The most iconic section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is at Linn Cove Viaduct. For most photographers, it's a bucket list photo location that we all have to have in our photo galleries.
There’s something magical about the Viaduct. Each time we visit, we're captivated by its graceful curves hugging the rocky slopes of Grandfather Mountain. It just seems to float floating above the treetops and on the mountainside.
Whether Jenn and I are walking the Viaduct's nearby trails, standing at one of the many scenic overlooks, or driving across it, the views always take our breath away. This is especially true during fall color season, when the surrounding mountains explode with vibrant colors.
The Viaduct isn’t just an engineering marvel; it’s a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In this guide, we'll share everything you need to know about Linn Cove Viaduct, including the best views and spots for photos, hiking trails, and tips for capturing that perfect photo.
Join us as we uncover why this gorgeous engineering marvel is a must-see stop on your Blue Ridge Parkway adventure!
Linn Cove Viaduct
During the final stages of the parkway's construction, Parkway engineers faced a unique challenge.
They needed to find a way for the Parkway to cross Grandfather mountain, but not damage it. Traditional cut and fill strategies would have caused significant damage and erosion to the famous mountain.
The solution was to build a bridge that not only brought visitors around the mountain but also followed the contours of the mountain to blend with the scenery and shape of the mountain.
The completion of Linn Cove Viaduct in 1983 also completed construction of the parkway. The section of the parkway containing the viaduct opened to the public in 1987.
The Linn Cove Viaduct is 1,243 feet long and consists of 153 segments, each weighing 50 tons. The total cost was just shy of 10 million dollars. You can read more about it's construction on the NPS website.
The viaduct literally seems to float along the side of the mountain, and is not only very functional, but beautiful as well.
Driving on Linn Cove Viaduct
To drive across this engineering marvel and simply gorgeous bridge, drive to Milepost 304 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Linn Cove Viaduct is located 78 miles north of Asheville on the Parkway, or about 10 miles north on the Parkway from Linville, NC off Highway 221.
As you drive, note the contours of the bridge as they follow the contours of Grandfather Mountain immediately next to you. The views from the bridge are absolutely outstanding.
It really helps to bring a passenger with you that can take photos and video as you drive across the bridge. We often put a GoPro on the hood of our vehicle. The curves in the bridge also contribute to its smooth flow.
Try to avoid slowing down too much or stopping on the bridge, as you could easily get rear-ended because of other travelers trying to enjoy the view.
The Visitor Center
Currently closed because of building repairs.
On the parkway, and just to the south of Linn Cove Viaduct, is the Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center and museum. The center has restrooms, and in the store and museum you can learn more about the viaduct, and its construction.
Two highlights are the scale model of the Linn Cove Viaduct, which provides a perspective on its size and construction. You can also learn more about the Viaduct’s construction and opening by watching a video.
Unique Views of the Viaduct
For a longer distance view of the Viaduct, drive on up past the Viaduct to the north for a mile or so. There are a couple of overlooks that provide views of the Viaduct from a longer distance, and really show how the bridge blends and flows into the side of Grandfather Mountain.
If you're here for a sunset you, you're in for a pleasant surprise on a clear day.
Hiking Under and Beside the Viaduct
For a completely different perspective of the Viaduct than most see, hike the short paved trail at the end of the Visitor Center parking lot.
This easy trail will take you through the forest, up to and under Linn Cove Viaduct. The trail really provides a unique and interesting view of the Viaduct and is well worth it.
You can visibly see first hand the large footing placed into the side of Grandfather mountain, and also the pre-built 50 ton each concrete sections that were brought to the site, and put together to form the Viaduct.
The paved trail connects to Tanawha Trail, which will take you alongside Linn Cove Viaduct. The trail cuts across the side of Grandfather mountain, and is not only a neat trail, but delivers some unique and interesting views of Linn Cove Viaduct.
This trail can also be used to access one of the most popular photo spots for the Viaduct, located on its north side, as seen in this photo:
To access this famous photo spot, after the pavement ends on the trail from the visitor center, continue to follow the same trail as the pavement ends. It will twist and turn, and take you across several large rocks, and across a really neat wooden bridge.
You'll see the Viaduct on your right the whole way. As you approach and pass the end of the viaduct, watch for a small trail leading down and to your right. There is no sign. This small trail will lead to the base of a large boulder. Climbing to the top results in the view above.
This photo location can also be reached by parking alongside the parkway, on the north side of the Viaduct via a short but very steep trail up to the top of the rocks. Going up isn't too bad, but going down is dangerous.
Photography Tip: Morning sun is better for taking this very famous photo, so get there early and you'll have fewer cars in your photo as well.
The Tanawha Trail is a 13.5-mile trail that runs alongside the Parkway from the Beacon Heights parking lot at mile marker 305.5 to Julian Price Park at mile marker 297.
This section of the trail is also part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which goes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to the Outer Banks.
