About Linville Caverns

Linville Caverns were discovered by Henry E. Colton in 1822 during a fishing trip near Humpback Mountain. They consist of many underground passages formed throughout millions of years. Deserters often took refuge here during the Civil War. Due to the efforts of John Q. Gilkey, Linville Caverns opened to the general public in 1937.

Humpback Mountain is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Linville Gorge, nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” is also nearby. Since the landscape has an extreme slope, the surrounding areas did not fall victim to logging and development, keeping the natural forest intact. The temperature inside Linville Caverns remains at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Evidence of two major floods can be seen on the walls. One occurred during the 1940s, the other more recently in 2004. The caverns are active limestone caverns, as water continues to run through them. Unique to Linville Caverns, trout can be found in the water. Other wildlife making their home here include salamanders, insects, and bats.