Linville Falls

With another beautiful Saturday happening, I wanted to get out and enjoy a nice ride before the weather starts to get too hot (not that the heat would stop me anyway). The high was supposed to be 86 but also there is lower humidity so it makes for a perfect combination to get out and ride.

I have lived in NC for over 22 years and never actually visited Linville Falls. I have been in the area many times but never to the actual falls. Well today was the day. Drive up there and do some really nice twisties and take a hike to the falls.

The boring part of this ride is getting on the other side of Charlotte/Lake Norman (think West of I-77). I met another rider in Belmont and that is where we started out from. The goal is to get to Morganton so you can pick up Route 181. This is a fun ride. Once you start, the road begins to ascend and it is full of twists and turns. There are also a few places on the uphill where you can pass slower vehicles.

Since it was a nice day AND a Saturday, tons of sports bikes were out and FLYING up this road. They have much better control of their bike and can handle much faster speeds. They also have a bike designed for fast cornering/speed whereas my bike (or maybe it is just the driver) is not. In any case, it was a ton of fun even if I am slower. It was also exciting watching how those sport bikes can navigate all these turns. This is one bad ass ride.

I turn on Route 183 right before you get to the Blue Ridge Parkway. A few miles later, there is Louise's Rock Restaurant. It is good home cooked food but they do not server any alcohol. After a quick bite, its back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and follow it North a few miles to the Linville Falls Visitor Center (milepost 316).

This parking lot is quite small. A bike can always find a spot but just be aware that the parking is quite limited. There is a small visitor center and the main trail to the falls. There are actually a number of trails but we hit the Upper Falls lookout and one other that gave a good look at the entire falls. The hike was not very far (maybe 1.5 miles each way). Its worth the hike.

Once back to the parking area, a quick ride back home (well, 2+ hours). It was getting late and decided that the faster route would be wiser. If you are up in that area, definitely hit up Route 181 (a popular motorcycle ride) and plan a stop at Linville Falls.