Linville Gorge - Table Rock Mountain Loop (11-5-12)
Read MoreTable Rock Mountain Loop Hike Route Map
The previous day to the hike, my work station was across the gorge at Wiseman's View, seen here. From the overlook I planned my route for the following morning. Starting at the Spence Ridge Trailhead, I'd ascend Table Rock Mountain via the Table Rock Gap Trail and then descend to the gorge via the Little Table Rock and Spence Ridge Trails. I'd then climb out along the Spence Ridge Trail...
Table Rock Gap Trail (MST) -- 2,900'
The Table Rock Gap Trail isn't that well marked so a map is a must, as it is anywhere in the gorge. About a half mile in you break out into this campsite with trails to the left, straight ahead, and an old logging road to the right. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail/Table Rock Gap Trail continue straight ahead and the road goes, well, nowhere...
Table Rock Mountain Summit -- 4,100'
The summit is narrow but very long so I spent quite a while wandering around. This super-pano looks off the northern end of the ridge. The Black Mountains are to the far left while Linville Gorge sits just off-center with the Roan Highlands rising beyond. Pointed, rocky, Hawksbill Mountain marks the east edge of the gorge with a dark Grandfather Mountain just to its right. The North Carolina piedmont stretches off to the horizon on the left...
Cameron Miller
on May 31, 2015As a kid growing up in the early 80's, at the foot of Table Rock, I can remember seeing this little "shack" on my way to catch the school bus. I was told it was a fire lookout or ranger station. From the house it looked like a telephone booth size little building. Friends I work with remember the building but don't recall what it was.
kw
on March 11, 2013Amazing, consequently lots of 'thumbs up's! What a hike! Is it quite a popular hike, or just parts of it? Those building remains are very interesting-- definitely wonder the history behind them! A hermit wanting a mountain top view?