Table Rock Loop from Spence Ridge Trail

Morganton, North Carolina

Save Add Photo

Add Photo

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

3.75 miles

Elevation Gain

1293 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

This is a new adventure! Be the first to share your experience.

Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights.

Added by The Outbound Collective

The Table Rock Loop from Spence Ridge Trail in Morganton, North Carolina is a well-known hiking trail. This trail is rated as moderate in difficulty and spans approximately 3.75 miles. It is located within the Pisgah National Forest, offering a variety of natural features. The trail is known for its unique rock formations, specifically the Table Rock summit, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding forest and the Linville Gorge. The trail also features a river, the Linville River, which hikers cross via a bridge at the beginning of the trail. The trail is well-marked and maintained, with a steady incline leading up to the summit. Hikers should note that the trail can be rocky and uneven in places, requiring careful footing. For those planning a hike, it is recommended to wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves change color. Nearby, there are camping facilities and other accommodations for those wishing to extend their stay.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Rock Climbing

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Table Rock Loop from Spence Ridge Trail Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hawksbill Mountain Trail

Hidden far above the beautiful Linville Gorge stands Hawksbill Mountain, among many other fantastic hikes. The roughly 1.7 mile hike from the dusty gravel parking lot is steep but worth every step. It took me about an hour to conquer with a few water bottle-guzzling stops. At the top, you are almost immediately hit with the gorgeous views. You have two options for a view: looking left toward A...

Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset

The trail to the summit of Hawksbill begins on an unpaved road for the Pigsah National Forest. In about a half a mile the trail turns left just before reaching the Jonas Ridge Trail. This turn is an clearly marked turn with a sign for "Hawksbill Summit". The trail then becomes steeper and rockier for another 1/4 of a mile, then you will arrive at the ridge where the trail splits. Either way ...

Hike to the Summit of Table Rock Mountain

Off of Highway 181, the trailhead is very clearly marked with a large parking lot. Although the trail is fairly short, make sure you have your footing, because the trail does switch back and forth in addition to gaining elevation -- it's pretty steep in some places! It's all worth it when you get to the 3,930' peak. The top is roomy, so find a spot, get comfortable, and day dream within these l...

Little Table Rock Trail

Camp at the Chimneys in the Linville Wilderness

The Chimneys area is a lesser-known camping destination within the Linville Wilderness. The Chimneys are a series of rock formations that rise above Linville Gorge and provide unobstructed panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding mountains. These rocks sit adjacent to Table Rock which hosts world-famous rock climbing. There are several camping areas alongside the Chimneys hiking path. Sleep...

Hike the Conley Cove Trail into Linville Gorge

Follow the gravel old 105 to the parking lot at the Rock Jock Trailhead. Follow this trail a short distance until it splits to the left for Conley Cove. The Conley Cove trail descends over 1,200 ft. into the Linville Gorge, providing a glimpse into the dense and wild Pisgah National Forest. Shortly into your hike you'll pass by a small cave and cross over a shallow stream. As you wind down dee...