happiness

Happiness begins where selfishness ends. 
―John Wooden (1910-2010) basketball coach.

Hawksbill Mountain

Be different, stand out, and work your butt off. 
--Reba McEntire (b.1955) American country singer.

One of the more prominent peaks in western North Carolina area area is Hawksbill Mountain, rising 2000 feet high above the Linville River. For miles around, Hawksbill and its sidekick, Table Rock, can be easily identified with their distinctive shapes jutting up sharply, standing out in a sea of gently rolling hills.  The view here is from Wiseman's Overlook on the south side of the gorge looking north.

For directions to Hawksbill Mountain Trail, click here. Another good source here.

For directions to Wiseman's Overlook, click here.

Linville Gorge Wilderness

This rustic cabin serves as the information center for visitors to the Linville Gorge Wilderness. The gentleman behind the counter said it was built by college students back in 1983 using primitive tools. It's a good place to stop and pick up maps of the area in order to learn more about the numerous trails located in the gorge.  There are two main attractions which draw visitors to this side of the Gorge: Wiseman's Overlook and Linville Falls.  While there's direct access to Linville Falls from the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is an alternate, 'back' entrance and parking lot located not far from the cabin above on what is known as Kistler Memorial Highway (NC 1238).  To call this a highway is a stretch, it's all gravel and pretty rough in places. While you're in the area, be sure to check out Chestoa View, an easily accessible overlook just a short distance south on the Parkway. On the other side of the Gorge is the magnificent Table Rock - the trail and views from there are unforgettable.

More information on Linville Gorge and Wiseman's Overlook click here and here.

Directions: Click here.

hidden talents

It appears that nature has hid at the bottom of our hearts talents and abilities unknown to us. It is only the passions that have the power of bringing them to light, and sometimes give us views more true and more perfect than art could possibly do. 
--François de la Rochefoucauld (1613-1680) French author.  

The view of Linville Gorge and Hawksbill Mountain from Wiseman's View.  Click here for more discussion and directions to this spectacular overlook near Linville Falls and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Wiseman's View Revisited

I posted a similar photo this summer of Wiseman's View looking out at Hawksbill and Table Rock. This is another overlook at Wiseman's which shows the vast Linville Gorge looking east. It's not a very colorful view this time of year, but still an impressive sight. Wiseman's is a popular destination near Linville Falls, and just five miles off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The gravel road to Wiseman's is in good shape, but it can be steep, so I don't think I'd want to try it in the snow. Unfortunately, the parkway has sections that are closed in the winter which makes it difficult to give directions. If you're planning a trip, be sure to check out this site which lists a few of the closed sections. The main closures in our area to be aware of are...

Mile 367.6 to 355.3 near Craggy Gardens outside of Asheville; and
Mile 285.5 to 291.8 in the Boone/Blowing Rock Area

It's too bad this site doesn't list all the winter closures. For instance, I know the Parkway is closed right now immediately south of the exit for the community of Linville Falls (mile 317.55). I accessed the Parkway from NC Route 181 at Mile 312.25 outside of Pineola and headed south to the falls and Wiseman's. For complete directions to Wiseman's, click here.

Wiseman's View

Perched nearly 1500 feet above the Linville River, Wiseman's View overlooks the deepest gorge in the eastern US. From this vantage point, not only do you get a magnificent view of the rugged Linville Gorge, but you also get a commanding view of Hawksbill Mountain (above left) and Table Rock (right). Click here and here for more information on Linville Gorge. It is also one of the places from which the mysterious "brown mountain lights" can be seen -- click here for more information and other viewing locations. And while you're in the area, be sure to check out the view from Chestoa View Overlook (Mile 320 on the Parkway).

Directions: Wiseman's View is a 20 minute drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take the exit for the community of Linville Falls, NC (Mile 317.5, one exit south of the entrance to Linville Falls). Turn left toward town onto Route 221 and drive 0.6 miles, then turn left onto Route 183 and proceed 0.7 miles. A sign will point the way to Wiseman's View (turn right onto Route 1238) and drive for 4 miles. This road is gravel, narrow and sometimes quite steep, but in fairly good shape. Still, I'd recommend a high clearance vehicle (SUV or van). The road is closed in the winter months. On the way you will pass the following stops (in order)...

1. Alternate parking area for Linville Falls
2. Information Cabin and restrooms (on your right)
3. Parking area for Pine Gap Trail
4. Parking area for Bynum Bluff Trail
5. Parking area Cabin Trail
6. Parking area for Babel Tower Trail
7. A sign will point the way (to the left) for Wiseman's View. From here it's a short drive to the parking area and a fairly easy walk to the lookout points (1/3 mile walk I'd guess).

Click here to see an autumn photo of Hawksbill Mountain.

Click here for directions and description of hike to the top of Table Rock. More photos here.