The small town of Linville is a great place to base yourself when touring the surrounding areas. The town is named after William and John Linville who were both killed by Indians in the late 18th Century. Nearby is the Linville Gorge, a wonderful park where the outdoor activities include hiking, walking, backpacking, fishing, and hunting.
Grandfather Mountain near the town of Linville, is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here visitors are treated to amazing 360-degree views of the forest and surrounding mountains from the Mile-High swinging bridge. Also at Grandfather Mountain visitors will find wildlife habitants with viewing areas, hiking trails, and a restaurant to satisfy those hunger pangs from all the activity.
Fans of engineering feats will want to stop their car at the Linn Cove Viaduct and Visitor's Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Considered by many to be the most complicated concrete bridge ever built, the 414-m/1243 ft Linn Cove Viaduct winds around Grandfather Mountain, the highest point on the parkway. Walking trails leave from the Visitor's Center and will take hikers underneath the structure.