Latitude: 35° 54′ 12.3114″ Longitude: -81° 54′ 28.152″
Visited February 15, 2020
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=49002
Off Road Vehicle Recommended
This post is part of a trip series. To view the trip, click here.
Welcome!
Wiseman’s View was named after LaFayette “Uncle Fete” Wiseman. Uncle Fete used the overlook as his camping area when taking out the salt licks used for cattle in the summer months.
The trail is handicap accessible, paved all the way to the overview it provides of Linville Gorge. You can see Table Rock Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, and Shortoff Mountain from the overlook.
The mountains are not accessible from this trail. Hikers will need to access those trails from the eastern side of Linville Gorge… unless one develops superman jumping powers.
A few things to note.
The trail to the path is about 5 miles south of the Linville Falls Visitor Center. The road is rutty, washes out frequently, and may be covered in tree debris. An off road capable 4×4 vehicle is recommended. Our Jeep Wrangler rental did find, though it appears the road may be easier to drive in the winter months if it isn’t covered in snow.
Also, this overlook is surrounded by step cliffs and drop offs. It is highly recommended you remain behind the railings, though you will see paths appear to be used frequently beyond the safety features. Please watch you children as they will not survive a fall.
The Drive
The trail head is approximately 5 miles south/southeast of the Linville Falls Visitor Center. The road to Wisemans View is the same as the Linville Falls Trail Head on the US Forestry Side; the National Park Service side of Linville Falls .is accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The road is not paved passed the visitor center for Wisemans View, and road conditions vary. When we drove up the trail you could take a regular car as there were only 1 or 2 spots that were shallow mud. Other reports state that this road can get rough, so check with the visitors center before heading up.
The Hike
After arriving at the parking lot, it is a .4 mile hike to the overlook. The trail is paved and switch-backed for wheelchair accessibility. If you have a wheelchair, someone should be in good enough shape to help you get back up hill to the parking lot.
The trail is easy and short.
The View
You can see Table Rock Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, and Shortoff Mountain from the overlook.