Linn Cove Viaduct

Linn Cove Viaduct is one of the most scenic spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway — a true masterpiece of engineering and natural beauty. The curved bridge hugs Grandfather Mountain so gracefully that it almost feels like you’re floating in the sky. The views are absolutely stunning, especially during fall when the foliage turns into a sea of colors. There’s a visitor center nearby with parking and short hiking trails where you can get a closer look at the viaduct from below — definitely worth the stop if you love photography or just want a peaceful moment in nature. The drive itself is smooth and beautifully maintained. Tip: Go early morning or around sunset to avoid crowds and catch the best light for pictures.

Beautifull place. it's great to visit when fall comes. The colorful trees all over the mountains look like a painting. 1,5 hours from Asheville downtown and 3.5 hours from Raleigh. It's a bit difficult to find parking at this location. Some people park their vehicles on the side of the road. it's the best place for taking photos.

The Viaduct is amazing. The views are beautiful and it's very easy to get too. The down side is the visitors center is closed and so are the bathrooms. It appears they have been closed for a long time. The trail from the visitors center to the little off trial to get to the viaduct is hard. It is literally uphill both ways. If you're going to ruff ridge then I suggest you drive past the viaduct and use the ruff ridge parking area where there are steps and an easy path. The Tanawha trail from the visitors center is very strenuous and not for the casual sightseer.

What an amazing viaduct who designed by Figg and Muller Engineers, Inc., with construction beginning in 1979. Some 1,243 feet (379 m) long and a little less than 40 feet (12 m) wide, the viaduct rests on seven piers. What made its construction noteworthy was keeping heavy construction equipment off the group This included the preliminary geotechnical exploration/evaluation work begun in 1975 where crews hiked to the site and drilling equipment was lowered to each bore-hole location by helicopter. Building the bridge from its south side, this was done by connecting 153 segments one at a time using a custom crane that moved along the viaduct as it was being built. Each segment, nominally 8.5 feet (2.6 m) long and weighing 50 tons, was precast at a facility onsite and moved on a carriage to the crane. All but one of these segments were slightly curved as the viaduct needed to be shaped in a "S-and-a-half" figure to follow the contours of the mountain. The only work done on the ground involved drilling the footings for the piers which also were built in a segmental manner. The viaduct has received numerous design awards to include the 1984 President's Design Award, which states, "... construction of the roadway by pre-cast, segmental concrete elements set from above on segmental piers is elegant, economical, and new… results in an elegant curving ribbon that caresses the terrain without using it as a support. It gives the motorist the sensation of driving tantalizing on air while the earth goes by."

Absolutely stunning! I drove back and forth across it four times. I have been through many areas of NC, but it was by far one of my favorite views, driving across it. You have to see it for yourself, pictures just don't do it justice.

I love it up here. The views are amazing. Parking can be a little bit of a pain during leaf season, but it is so worth the walk to get the great shots.

Absolutely beautiful area. The park near by has a trail that goes right up to the viaduct. The fall foliage was beautiful and they have amazing outlooks with great views and hardly any obstructions. The trail is very nice I would say it's a bit of a hike. So be prepared for that. Definitely worth the walk just make sure your in the right shoes. Wouldn't do on flip flops. Definitely worth the hike it's stunning. Highly recommend this stop on the blue ridge parkway.

I've always wanted to see the Viaduct in person and was not disappointed! It was the morning of a weekday and crowded but parking was easy. Most people would just stop for a few minutes to take some pictures and leave. Fall foliage around makes it extra scenic and such a sight to behold.

We came to the area to hike to Rough Ridge Overlook. We wanted to start our hike here, but the parking area was closed. There's a nearby overlook parking where you can walk along the road and get a really nice view of the viaduct. We also hiked from the Stone Rock Parking Area to the visitor center which was nice but didn't have many views. This area is really pretty and visiting in the fall is gorgeous for the changing leaves!

If you're driving the Blue Ridge parkway you must stop near the viaduct to check it out. The views are amazing and it's even better in the fall.

I loved this hike. The Visitor Center is closed right now due to Covid, so you will have to park across the street. Walk into the parking lot, past the bathrooms and follow the signs that say Linn Cove viaduct and Wilson Creek. You'll go through boulders and rocks and walk right under the viaduct. The first observation deck isn't exciting. But, keep walking about a mile and when you get to the fork, turn right. This is where you will get a great view! We kept walking to Wilson Creek and then turned around. That was 2.5 miles round trip. You have the option to continue going to Rough Ridge.

One of the best bridges in the state of north carolina The view is absolutely extraordinary Be sure to stop After crossing the bridge

Great place to hike, make sure you look for Rough Ridge trail. Sunset are amazing, depending on the time of year you go bring something warm after the sunset

This is a must-see on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is located on mile marker 304.4 and sits 1,243 feet high. It is incredible in its views but also in its construction. You literally feel like your floating along Grandfather Mountain. This bridge helps the Blue Ridge Parkway connect the Shenandoah Mountains and the Great Smokeys. There are overlooks on either side, along with its own National Park Visitor Center titled, "Linn Cove Visitors Center". It is an environmental friendly bridge which makes you fall in love with it even more. If taking a ride on the 469 mile Blue Ridge Parkway, this is a spot you have to see! Plan for it.

Views are awesome. Hiked this with a 4 year old. If you take the 2.8 mile hike it's not bad. There is at least 4 points to stop and take awesome pictures along the way. Highly recommend in the fall time. Light sweater and jeans. Boots are a must. Happy hiking.