Blue Ridge Parkway

Rock Climbing

Linville Gorge. One of the most challenging climbs in the country is the Linville Gorge, often called "the Grand Canyon of North Carolina." The Gorge is part of a 12,000-acre federal wilderness area in the Pisgah National Forest. About 20 trails (not generally maintained) are in the wilderness area. It also offers fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Backcountry camping permits (free) are required for weekends and holidays May-October, limited to no more than two nights. They are available from the Grandfather Mountain district forest ranger's office in Nebo. Also get an official map of the Gorge from this office. Blue Ridge Pkwy., MM 317, Nebo, NC, 28761. 828/652-2144. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Hiking
• Rock Climbing

• Skiing