About Linville Falls
Linville Falls is a named waterfall in Burke County, North Carolina, located about 8.1 miles east of Spruce Pine. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Linville Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°56′59″ N, 81°55′36″ W (35.94972, -81.92671). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Gulf Branch (stream, 0.2 mi), Bull Branch (stream, 0.8 mi), and Long Arm Ridge (ridge, 1.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Falls of Gouges Creek, 7.0 miles to the west.
Picturesque waterfalls, a visitor center & well-maintained hiking trails in serene surrounds.
Weather at Linville Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Linville Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Linville Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Linville Falls holds a 4.8 average from 269 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Linville Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Gulf Branch — stream, 0.2 mi
- Bull Branch — stream, 0.8 mi
- Long Arm Ridge — ridge, 1.5 mi
- Brushy Ridge — ridge, 1.6 mi
- Jonas Ridge — ridge, 1.7 mi
- Long Arm Mountain — summit, 1.7 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.94972, -81.92671. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Linville Falls
- Roaring Spout Falls, NC17 mi southwest
- Big Falls, NC17 mi north
- Jones Falls, TN18 mi north
- Dutch Creek Falls, NC18 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Linville Falls located?
Linville Falls is in Burke County, North Carolina, about 8.1 miles east of Spruce Pine. Its coordinates are 35.94972, -81.92671 (35°56′59″ N, 81°55′36″ W).
What town is closest to Linville Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Spruce Pine, NC, about 8.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Linville Falls?
The closest is Falls of Gouges Creek (7.0 mi west). Others within reach include Crystal Falls (9.7 mi), Grassy Creek Falls (11 mi), and Crabtree Falls (13 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Linville Falls?
Linville Falls appears on the USGS Linville Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.