Babel Tower Trail NC – Linville Gorge Rock Spire

Trail Overview

Babel Tower Trail descends steeply from the west rim of Linville Gorge Wilderness to a freestanding rock spire above the Linville River. It covers about 3 mi round trip (non-official estimate), rated Most difficult, featuring descends steeply to a distinctive freestanding rock spire above chute-like waterfalls on the Linville River, with about 1,100 feet of elevation regained on the return climb.

Where It Is

Trailhead off Kistler Memorial Highway (FSR 210), west rim of Linville Gorge Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest, Burke/McDowell County, near Linville Falls, NC.

Good to Know

The U.S. Forest Service confirms this trail exists but does not publish an official distance — the round-trip figure above is a commonly cited estimate from local hiking guides, not an official Forest Service number. Always check current trail, parking, and access conditions with the managing agency before you go — conditions can change with weather and season. Source: U.S. Forest Service (fs.usda.gov) for existence/access; distance is non-official (ashevilletrails.com).

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See more Pisgah National Forest hikes