explore Backbone Rock and Falls
4.7First, from the parking lot, there is a trail which climbs up to walk on top of the rock. The top of the rock is narrow, but has hand rails to hold on to. Once finished walking on top of the rock, cross the road (be extremely careful) and walk away from the tunnel. Here is a good angle to take a...Read more -
Barnardsville, North Carolina
Douglas Falls
5.01.11 mi / 125 ft gainThe trail begins at the back of the parking area and is marked by a trail sign. Once on the trail, it is a straight shot to the waterfall with no turnoffs. Overall the trail is very easy and is a slight descent all the way down. Around .3 miles into the trail you enter a forest of now-dead hemloc...Read more -
Johnson City, Tennessee
Kayak or SUP at Picken’s Bridge
5.0Picken's Bridge has a parking area and boat drop that is accessible to place kayaks or paddle boards. From the boat drop there is a large open area of the lake to paddle around and explore. Northwest from the boat drop there are some cliffs that can easily be climbed up to cliff jump. Please rem...Read more -
Old Fort, North Carolina
Catawba Falls
4.82.19 mi / 394 ft gainPlease note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov. This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or ...Read more
