Old NC 105

Old NC 105 is an ideal scenic route for beginner off-roaders, overland campers, and sightseers looking for unparalleled, sweeping views of the Linville Gorge and Table Rock Mountain. Stretching approximately 13.7 miles along the western rim of the gorge, this rugged dirt road climbs from an elevation of 1,607 feet near the southern trailhead up to a maximum elevation of 3,962 feet. The route carries a technical rating of 1, consisting primarily of a dirt and gravel surface with occasional patches of heavily deteriorated asphalt. While a high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicle can successfully navigate the road under dry conditions, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended to easily manage the cumulative 3,221 feet of elevation gain and steep gradients that reach up to 19.7 degrees. Lowering tire pressure before embarking is highly recommended to soften the ride over the frequent washboards and bumpy potholes. Accessible from NC-126 in the south and NC-183 in the north, the corridor represents a historic portion of the original state highway established in 1926. Travelers should plan to spend two to three hours on the trail to fully appreciate the numerous roadside overlooks and dispersed camping opportunities overlooking the wilderness. Because this route borders the Linville Gorge Wilderness within the Pisgah National Forest, campsites are highly coveted and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The route is subject to seasonal winter closures when snow and ice make the steep, unmaintained roadway impassable, so checking forest service road statuses before departure is recommended.