Apollo hikes the Linville Falls Plunge Basin Trail

The Linville Falls Plunge Basin Trail is perhaps one of the coolest trails in the Linville Falls trail system. For whatever reason, all the crowds flock to the upper falls and the Wiseman’s View overlooks. While people do hike to the bottom of the plunge pool, you can expect far fewer people down at the bottom. Maybe its the fact that the trailhead isn’t as obvious at the Linville Falls visitor’s center. Where most people proceed past the visitor’s center and right over the bridge, if you veer to the left right before the bathrooms (next to the water fountains) the trail goes up the steps, and then hangs a right.

Apollo & Thunderlips hiking to Linville Falls Plunge Basin.

Thunderlips thought this tree looked like a different kind of lips.

Thunderlips showing off.

Apollo stops off to admire the incredible Linville Gorge.

Getting closer to the lower falls plunge pool.

Trying to get as close as possible to the falls. Linville Falls has some mean ass power.

Ahh. Enjoying Linville Falls from the bottom.

The Wiseman looking back up at his view.

Thunderlips wants to go even closer.

Linville Falls is a must-see waterfall if you’re in Western North Carolina.

Apollo impressed with the massive power of Linville Falls.

Trying to get even closer.

The awesomeness of Linville Gorge.

Thunderlips asked Apollo “What the fuck is this shit?”

Well the achilles heel for Apollo & Co. More fucking steps.

More info on Linville Falls Plunge Basin

Who should hike this trail

While not a killer hike, people who are a bit out of shape may want to stick to the popular upper falls and Wiseman’s View trails. The Linville Falls Plunge Basin Trail starts up and ends down, meaning you have to hike back up hill to get back to your car. During Apollo’s visit, he did come across a few retired couples who were really huffing it coming back up the hill.

When to visit

While the section of the Blue Ridge Parkway that passes through Linville Falls is usually open during snow and bad weather (because people live off the Parkway around these parts), Apollo has seen this trail get quite icy and slick during the winter months. People visiting from Asheville must keep in mind that Linville and the Grandfather Mountain area does get quite a bit more snow as its good bit higher in elevation here.