Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop

NC, USA

21.0 miles (33.8 km) · 4,650 ft elevation gain · Lollipop · trail · Route

Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop is a 21.0-mile lollipop route in NC, USA, gaining 4,650 feet of elevation. The route follows a flat elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 6 distinct sections including 3 significant climbs. The longest climb covers 6.6 miles gaining 2,382 feet at an average 16.3% grade. About 57% of the terrain is runnable, with significant hiking sections. The route opens with a climb and finishes with a descent.

Route facts

Distance	21.0 mi (33.8 km)
Elevation gain	4,650 ft (1,417 m)
Average gain	221 ft per mile (42 m per km)
Longest climb	6.6 mi, 1,716 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	42.7%
Runnable	57% of the route
Climbs / descents	3 climbs, 2 descents
Profile shape	Flat
Difficulty score	11.8 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Lollipop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	32%
Mild uphill	6%
Moderate uphill	7%
Steep uphill	19%
Mild downhill	11%
Moderate downhill	7%
Steep downhill	17%

Questions about Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop

How much elevation gain does Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop have?

Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop has 4,650 ft (1,417 m) of elevation gain over 21.0 miles (33.8 km). That averages 221 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop?

The difficulty score for Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop is 11.8 of 100. That is harder than 75.8% of routes at a similar distance. About 57% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop?

The longest climb on Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop runs 6.6 miles (10.6 km) and gains 1,716 ft (523 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 42.7%.