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Big Bear Cabin is located within 5 minutes of the Orchard at Altapass, 10 minutes of the areas best gem mining, 15 minutes of the nationally acclaimed Penland School of Crafts, 10 minutes of the beautiful Linville Falls Recreation Area, 25 minutes of Mount Mitchell, 45 minutes of the ski slopes, 20 minutes of Grandfather Mountain and 10 minutes of Linville Caverns.
 

Linville Gorge NC
Commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is a wonderland of rhododendron thickets, rock shelves, remnant virgin forests, majestic overlooks, overhanging rock faces and sheer cliffs rising above the wild waters of the Linville River. Originally named after the explorer William Linville who lived in the area and was killed by Cherokee Indians in 1766, the Linville River should be given proper attribution for the incredible natural wonder that is Linville Gorge NC.

The Linville River originates off the southwest slope of Grandfather Mountain and makes its grand entrance into Linville Gorge at Linville Falls. After cascading 90 feet of multi-interval cap-rock falls, Linville River meanders through mountain peaks and virgin forests, all the while dropping 2000 feet in 14 miles before spilling into Lake George. Located in the Pisgah National Forest, between Lake James and Grandfather Mountain, Linville Gorge is a Federal Wilderness Area next door to Bear Den Campground and Big Bear Cabin. Less than 30 minutes from the Bear Den Campground haven in the Pisgah National Forest, hiking, fishing and day trip opportunities abound in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. If you are looking for a rugged taste of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville Gorge has been the training ground for US Marines and US Army Rangers.

Of course, visitors to Linville Gorge can choose the difficulty of their outing. From an easy walk to Wiseman’s View overlooking the southern end of Linville Gorge, to Cabin Trail located on the west rim which drops nearly 1000 feet in less than a mile, there is an abundance of hiking opportunities in and around the gorge. The V-shaped gorge features astonishing, near-vertical rock outcroppings hundreds of feet high. Credited to the process of rock erosion that has carved out the gorge over millions of years, the rock outcroppings and accompanying Linville River draw campers, hikers, climbers, white water enthusiasts, scramblers and vista lovers from all over the world.

Climbing
It is easy to understand why the Cherokee Indians called Linville River, “Eeseeoh,” meaning “a river of many cliffs.” Shortoff Mountain and Table Rock are two of the most popular climbing destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both premier climbing destinations are located on the east rim of the Linville Gorge, but there is also an abundance of rock towers such as the 400 foot high Babel Tower which rises above the Linville River for even a novice climber to clamber.

Hiking
There are 39 miles of trails that weave in and out of the distinctly V-shaped Linville Gorge. Distinguished as east rim trails on Linville Mountain and west rim trails on Jonas Ridge, most of them lead down to the river, and the descent is sure to be steep. Seven trails originate from the west rim of Linville Gorge off of the Kistler Memorial Highway/ NC 1238 in Linville Falls. A majority of the west rim trails connect with the Linville Gorge Trail, a trail that parallels the Linville River on its west side for about 12 miles. Most of the east rim trails are accessed from Forest Road 210 off of NC 181 south of Jonas Ridge. Spence Ridge is the most visited trail and thus most likely to be clear of downed trees. Devil’s Hole Trail connects with Linville Gorge Trail from the east rim off Gingercake Acres Road/SR 1265, which turns into FR 210. Two other trails lead to Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain. Shortoff Mountain Trail, part of the Mountains-to-Sea trail, and Brushy Ridge Trail are accessed off Old Gingercake Road/ SR 1264. To access the Table Rock summit trail, take Table Rock Road/ NC 1265 off of NC 181, just south of Gingercake Road follow NC 1265 for 16 miles.

Because this is a Federal Wilderness Area, trails are not well marked or well maintained. It is imperative that hikers take an official map of the area before venturing out on eastern or western rim trails.
 

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