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Linville & Avery County

About Linville & Avery County

Named after Colonel Waightstill Avery of Morganton, NC, the first Attorney General of North Carolina, Avery County is located in northwest North Carolina. It contains 247 square miles or approximately 152,300 acres of land. It is bounded on the north by Elizabethton/Carter County in Northeast Tennessee and Watauga County; on the east by Watauga, Caldwell and Burke counties; and on the west by Mitchell County and the state of Tennessee. The town of Newland, at 3,589 feet in elevation, is the highest county seat in eastern America.

Linville has been a summer destination for southern families since 1891. The Yonahlossee Road, which later became US 221, was built in 1891 to connect Linville to Blowing Rock. When the Blue Ridge Parkway was laid out in the 1930s, its route closely paralleled the historic Yonahlossee Road.

The Linville Improvement Company donated 13 miles of right-of-way for the Blue Ridge Parkway between Holloway Mountain Road and Pineola. This section of the Parkway crosses Grandfather Mountain, recognized by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve and considered one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the east. The challenge of crossing this environmentally sensitive terrain inspired the design of the Linn Cove Viaduct. Called “the world’s most complicated bridge,” the design employs every kind of alignment geometry ever used in highway construction.

Area Visitor Centers

Grandfather Mountain, Avery County

Lodging, Dining, & Things to Do

Linville Caverns

Stories from Linville & Avery County

9 Hints for Planning a Successful Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
June 16, 2022
History & Heritage, Hiking Trails, Wildlife, Arts & Culture
I bet most of us have an example of a vacation that didn’t go as planned. A road was closed, a parking lot was full, traffic slowed or halted your progress to your destination. It throws a wrench into your travel plans and can even derail your trip. So, what should you do to help prepare for the unexpected? Here are nine practical tips for planning a successful Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.
Winter lights in the shape of quilt squares are brightly lit at night at the North Carolina Arboretum.
Celebrate Winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains
November 18, 2021
Family-friendly, Seasonal, Skiing, Arts & Culture
Spending the holidays in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings to mind cozy fireside nights under homespun quilts, a brisk family outing to find the perfect Christmas tree on a local farm, and the very the best slopes for skiing and sledding. We've rounded up all this and more in our guide to festive winter fun in the communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Man Fly Fishing on a river in McDowell County.
Where can I fish in the Blue Ridge Parkway region?
November 11, 2021
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Fishing, Nature & Outdoors
There are many places in the Blue Ridge region where you can snag a prime fishing spot if you know where to look and what regulations to follow.
Polly Woods hosted early travelers in her single story log home near the Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Discovering History & Heritage in the Blue Ridge
February 24, 2021
History & Heritage
A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself.
Joyful children stand at the top of a sledding hill with their sleds.
7 Ways to Enjoy the Parkway’s Wide Open Spaces (Even when the road is closed)
December 31, 2020
Biking, Hiking Trails, Stargazing, Waterfalls, Fishing, Winter Sports, Motorcycle Route
When high elevation nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, sections of the Parkway may be closed due to ice and snow. The roadway is not plowed or salted so closed areas become wonderful winter playgrounds for pedestrians, cyclists, skiers and snowshoers alike.
A purple women's sweater hangs over a black shirt and necklace in a store.
Tis the Season to Shop Online
December 4, 2020
Online Store, General & Country Stores, Apparel, Gems & Minerals, Home & Garden, Local Food
Many of the businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway remain open year-round and offer such eclectic merchandise that you can shop for everyone on your holiday gift list from the comfort of your home and have the gifts delivered to your door or directly to the recipient.
A breakfast cookbook sits behind a plate of fruit, waffles, omelet and bacon with a glass of orange juice and a pitcher of syrup.
Romantic Getaways Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Beyond
November 16, 2020
Romantic Getaway, Nature & Outdoors, In Town, Road Trip, Complimentary Breakfast
Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.
411-foot Whitewater Falls drops over the rocks into multiple streams surrounded by fall-colored leaves.
Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
September 9, 2020
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Hiking Trails
Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.
Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.
Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge
August 26, 2020
Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm
The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?
Bicyclists ride on a paved Virginia trail.
What to Do in Spring Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
March 22, 2019
AAA Approved & Discounted, Classic Cars, Arts & Culture, BBQ & Appalachian Soul Food, Craft Beer, History & Heritage, Home & Garden, Live Music, Biking, Wine Lovers, Wildlife, Gems & Minerals, Farms & Agriculture, Train Enthusiasts, Motorcycle-Friendly
As the weather warms, spring fever leads many of us outside and to planning some trips. Whether an impromptu weekend getaway or looking ahead to what's happening later this season, there's no shortage of fun activities in the regions near the Parkway in spring. Read on for our breakdown of what's going on this season in each region of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Recommended Itineraries

Doughton Park trail marker amid the rolling grassy terrain on a sunny summer day.
Highlands Region Day Trip
Region: North Carolina
Duration:1 day
History & Heritage, Nature & Outdoors, Farms & Agriculture, Hiking Trails, Gems & Minerals, Picnic, Arts & Culture
A one day trip through the Highlands District of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317).