NEBO, NC (May 5, 2017)…The Linville Gorge, located on the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, is gearing up for the busy summer season with the opening of the Linville Information Cabin and the beginning of this year’s Wilderness permit requirements.
The Linville Gorge Information Cabin, located at the north end of Old Hwy 105 (Kistler Memorial Highway), provides visitors with area information as well as maps and camping gear for sale. The Information Cabin opens today, May 5, for the season. The cabin will be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am – 4pm through October. Sales at the cabin are cash only.
This year marks the second year of partnership with the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) for operation of the Information Cabin. SAWS information specialists staffing the cabin provide first-hand knowledge of area trails, camping recommendations, and Wilderness principles.
To celebrate spring and provide information to the public, SAWS and the US Forest Service are hosting the Linville Gorge Cabin kickoff event tomorrow, May 6 from 10am to 2pm at the Information Cabin. Come out to Linville to learn about Wilderness and ways you can help Linville Gorge keep its pristine character. Meet Smokey Bear and some of the hard-working people that care for the Gorge. Enjoy a crosscut saw demonstration and maybe take a turn yourself!
The U.S. Forest Service would also like to remind visitors to the Linville Gorge that due to high levels of use permits for overnight camping in the Wilderness are required on weekends and holidays May through October. Permit requirements are in place to preserve the character of the Wilderness and provide an experience of solitude for visitors. Visitors can reserve permits for the following month by contacting the Grandfather Ranger District Office. For example, permits for June can be reserved starting May 1st. A limited number of additional permits will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis at the Information Cabin each Friday starting at 10am.