Many people travel to see the Grand Canyon on a daily basis. Hundreds, thousands, for a glimpse at the breathtaking sight. While Arizona might be quite a far drive from North Carolina, we have our very own "North Carolina Grand Canyon" in gorgeous North Carolina style. Not many people know the Grand Canyon of the East is actually right here in the Tar Heel state.
Linville Gorge is one of America's most scenic and rugged gorges. With dense forest land and Linville River running through the valley - it's a breathtaking sight.
The Linville River's high source on Grandfather Mountain formed the gorge. The high walls of the gorge enclose the river for 12 miles. The elevation averages 3,400 ft. on the gorge and 2,000 ft. along the river.
The gorge is formed by Linville Mountain on the west and Jonas Ridge on the east. With many rugged rock outcroppings, Jonas Ridge is home to rock formations including Sitting Bear, Hawksbill, Table Rock, and the Chimneys.
The Linville Gorge Wilderness area is the 3rd largest in North Carolina and only one of two in the southern United States. It consists of an astonishing 12,002 acres.
Behind the gorge is the popular Linville Falls. It's no wonder many flock here for a day or weekend, there's plenty of great hikes to choose from...with gorgeous waterfall views included in each hike. For a comprehensive guide to Linville Falls, our guide
Linville Gorge truly is a breathtaking place, that promises gorgeous views wherever your hike takes you. While these photos are gorgeous - it's one of those places you HAVE to see in person. Photos just don't do it justice. I can promise one thing though, our very own Grand Canyon will take your breath away!
There's nowhere else in North Carolina like Linville Gorge. Have you ever been here?
The Little Known Cave In North Carolina That Everyone Should Explore At Least Once
Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina offers 18 miles of hiking trails, including an easy trail to Tory's Den cave, a historic hiding spot for British Loyalists.
North Carolina is one of my favorite spots to visit. When most people (tourists and residents alike) visit North Carolina's famous Hanging Rock State Park, caves aren't at the forefront of their minds. The park is widely known for the cliff locations found within that offer far-reaching views of the surrounding area. The mountain cliffs found here are part of the easternmost mountains in the state, the Sauratown Mountains, as opposed to the Blue Ridge Mountains found farther west. However, the park is also home to one of the most interesting caves in North Carolina.
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Many people head to Hanging Rock State Park to explore the famous Hanging Rock to take photos. It can be an exhilarating experience; if you're not afraid of heights!
But did you know there are 18 miles of hiking trails in this state park, including one that leads to one of the most interesting caves in North Carolina?
What's more... the trail to Tory's Den in North Carolina (the cave) is a mere four-tenths of a mile! The trail is rated "easy" and it takes only minutes to reach the cave.
The cave and the rock outcroppings at Tory's Den are said to have been the hiding spot of British Loyalists during the Revolutionary War. As you make your way to Tory's Den, you may get a sense of the role the area played in history. Be sure to take a lot of Tory's Den photos while you are here.
A set of rock stairs leads down the side of the mountain and circles around to the entrance of the cave. The natural surroundings almost completely camouflage the entrance.
Go ahead, go inside one of the best caves in North Carolina! You'll find the tallest part of the cave is likely high enough for you to be able to stand up entirely. Can you feel the presence of the British Loyalists who once sought shelter inside this secret cave in the mountains?
One of the best caves in North Carolina offers official tours in a wonderland of odd twists, turns, formations, and colorful spectacles - all found deep within the recesses of Humpback Mountain. Oddly enough, each year millions of people drive right over the top of Linville Caverns without realizing it because the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses the eastern slope of Humpback Mountain. Although you will be twisting and maneuvering around the cave the space is fairly open as far as the underground goes. So many people should seek this cavern and enjoy the amazing rock formations that await you inside.
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As you traverse the beautiful mountains in Western North Carolina most likely little thought goes into what might be under your feet. It's reasonable to assume that the ground you stand on is a massive solid rock but hidden away in the Blue Ridge mountains is a geological wonderland that is well worth exploring.
Over on the Humpback Mountain's western slope, Linville Caverns offers visitors and locals a peek inside a limestone cavern worn down by acidic groundwater since long lost ancient years eroded the limestone away to slowly create the caverns.
The beauty of the caverns is the many subterranean features found along the 35-minute tour through the underground world.
Marvel at the glorious features found throughout the cave as the knowledgeable tour guide brings you through the cave. The tour is a one-way in and a one-way out so if you miss something on the first go around you are sure to catch it on the way back. The cave also features dripping water so chances are you may get a little wet along the way.
Visitors even get to see an underground trout stream, which one could speculate is the only known underground trout stream in the Tar Heel State.
Back in the early 1800s, it was this underground trout stream that led a group on a fishing expedition to discover the caverns. They noticed trout emerging from what appeared to be solid rock, but after some exploration, it was soon discovered there was so much more than just a stream inside the mountain.
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The caverns first opened as a private attraction in 1937 and is still open to this day for 35-minute guided tours.
Even though the cave is open for tours all year long, be sure to check the website (Link below) before you take off for your journey. They will operate special seasonal hours during part of the year so you will just simply want to check before you go.
It's a privately owned, family business that takes pride in giving visitors a chance to visit one of North Carolina's best cave tours.
Here are a few quick tips for exploring the cave; the cave stays a consistent 52 degrees year round so it is recommended to bring a sweatshirt or possibly even a rain jacket because there is active dripping water. Stollers and back-facing infant carriers are not allowed, however, guests can use a front-facing baby carrier. Also if you have ever wanted to bring your small dog into a cave, this might be one of your only chances because if your furry friend is small enough to hold you can carry your doggie during the cave tour.
If you want to explore this cave then you will need to get your ticket for a cave tour. Tours leave every 10 minutes and are limited to 15 people per tour, which includes children. There is no internet access in the remote location of the cave so tickets are sold in person at the door. They are on a first-come first-serve basis but you can always purchase a ticket for a later tour and adventure in the mountains before your tour time comes.
Tickets are sold on-site only. Find more information, see the official website for Linville Caverns.
Have you toured one of the best caves in North Carolina before? We'd love to hear about your experience so feel free to join the discussion.
Even though the official address for Linville Caverns is in Marion, the caverns are found within a 15-minute drive from another bucket list wonder in North Carolina: Linville Falls. Linville Caverns make for a great stop on a road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speaking of the Blue Ridge Parkway have you ever wondered what makes those mountains blue? Check out this video to find out.
