📷 Photo by Sakina Faisal on UnsplashLinn Cove Viaduct
Linville, NC
A segmented concrete bridge that curves around Grandfather Mountain. It was the last piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway, finished in 1987.
The Linn Cove Viaduct, at milepost 304 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, curves around the flank of Grandfather Mountain at about 1,250 m (4,100 feet). The bridge, just under 380 m (about 1,240 feet) long, is made of 153 precast concrete segments weighing about 50 tons each. To protect the fragile mountainside, it was built from the top down starting in 1979, without any construction roads on the slope, and it rests on just seven piers.
Its dedication in 1987 completed the entire Parkway, about 755 km (469 miles) long, after more than 50 years of construction. You may not stop or walk on the viaduct. The best views of the bridge are from the Tanawha Trail, about 21.7 km (13.5 miles) long between Beacon Heights and Julian Price Park; even a short stretch is worthwhile. There is no lodging or food at the viaduct itself; the nearest campground is at Linville Falls.
- Nearest town
- Linville, NC
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 36.0826, -81.8110
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Photo by The AIRDEEz on UnsplashThe Blue Ridge Parkway, end to end
© Acroterion · CC BY-SA 4.0Blue Ridge Parkway high peaks: Mount Mitchell to Blowing Rock
© Nicolas Raymond from Bethesda, Maryland, USA · CC BY 2.0Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camp Linn HavenCampsite5 mi from Linn Cove Viaduct
- Big Mike's Creekside RV ResortMotorhome stopover6 mi from Linn Cove ViaductMotorhomes
- Mountain View Motorcycle CampCampsite12 mi from Linn Cove ViaductTents
- Waterwheel RV ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from Linn Cove ViaductMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- KOA KampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Linn Cove ViaductMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- The Hamptons RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Linn Cove ViaductMotorhomes
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Linn Cove Viaduct?
Linn Cove Viaduct is in Linville, NC, at GPS 36.0826, -81.8110. It is about 8 mi from Blowing Rock.
Can you camp near Linn Cove Viaduct?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Grandfather Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 50 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Linn Cove Viaduct?
Linn Cove Viaduct is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Blue Ridge Parkway, end to end, Blue Ridge Parkway high peaks: Mount Mitchell to Blowing Rock and Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains.
What is there to see near Linn Cove Viaduct?
Places worth a stop nearby: Grandfather Mountain (2 mi), Julian Price Park Campground (6 mi), Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (8 mi) and Blowing Rock (8 mi).
When is the best time to visit Linn Cove Viaduct?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)