Section 11: Linville Mountains and Gorge

Approximately 35 miles

This section which runs from Woodlawn Park on US-221 north of Marion to Ripshin Ridge on NC-181 is one of the most beautiful sections of the MST but also the most challenging.  The hike through Linville Gorge and views from Shortoff Mountain and Table Rock are gorgeous. The section has very steep climbs up Bald Knob, Dobson Knob and Shortoff Mountain. FMST has built a footbridge over the North Fork of the Catawba River, but the Linville River and three smaller creeks must be waded.  A recent forest fire has made following the trail more challenging, particularly in the Linville Gorge wilderness where signs and blazes are not permitted.  No trace camping is permitted throughout the section. 

Resources
Pisgah National Forest http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/recreate.htm
Burke County Chamber of Commerce http://www.burkecounty.org/
McDowell County Tourism Development Authority http://www.mcdowellnc.org/

Volunteer Task Force Leaders:
From NC-221 to Kistler Memorial Road: Phil Piaski piaski@bellsouth.net
Linville Gorge:  Outward Bound Table Rock Basecamp rwingo@ncobs.org
Join them!