Cradle of Forestry

Institutions, Land

In the early 20th century, the Appalachian forest was subjected to devastating large-scale commercial exploitation for the first time. At the same time, pioneering conservationists were devising reforms for forest management.  In 1889, George Vanderbilt hired a young...

Linville Falls Trails

Land

Linville Falls is home to many beautiful, scenic trails. All offer a good hike and most also reward you with a spectacular view. Here are a list of trails in the Linville area: Dugger’s Creek Trail 0.3 miles one direction from Vistors’ Center...

Native Animals

Land

Western North Carolina is home to many different species of Appalachian animals. Here is a small list of the animals that reside in the area. Animal Life Black Bear (Ursus americanus) The Black Bear is found throughout the mountains of North Carolina and all along the...
Native Plants

Native Plants

Land

Western North Carolina is covered with plants indigenous to the Appalachian Mountains. Here is a short list of the plants found throughout the Linville Falls area. Flowering Plants Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) This small tree features North Carolina’s...
Appalachian Geology

Appalachian Geology

Land

The geology of the Appalachian Mountain system is unique and complex, especially in the Blue Ridge Province. Unlike most regions of the earth where the youngest rock is the most visible, in the Blue Ridge, the younger rocks are covered by those that are millions of...

Brown Mountain Lights

Culture, Land

  Since the early 1700s, travelers have reported seeing the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights on clear, moonless nights. According to local folklore, the lights are actually the spirit of a slave searching for his lost master across ridges and through the valley....