Linville Falls: Erwins View Trail packing checklist | Camp Check [Skip to content](#content) [Camp Check](/) [Map](/)[About](/about) Show more details [← Back to map](/) · [Search spots](/#all) Trip details · Linville Falls: Erwins View Trail # Linville Falls: Erwins View Trail packing checklist * Activity**Day hike** * Park**Blue Ridge Parkway, NC** * Nearest**Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, 88 mi** A short, popular walk on the Blue Ridge Parkway to four overlooks of Linville Falls and the start of Linville Gorge, at its best when the leaves turn in fall. Hurricane Helene damage still keeps the trail to the base of the falls closed, and wet leaves, steep drop-offs and black bears are the main things to plan for. ## Trip details Distance 1.6 mi round trip to Erwins View, the last of four overlooks Overlooks Upper Falls (0.5 mi), Chimney View (0.7 mi), Gorge View and Erwins View (0.8 mi) Difficulty Moderate, with a strenuous climb near Chimney View Trailhead NPS paved parking area at the end of the Linville Falls Spur Road, milepost 316.5. You can also start from the Forest Service gravel lot on Old NC 105 (NPS lists 1.65 mi out and back to Erwins View from there) Entrance fee None. The parkway is free Pets Allowed on a non-retractable leash of 6 ft or less Best season Fall color in October, on a weekday morning (our pick) ### Source * [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: Linville Falls trails and status map](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-trails.htm) * [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: Linville Falls (Milepost 316)](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-mp-316.htm) * [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: road status and closures](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm) * [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: trail safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/trail-safety.htm) * [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: bear safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/bear-safety.htm) * [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: fees and passes](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/fees.htm) * [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: weather](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/weather.htm) * [USFS: Linville Gorge Wilderness](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/linville-gorge-wilderness-area) "Our pick" seasons are our own call. ## Packing list Reset Ready to go: **0%** · you have 0 of 15 ### Before you go * **Check road and trail status.** Look at [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: road status and closures](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm) and the [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: Linville Falls trails and status map](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-trails.htm) the day before. As of Oct 20, 2026, the Linville Falls Spur Road is open, the campground and picnic area are closed for Helene repairs, and the trail to the base of the falls is closed. South of here, all recreation is prohibited between mileposts 344.2 and 355.3, and hiking is prohibited at Crabtree Falls, so plan any drive south with care. NPS says snow is possible at higher elevations by November, and ice and snow close sections of the parkway in winter. * **Pick your time.** There is no entrance fee. NPS suggests avoiding weekends for a less crowded visit, which matters most at peak fall color. [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: fees and passes](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/fees.htm) * **Tell someone your plan.** NPS recommends hiking with another person and telling someone where you are going and when you will be back. In an emergency, call 911 if you have signal and say you are on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Linville Falls. To report an overdue hiker, call (828) 298-2491. [NPS: safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/safety.htm) * **Know when to turn back.** Turn back if the trail is icy, if a section is signed closed, if a storm is coming in, or if the light is fading. This list is a starting point, not a guarantee. Conditions change, so adjust it for your trip and your group. We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. [Details](/about#affiliate) Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there’s a product suggestion when we have a good match. ### Trip-specific: permits and hazards 1. **Helene closures: the base of the falls is off limits**Hurricane Helene damage still closes the trail down to the base of the falls in the gorge, plus the Linville Falls campground and picnic area. The visitor center is closed. As of Oct 20, 2026, the spur road at milepost 316.5 is open, and the NPS trail status map shows the Erwins View and Plunge Basin trails open. Stay out of areas signed closed.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: Linville Falls trails and status map](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-trails.htm) 2. **Slick leaves, wet rock and steep sections**NPS says loose, slick leaves cause many hikers to break ankles in autumn, so wear boots with ankle support. The climb near Chimney View is steep, with considerable elevation gain.Need itHave it ![Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles (set of 2)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71oZ2cB-Y2L._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles (set of 2) $64.99 on Amazon Extra footing on the steep, leaf-covered climb near Chimney View. They help on the way back down too. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM0YGW8/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: trail safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/trail-safety.htm) 3. **Stay behind the rails at the overlooks**The overlooks sit above sheer cliffs. NPS says swimming in the Linville River and climbing on the rocks are dangerous and not allowed. Keep children in sight and close to you.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: Linville Falls trails and status map](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-trails.htm) 4. **Black bears**Black bears live here. Stay at least 50 yards away; getting closer is illegal. If one follows you, stand your ground, act big and loud, and do not run. If a bear attacks, fight back. Bear spray is allowed for protection only: start spraying when the bear is within 20 yards.Need itHave it ![Counter Assault Bear Spray (10.2 oz)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71IO7f3GCGL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Counter Assault Bear Spray (10.2 oz) $67.99 on Amazon EPA-registered bear spray with 2% capsaicin, within the range the parkway allows. Keep it on your hip, not in your pack. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KX77BX7/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: bear safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/bear-safety.htm) 5. **Ticks, snakes and yellowjackets**Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes live along parkway trails, so watch where you put your hands and feet. Ground-nesting yellowjackets are aggressive when disturbed; anyone with a severe sting allergy should carry their epinephrine. Check for ticks after the hike.