Hiking in Linville Caverns, North Carolina

Linville Caverns, North Carolina's only true cavern system open to the public, holds the distinction of having the only fully underground trail on this site. Although it is not a very long path, it is unique with an incredible natural and human history. The Caverns are located not far from the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Asheville, and Marion. The entrance is in a beautiful mountain valley and the caverns lead under Humpback Mountain below the Blue Ridge Escarpment. As the name implies, they are also located near the town of Linville, NC and the Linville Gorge.

Now open to the public, it remained mysterious for centuries, and many tales have been told about its origin, use, and occupants. Today, a trip to Linville Caverns includes a short hike through a beautiful, natural cavern with a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Tours leave the welcome center/gift shop every few minutes and last about a half hour. The path is mostly level, with only a few steps in necessary places, and a custom lighting system has been installed to light your way. The path is both handicapped and wheeelchair accessible.

As with most natural caverns, the air inside maintains a constant temperature year-round. At this lattitude and elevation, it remains a damp 52 degrees - deliciously refreshing in summer and sharply warmer during the winter. Water moving through the depths of the mountains has been carving out the passageways and re-building the spectacular formations for eons.

For more information including hours of operation, admission prices, directions, and history, visit the Linville Caverns official web site.