Tanawha Trail - Linn Cove to Rough Ridge

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
7/2/2022	4.4 miles	3 hours 33 minutes	685'	1.4 mph	539.6

Parking: 

• Linn Cove

Maps:

• 100 Favorite Trails of the Smokies and the Carolina Blue Ridge (for directions)
• Pisgah Map Co Grandfather Ranger District (for navigation)

Directions:

• See 100 Favorite Trails map

Carolina Mountain Club Challenges:

• 100 Favorite Trails #95 - Tanawha Trail-Linn Cove to Rough Ridge

A 3-day weekend with a chance of thunderstorms every day. What to do? We had planned to spend the weekend doing trail maintenance and some AT sections, but both of those are long days. We decided on a shorter 100 Favorite Trails Hike, that we could hopefully get done before any storms rolled in. Parking at the visitor center was easy, even though it was a holiday weekend - there was plenty of parking.

This trail starts on a paved path from the visitor center. Don't let that fool you. The trail becomes very rocky and rooty. The temps were in the low 70's during our hike, but it was close to 100% humidity, so I was dripping sweat in no time. The footing of this hike was challenging. Lots of rocks and tall steps. And roots. I tripped a lot. Luckily, I managed to stay upright the whole hike. But I was so slow. 

Close to the visitor center, we had constant noise from the parkway. We stopped at a stream under a bridge to let Krummholz cool off. There are lots of large rock formations on this trail - very cool. We continued on to a viewpoint. And then another viewpoint just down the trail - with some rock scrambling. Incredible views of Grandfather Mountain. This would be a great hike in the fall when the foliage has changed, if you get there really early to beat the crowds. We continued on and stopped at two more views. I didn't want to hang out too long, as there were storm clouds out there. We heard thunder once, but luckily that was it. No rain either. We hiked slowly back to the visitor center.

He could stay here all day

First lookout, looking at Grandfather Mountain

Looking down on the Blue Ridge Parkway