Linville Gorge South Trek
Overview
The following is a dynamic, point-to-point, two-night backpacking trek plan, requiring two vehicles:
- both vehicles arrive at the Wolfpit parking area (35.8241, -81.8894)
- leave Vehicle 1 at Wolfpit
- vehicle 2 shuttles hikers to Table Rock parking area (35.8850, -81.8732) to begin trek (Table Rock parking lot access road closed as of March 2026)
- trek concludes back at Vehicle 1 (Wolfpit)
Total duration: 3 days, 2 nights
The route begins near the Table Rock parking area, with optional day-hike spurs to Table Rock itself and throughout the Chimneys—worth the wandering if time and curiosity allow. From there, the trail heads south toward Saddle Camp for the first night’s stay.
Dynamic Divergences
The second day offers three options for divergence just north of Shortoff Mountain. These account for scenarios in which the river is too high to cross, Cambric Trail conditions are too treacherous, or time/stamina is limited. Options are outlined below:
- Option A: Descend the Cambric. This is a real challenge: largely maintained and includes a not-so-casual 1,500-foot descent in about a mile. Trekking poles and breadcrumb flags are recommended. Cross the Linville River, and hike the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, camping near the river. The following morning, climb back up to Shortoff Mountain and double back to wrap up the trip at the Wolfpit parking area.
- Option B: Descend the challenging Cambric to enjoy the river below. Bask in the absurd steepness of the western ridge, then turn around, question your choices, and grind your way back up your own absurdly steep ridge. Camp overnight near Shortoff Mountain and conclude the trip the following morning at the Wolfpit parking area.
- Option C: Return to Wolfpit parking early by passing up the grueling Cambric and opting instead for a leisurely car shuttle to the Babel Tower trailhead. Depending on time and interest, you may:
- C1: Take a late-afternoon hike down toward Babel Tower and camp near the river, finishing with a morning climb back up the ridge
- C2: Camp along the west ridge near the Babel Tower trailhead, then do an out-and-back hike to Babel Tower the following morning to conclude the trip
Maps
Option A
Option B
Option C
Photos
