Linville Falls North Carolina

Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
Elevation: 3,160 ft - 3,360 ft
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Dogs: On leash

Linville Falls, taken with my cell phone camera.

On a recent business trip to Asheville, North Carolina, I took an afternoon off and drove the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Linville Falls.

Typical vista seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Below 2000 ft, the hard wood trees were in full bloom but above this elevation the trees were barren and the air chilly. Already enthralled with the area, I stopped frequently and view points to gaze out at the rolling green hills covered in hard woods. It was obvious that in the fall the area would be stunning.

The Upper Falls

Linville Falls is two hours from Asheville and can be very touristy on weekends. There are two options for viewing it. Pictures of both options exist in the small visitor's center so it is easy to decide. Since I was practically wearing slippers (continuing saga with tendinitis), I did not want to walk too far. As it was the trail was rougher than I anticipated. It wandered up and down, over roots, and up and down stairs. Normally a walk in the park, this route was more than I should have been doing. It was so scenic, however, that I am glad I broke the rules.

Looking down into the S-curve of the Linville River just before the Falls

The falls is actually a series of falls. The first is the twin Upper Falls. A nice view point allows the visitor to wander over layers of sedimentary rock and look straight at this first step. Turn around and water flows through an intriguing S-curve that has been eroded from the cliff face over millions of years. It is dramatic to say the least and a testament to the power of water.

The eroded channel just to the left of the S-curve

The Chimney View Point is reached 0.3 miles beyond the cutoff to the Upper Falls and is on the other side of the gorge and partway down the cliff face. From this vantage point, the 45 foot drop and surround cliffs are clearly visible. Turn around and one can follow the river as it heads to the entrance of the Linville Gorge itself.

Another view of the falls from the Chimney View Point

Anyone interested in Geology will be interested to know that the Falls spill over an actual Thrust Fault. The rocks along the Upper Falls are older than the rocks below the Falls. Cool eh?

Looking down the Linville River from the falls. The lighter green trees are Firs that have been killed by an invading insect.

I became so enamored with the area that I picked up topo maps and hiking guides to the Carolina Mountains. I plan to return this October for a week of scenic driving, hiking, and culture activities in and round Asheville.

Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is one of the largest birds in Colorado. It can be seen flying overhead with its large wings cutting the air. A wading water bird, the beak on the Great Blue is impressive indeed. Pictures abound of this bird with a fish locked in its bill. A solitary feeder, it is rare to see more than one Great Blue at a time unless in their communal rookery.

I know it is anthropomorphic, but the gleam in this birds eyes looks predatory indeed. A small culvert is just out of view. The turbulence of the water flowing into the pond must be attracting fish.

I have seen this specimen hanging out at a small pond near an office building. There was a steep slope down to the water so it was difficult to set up the tripod and inch my way closer so these shots were taken from a greater distance and the zooms are grainy. I was watched continuously as well and the bird took to flight before I could get within 30 yards.

Vedauwoo Wyoming: Turtle Rock Trail and Beyond

Distance: 3.2 mile loop (Turtle Rock), at least 6 miles if you include Renyold's Hill and the Devil's Playground
Elevation: 8,280 ft
Elevation Gain: 958 ft (up and down)
Date Hiked: 13 May 2007

Vedauwoo, in the Medicine Bow National Forest Wyoming, is a unique treat. This formation is in an area called the Devil's Playground.

Vedauwoo, (pronounced "vee-da-voo") is a cool area in Wyoming filled with interlocking trails, interesting rock formations, beaver ponds, and young Aspens. It is a great place to hike, bike, rock climb or lounge.

The start of the Turtle Rock Trail

Vedauwoo rocks are formed from Sherman Granite.

Just across the border from Colorado, it makes for a unique day trip for Denverites and an easy jaunt from those in Ft. Collins. It is also easy to find, just take I-80 west of Cheyenne to exit 329 (Vedauwoo Road). There is a very nice campground in the park for those who want a quick getaway from the city.

My friend Tom revels in an early spring day.

This lone boulder is on the back side (having gone clockwise) of the Turtle Rock Loop.

On this trip, a friend took us on the Turtle Rock Trail and then veered east toward Reynold's Hill and the Devil's Playground before returning to Turtle Rock. Since I did this trip in 2007 before I started blogging, this post won't be as accurate as my current descriptions. We did at least 6 miles that day but I can't give you our exact route beyond Turtle Rock, just the major destinations. Many of the rock formations in the area are named and easily identifiable.

A view of the Sherman Mountains from the north side of the Turtle Rock Trail

Streams crisscross the area. Many contain small ponds with Beaver houses or dams.

The word Vedauwoo means "land of the earthborn spirit" in native Arapaho. The granite rock formations that are the main attraction are 1.4 billion years old. Hard as a rock (ha!) this stone resisted erosion and remained long after much softer substrate slowly drained away.

Looking east with Turtle Rock to our backs at Reynold's Hill, our next destination. We'll be crossing that meadow filled with Sagebrush.

Getting closer to Reynold's Hill

If you enjoy rocky scenery, you may wish to check out Mathew Winters Park in Golden and Roxbourough State Park south of Denver for easy hikes and Goose Creek Trail south of Pine for a more strenuous experience. Further away is the Dillon Pinnacles.

A nice view of Renyold's Hill
A map showing the Vedauwoo area. The icon in the lower left is the start of the Turtle Rock Trail. Turtle Rock is obvious on the terrain map. The first icon in the upper right is Reynold's Hill with the Devil's Playground just beyond.