We recently had the opportunity to spend a few days in the Blowing Rock, NC area. Anytime we are in the mountains, our family loves to find trails and waterfalls to explore. I’m going to share with you 3 waterfall hikes we did this time near Blowing Rock, NC. As always, please obey any posted rules and practice waterfall safety.
1. Linville Falls
- Location – Milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Visitor center with gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, campground
There are two main trails that lead to views of Linville Falls – Erwins View Trail and Linville Gorge Trail. We took the Erwins View Trail. The trail starts at the Visitor Center and is a moderate 1.6-mile round-trip hike. There are 4 overlooks along the way, each with its own unique view of the falls. The first overlook is 0.5 miles from the Visitor Center. Here, the Linville River spills gently over the upper falls on your left and then suddenly plunges 45 feet over the lower falls to your right.
The second overlook is Chimney View, at 0.7 miles from the Visitor Center. This is the first view of the lower falls. The trail is strenuous in this area with considerable elevation gain. The third stop is Gorge View Overlook. Here you will see the Linville River cutting its way through the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The trail ends at Erwins View Overlook, 0.8 miles from the Visitor Center. You will enjoy a panoramic view of the Linville Gorge and a distant view of the upper and lower falls. Retrace your steps to return to the Visitor Center and parking lot.
2. Glen Burney Trail
- Location – a block from downtown Blowing Rock, NC in Annie Cannon Park
- No restrooms, picnic area or water
The Glen Burney Trail in Annie Cannon Park travels deep into the New Years Creek Gorge to visit 3 waterfalls. The trail begins on a wide gravel road passing resort houses situated on the precipice of the gorge. After passing the homes and The Ruins, the trail drops steeply and allows access to The Cascades, Glen Burney Falls, and Glen Marie Falls on a demanding 3 mile out and back hike. Be prepared – there is about a 600-foot elevation gain along the trail. Going out is mostly downhill, so remember you’ll have to do some climbing to get back.
If you’re not prepared for a strenuous hike, consider taking the trail just down to The Ruins, a 0.4-mile walk, where you can see the remnants from one of the first modern sewage treatment systems in the mountains from the 1920s. You will reach The Cascades at 0.7 miles, an overlook to view Glen Burney Falls at 1.0 miles, and finally, at 1.6 miles, you will reach Glen Marie Falls. Relax and enjoy the spectacular view before heading back.
Please make note that this trail has some narrow sections and steep cliffsides. It may not be appropriate for small children.
3. Cascades Trail
- Location – Milepost 271.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Restrooms
The Cascades Trail is located in E.B. Jeffress Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is an easy-moderate hike of approximately 0.8 miles. It is marked as a loop trail, but one side of the loop was closed for maintenance while we were there, so it was out and back for us. The Cascades Trail serves as a nature trail. This means it includes educational signs discussing the many different trees and plants in the area. When you reach the upper overlook, you will see approximately 20 feet of cascades above the overlook and a long slide below the overlook. The lower overlook allows a different view of the slide. It was quite wet and muddy next to the falls after it rained the night before, so be prepared.
More waterfall hike ideas
Are you looking for more waterfall hikes?
- 7 Family Hikes in North Georgia
- Places to Visit Near Unicoi State Park
- A Weekend in West Virginia’s Canaan Valley
- Great Falls; Virginia vs Maryland
- Mid-Blue Ridge Parkway & Congaree Nat Park Roadtrip
- A Weekend in the Shenandoah Valley with Kids
What are some of your favorite waterfall hikes? Tell us in the comments.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own. I was not compensated for this post. Please double-check that the trail you want to visit is open before traveling. Always carry a trail map and water with you on hikes. When hiking near waterfalls, please practice waterfall safety.
