This Hike Through North Carolina’s Very Own Grand Canyon May Be The Best On Earth
Hiking enthusiasts know the thrill of the adventure is usually worth the extra efforts exerted along the way. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, there’s a huge payoff at the end of the trail, if you can just hang in there for the climax. But hiking through North Carolina’s very own Grand Canyon, the payoff is found along the entire trail. Just being enveloped by the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is an experience that rivals anything on the East Coast. The gorge is one of only two in the Southeast, and is comprised of more than 11,000 acres flanking the Linville River, sometimes at heights of more than 1,400 feet.
As experience hikers in the gorge have discovered, no two trails are redundant, and most of the treks are not for the novice hiker — including Babel Tower Trail. This 2.4 mile out-and-back hike takes you all the way to the bottom of the gorge so you can dip your feet in the water when you get there.
And getting there is an adventure you'll likely never forget. You'll find yourself on some seriously narrow and rocky trails as you make your way down into the gorge.
From the trail head, you'll be climbing downward for approximately 800 feet — which means you'll have that same elevation gain getting back out of the gorge.
Fortunately, in addition to the overall experience of just making it in and OUT of the Grand Canyon of North Carolina, you'll also get an amazing view of the gorge from the vantage point of the river.
Now, getting out is another story. Those rocks (and boulders) you may have easily scrambled over on the way down will look much bigger on the way up. Bring plenty of water and allow extra time to make your way back up the trail.
Once you're back out of the gorge, there is another much shorter and easier trail from the parking area. It's a mere .02 mile each way and leads to an overlook called Wiseman's View.
Hiking all the way to the bottom of the Grand Canyon of the South is not for the faint of heart. The trail to Babel Tower and the Linville River is 2.4 miles of solid up or down terrain, but the trail and the destination(s) make it worth the effort if you’re up for the challenge. If you’d rather play it safe and just admire the gorge from above, then head to the path that leads to Wiseman’s View. Directions to Babel Tower trail can be found at this link; directions to Wiseman’s View can be found at this link. Are you ready for what may be the adventure of a lifetime?
Robin Jarvis is a travel and entertainment writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She spent more than two decades living on the coast in South Carolina and currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina - although she still makes it back to see family in South Carolina quite often. When she's not working, she loves to hike, kayak, and check out new adventures. Get in touch at [email protected]
Love North Carolina?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
