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The southeastern portion of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop with spectacular overlooks.


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Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.4

KM

77%

Runnable

3,537' 1,078 m

High

1,255' 383 m

Low

3,035' 925 m

Up

914' 279 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Hunting and fishing are allowed, but permits are required. Camping is permitted in the gorge, but permits are required from May 1 through October 31.

Description

Shortoff Mountain Trail is, for the most part, a ridge trail offering spectacular views of the gorge to the north.

The trail can be accessed via Wolf Pit Trail to the south or from the Table Rock Parking Area.

Shortoff Mountain Trail is a wonderful backpacking location with ideal camping spots and unmatched scenery. As part of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop, this trail comprises most of the eastern portion of the loop. It's also the more clearly marked of the trails in the area, making it easier to navigate for novice runners.

One of the most favorable campsites is at the Big Flat Rock Overlook. There is an open portion of ground ideal for multiple tents. From the campsite, campers can look out into the Gorge.

It is also quite apparent that Shortoff Mountain Trail has been a host to a number of forest fires in the past few years, providing a remarkable run amongst scorched trees.

This trail is also part of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST). For more information concerning the MST, please refer to ncmst.org/. At the end of the trail, runners can head north towards Shortoff Mountain and Table rock Mountain or south towards the Linville River.

Flora & Fauna

Local flora - rhododendron, sand mrtyle, red chokeberry, azalea, turkey beard, bristly locust, yellow root, silverbell, orchids, ninebark, and wild indigo.

Local fauna - white-tail deer, black bears, squirrel, raccoon, grouse, turkey, vultures, owls, and hawks. As for snakes, there are copperheads and timber rattlesnakes.

Contacts

Shared By:

Max Willner

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 22 votes

#114

Overall
  4.9 from 22 votes
5 Star
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Trail Rankings

#114

Overall
55 Views Last Month
20,002 Since Nov 29, 2015
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Photos

Tablerock Mountain (to the right) from Shortoff Mountain.
Dec 2, 2015 near Glen Al…, NC
I awoke to one of the most beautiful views the first morning of our hike. I sat in the hammock and took it all in as I watched the sun rise over the horizon!
Feb 4, 2017 near Glen Al…, NC
Watching a mixture of fog and clouds dissipate as the sun rises above Linville Gorge. Those rolling clouds get misty - bring a rain jacket!
Nov 20, 2015 near Spruce…, NC
The path behind Big Flat Rock Overlook that takes adventurous hikers up and over the campsite.
Dec 2, 2015 near Spruce…, NC
View from our campsite under the rock outcropping. Have to climb up a washout right before you get to table rock.
Apr 30, 2018 near Spruce…, NC
Big flat rock overlook. Taken from the top of the trail that leads to an incredible look out.
Oct 8, 2018 near Spruce…, NC
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 32 days ago
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