Hike of the Week: Tablerock Mountain, NC
Capture some of North Carolina’s best views as you hike into the Linville Gorge Wilderness on this spring-perfect trek.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: 3.5 out of 5
Summary
Tablerock Mountain is one of the highest summits in North Carolina’s Linville Gorge Wilderness, and it’s got the view at the top to show for it. Take the less-traveled approach from the northeast for a 3.4-mile loop covering 1,300 feet of gain.
From the Spence Ridge trailhead (35.9034, -81.8788), start your trek south on the Tablerock Gap Trail, which covers the 1,300 vertical feet in a near-constant climb. At mile 1.1, take a left to complete the climb to Tablerock’s summit. Vistas expand out over the 2,000-foot-deep Linville Gorge all the way to Mt. Mitchell, the Appalachians’ highest peak. Once you’re done soaking up the views, head down the Spence Ridge Trail, descending through hemlock and oak woods. The descent is covered with rocks and roots, so be wary of twisted ankles.
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