Pinch In Trail,

Marion, NC 28752

"We did the Pinchin to Linville River to Conley to Rock Jock trail 9.5 mile loop. I've read the other reviews and agree. It's hard. It's doable but hard. More like slow going. It starts out with a very steep decent. This goes on for about 2 miles. The hardest parts were where the leaves had covered the path and made it slippery. Amazing views when the trees open up. Halfway down is a big bald rock sticking up. Can't miss it. Easy climb and well worth it. This is also the first time we found ourselves off trail and didn't know where to go. If you go on this trail download Alltrails and pay the $35 annual fee. It will save you. The trails get less marked as you go. We got lost about 5 times. You need the app. Not affiliated. When you get to the bottom the seen changes to a green rainforest feel. This was in January so I imagine it really fills in in the summer. It takes you many miles along the river. You don't see it as much as you would like but you always hear it. When the trail does run up next to the river it's great. The classic rough flowing mountain river. It runs along the river for miles. The trail then turns back up and away from the river. This time it's less of a steep climb and more like a ton of switch backs. You'll see many creeks and 2 foot water falls. It also takes you to some "caves". More like rock shelter over hangs though kinda deep. Pretty cool. This is about where we lost day light. We are first year hikers and misjudged and didn't respect time on the trail. If you do this one start early and make tracks. We had head lamps and when it started to rain we put on our rain gear. Again without the Alltrails app on our phone in a zip lock bag we would have been S.O.L. It kept us on trail. Again this one was hard. It may not sound like fun but we loved it. If you like to push and test yourself then this is it. Bring lots of water, hiking sticks, flash lights, and the app."

"This is definitely not a trail for beginner hikers, I'd consider it one of the more difficult hikes into the Linville Gorge with how quickly it climbs and lowers elevation. The road both ways to this trailhead follow an old dirt road that sometimes washes out leaving uneven ditches or exposed rock - would not recommend for low clearance vehicles or during bad weather. There's limited parking in the actual lot but you can park along the road as long as you don't block traffic. There's currently warnings posted for bear activity in the area. The trail itself is maintained only by people using it frequently and can grow up a bit during summer and is not marked but fairly straightforward to follow. Along the trail there's places to free camp as long as you have a permit and keep fires contained. You start out on top of the peak and hike down the mountain into the gorge to the river. There's the occasional high step down or fallen tree to climb over and loose rock - rough on the toes and knees so I highly recommend good shoes, socks, and hiking poles. At the bottom you'll reach another Pinchin trail sign, if you keep right on the trail you follow the river on a fairly flat path until you reach Daffodil Flats on the right hand side. From there you have the choice to do the long loop or double back the way you came. As far as Daffodil Flats I will say it was absolutely beautiful but not as big as you might think. There's definitely better angles to walk around and get those photos that make it look like a large field full of daffodils. Just be mindful of where you step so you don't crush any blooms. The timing to see them is typically in earlyish March. Doubling back you have that steep upward climb ahead of you that will leave you out of breath but there's plenty of places to step off to the side and catch it again so just take your time and go at your own pace. I highly recommend bringing a lot of water on this hike especially in the summer. You will only have signal up near the top of the peak but down in the gorge there is none. Give yourself plenty of time if you're a moderate or slow hiker to get down and back up before dark."

"Am extremely strenuous and technical trail. Gorgeous views all around. Take hiking poles, it will help with supporting yourself as you descend and ascend. Loose rocks, gravel, boulders, thorns are some of what you should be prepared for. The dirt road 105 is best navigated with an suv or truck. No restrooms. Daffodils in March are beautiful. The 2 miles along the river is peaceful and calming. Camping opportunities with no facilities. Limited parking spots."

"Absolutely gorgeous! Not for beginners as it's not marked and sometimes confusing as to where the trail is. We didn't get very far only about 2 miles in when my dog got bit by a copperhead. An absolutely terrifying experience but these things sometimes happen when out in the wilderness. My only gripe is the road in leading to the trailhead is gravel and very rough with some super sketchy parts. My Acura struggled to make it. So that's something to keep in mind if your vehicle is low to the ground."

"I give this 5 stars for difficulty. This is a very tough trail! The descent into the gorge is >2000 feet in 1.2 miles. That is VERY steep and has only a few (small) level spots to rest. I do NOT recommend descending this trail with backpacks unless you are very experienced, in very good shape and looking for a challenge. Going up with packs is a challenge but a safer one. Our scouts (Troop 104 from Raleigh) did it with fresh legs, but they were winded at the top. There are several nice views along the way. There is a good water source to the north at the bottom of the trail and a spacious campsite to the south."