Category: MST: Segment 4

40 Hike Challenge: #8 Linville Gorge

Degree of difficulty: Strenuous

Source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains – to – Sea Trail

We all need a place where we can be awed by wonder & where our senses are inundated with the divine.  Each time I have visited Linville Gorge, I have been re-awakened to the joy it is to experience the majesty of creation.  I do not know how old I was when I first experienced Linville Gorge.  I grew up in Burke County and my dad would occasionally take us on adventures in his Ford Bronco.  One of those was to the top of Shortoff and I still remember the sensation of a view taking my breath away.  I am grateful to say that the gorge still does this to me. Hopefully you will see why Hike #8 of the 40 Hike Challenge is my favorite.

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40 Hike Challenge: #9 Pineola Rd to Roseboro Rd

Distance: 3.6 miles one way

Difficulty: Moderate with some wading

Elevation Change: gain = 811 ft; loss = 1090 ft

My Hike: 7.9 miles (round trip) Out-and-back

source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail

To date, this is my favorite hike of the MST 40 Hike Challenge. The location is very remote and only accessible via forest service roads (which are open to the public). However, the drive is worth it! The entire hike is filled with waterfalls, water crossings and plenty of outcroppings to climb and explore.

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