Linville Gorge Wilderness
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The Linville Gorge Wilderness ("The Grand Canyon of North Carolina") is the largest Wilderness Area in North Carolina. It comprises approximately 12,000 acres (49 km²) around the Linville River, and is situated inside the Pisgah National Forest. The river is approximately 1,400 feet (400 m) below the ridge, thus hiking in and out of the Gorge is challenging and enjoyable for those who like serious hiking. The plant and animal community is extremely diverse, with a dense hardwood/pine forest and a wide variety of smaller trees and other plants as well as bear, fox, racoon, trout, grouse, turkey, vultures, owls, hawks, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes.
Two popular tourist attractions near the Wilderness are Linville Falls, a waterfall fed by the River and free for the public, and Linville Caverns, a privately maintained cave accessible by automobile from U.S. Route 221.
[edit] Camping and Hiking
Camping in the gorge is allowed all year however a permit is required from May 1st to October 31st.
[edit] Climbing
Rock climbing is allowed anywhere in the area, but due to nesting Peregrine Falcons, certain areas are sometimes closed. Popular spots include, Table Rock, The Amphitheater, The North Carolina Wall, Shortoff Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain. For adventurous climbers the Gold Coast Cliffs are a relatively unclimbed section of the gorge lying across from the other areas. They require a long hike in and fortuitous circumstances.
[edit] External links
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