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: trail safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/trail-safety.htm) 6. **If you bring a dog**Dogs are allowed on a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. NPS says dogs are involved in most physical encounters between people and black bears, so keep yours close and never let it chase or bark at a bear.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: bear safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/bear-safety.htm) ### The Ten Essentials [(NPS)](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) 1. **Water**The parkway asks for at least 2 quarts (about 2 liters) per person for a day out. Fill up before you arrive, since the visitor center is closed. Treat any stream water, which may carry Giardia.Need itHave it ![Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71x9VbJrhvL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz $17.99 on Amazon The parkway asks for at least 2 quarts per person. Two of these covers it. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N7V1QG/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: trail safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/trail-safety.htm) 2. **Food and extra food**Bring a snack and a little extra. The picnic area here is closed, so plan to eat from your pack or in town.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: road status and closures](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm) 3. **Navigation: map and offline map**The trail is short and signed, but NPS warns that cell phones do not work in many places on the parkway and GPS is sometimes unreliable. Save or print the NPS Linville Falls trail status map so you know which trails are open.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: Linville Falls trails and status map](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-trails.htm) 4. **Headlamp**NPS says to carry a flashlight or headlamp even on a day hike, because darkness may fall before you finish if something goes wrong. Fall days are short. Your phone isn’t a headlamp.Need itHave it ![Petzl Tikka Headlamp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sDmxdaMIL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Petzl Tikka Headlamp $34.95 on Amazon The parkway says to carry a light even on a day hike, since trouble on the trail can push you past dark. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDLSGR92/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: trail safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/trail-safety.htm) 5. **Sun protection**Most of the trail runs through hemlock and pine forest, but the overlooks are open. Fall often brings clear skies.Need itHave it ![Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KsaIMGD7L._SL1000_.jpg) Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack) $13.99 on Amazon The trail is mostly shaded, but the overlooks are open rock in full sun. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQXX9US/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: Linville Falls trails and status map](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-trails.htm) 6. **Insulation and rain layer**NPS says fall brings warm days and cool nights, and the parkway can be colder than the towns below. Dress in layers and carry a rain and wind resistant jacket, even on sunny days.Need itHave it ![FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613vT-iXDWL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s) $22.74 on Amazon A light wind and rain shell, which the parkway says to carry even on sunny days. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKCZOZC/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: weather](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/weather.htm) 7. **First aid kit**NPS asks every hiker to carry a small first aid kit. It covers blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.Need itHave it ![Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Tk3JSPj0L._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 $31.95 on Amazon For blisters, scrapes and a turned ankle on slick leaves. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV6PDY9R/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Blue Ridge Parkway: trail safety](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/trail-safety.htm) 8. **Fire starter and emergency shelter**If someone is hurt, an emergency bivvy keeps them warm while you wait. Carry a lighter for emergencies only.Need itHave it ![SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xGw29aTYL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy $25.49 on Amazon If someone is hurt and you have to wait for help, it holds in body heat on a cold fall evening. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NC9BLQ5/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 9. **Knife or repair kit**For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.Need itHave it ![Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sHi+R6qwL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife $16.80 on Amazon For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UGYWTO/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 21, 2026, and may have changed. ## Photos ![Linville Falls dropping into a pool below gray rock cliffs, with the upper falls visible behind and forest all around](/photos/linville-falls-erwins-view-1.webp) Photo: [P. Hughes](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Linville_Falls_\(2021\).jpg) (cropped) · [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) · Wikimedia Commons ![Distant view of Linville Falls in a forested gorge at sunset, with mountain ridges on the horizon](/photos/linville-falls-erwins-view-2.webp) Photo: [Hemant bhor](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LinvilleSunsetFall.jpg) · [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) · Wikimedia Commons Coordinates **35.9496°N 81.9268°W** Park **Blue Ridge Parkway, NC** Time now **UTC --:--:--** [](/spots/alum-cave-trail)[](/spots/elkmont-campground)[](/spots/old-rag)[](/spots/wildcat-canyon-starved-rock)[](/spots/tuckerman-ravine)[](/spots/blackwoods-campground)[](/spots/linville-falls-erwins-view) Use two fingers to move the map **Affiliate disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate, Camp Check earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are affiliate links and don't change your price. **AI disclosure:** Pages are drafted with AI help and checked by a person against the linked NPS/USFS sources and live Amazon listings. Conditions, prices and stock change, so check before you go and before you buy. **Map data:** Elevation from [Terrain Tiles on AWS](https://registry.opendata.aws/terrain-tiles/) (Mapzen/Tilezen), built from USGS 3DEP and NOAA ETOPO1 data, among others. [About](/about) · [Sitemap](/sitemap.xml)