This past weekend some friends and I embarked on a hiking/backpacking/camping trip through the Linville Gorge Wilderness, part of the Pisgah National Forest. The Linville River is enclosed for about 12 miles in the gorge, surrounded by the Jonas Ridge to the east and the Linville Mountain to the west.
My troop consisted of three guys, one girl, one husky/German shepherd mix and one yorkie-poo. The hike down to the gorge was relatively easy, it all being downhill (the mile down to the gorge drops about 1,000 feet in one mile.) Once we got to the gorge we hiked about 2.5 miles south until we found a spot flat enough for a few tents and a campfire. Once we settled in, we spent the afternoon relaxing and just doing typical campground stuff. After a peaceful slumber with the rushing Linville River in the background, we packed up and began our ascent. The hike out was pretty strenuous, but we all managed to make it out alive, including the dogs. The perfect weather combined with the isolation from everyday stress made this an excellent fall weekend experience.
Here are some pictures (Click on them for a bigger view):
