Hike Shortoff Mountain In Linville Gorge: The Linville Gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville Mountain on the west and is bisected by the Linville River which drops 2,000 feet into the valleys below. The result of this incredible elevation change is a rugged area renown for steep and difficult hiking terrain with numerous rock formations. But don’t let the reputation of the Linville Gorge as one of the hardest hiking areas in the east deter you from exploring this beautiful wilderness area.
We recommend getting a feel for the gorge with a hike up Shortoff Mountain where you can take in great views of the 17-mile-long Linville Gorge from the top of the 600-foot-tall rock face of Shortoff Mountain. Once at the top, continue exploring by heading out the Mountains to Sea Trail to a high elevation bog and find numerous vantage points from the high cliffs of Shortoff Mountain. For those looking for a longer hike, we recommend heading to Chimney Gap and up the Mountains To Sea Trail to the Chimneys where you can explore numerous rock outcroppings and more incredible views.
Head out on a journey of your own or take a guided overnight backpacking trip with Hike More Adventures, a full-service, and fully licensed guide service that help make sure you get the most out of your adventure and navigate the Wilderness Area safely. For guided rock climbing in the GOrge, we recommend contacting Rock Dimensions. Rock Dimensions offers guided rock climbing in the Linville Gorge and can guide everything from easy top rope climbs at the Chimneys to difficult multi-pitch climbs at one of the Southeast’s premiere trad climbing destinations.
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