What trailheads in Linville Gorge are accessible by a 2WD sedan?

I'm local. When thinking Linville Gorge, start by thinking which side you want to travel down-Old NC 105 side or Gingercake/Table Rock Road side. In general terms I think the Gingercake TR side is a touch better, but it can be rough from the bottom of Gingercake Acres to Hawksbill with hundreds of "washboard" ruts. It can be done if you're careful and slow and deliberate though, but as others have said it's not ideal. You WON'T be the only car or 2WD you see either however.

The other side (Old NC 105 or "KIstler Memorial Highway") has washboard ruts and some larger ditch-like ruts. The biggest headache on 105 is about 2/3rds of the way down (or 1/3 way up if coming from the lake) is a steep section that would really wash out badly so many years ago, they decided to pave about 100-150 feet of the slope. The problem is water still runs off this slope and erodes at the bottom of the ashphalt "pad". I have seen this be as much as 18" (or more?) over the years-and this is a straight drop... pavement - 18" of air -ROAD.

I have taken Crown Vics and Dodge Chargers across it many times, which tells you I'm either law enforcement or a taxi driver. Again, it isn't pleasant but it can be done. The TR side is much better though.

I was traveling south once from NC183 to Lake James in a Crown Vic and forgot the huge drop off at the end of the pavement on 105. It not only jarred my teeth, it rang my ears and I don't know to this day how I didn't tear the car up. If I was not fully awake just before that...I was then!

I drove to table rock and the chimneys as well as Hawksbill mountain in a Corolla. It was a bit sketchy in some places and most people drove 4 wd

Linville Falls is a totally paved road near the Blue Ridge Parkway

linville gorge

Last weekend old NC 105 road past Linville falls was rutted bad in a few spots. Wanted to go to wiseman’s view but turned around in my dumbass Prius. I’ve been some places on FS roads in my Prius but I turned around then. I’d say you def want some clearance if you get past 2nd trailhead on old nc 105

If you are talking driving on Old NC105 to the trailhead then I suggest sine caution. I did the entire road last week in a 4runner trd offroad and there were quite a few sketchy spot but one, unfortunately I did clock the mile marker, was even tricky for me.

A long time ago, I drove a Chevy Impala on 105. I was fine, but check the weather. If it rained, I probably would have been stuck.

Drove a 2002 Toyota Celica to Hawks Bill. Thought it would be paved all the way to the parking lot, I was wrong.

I’ve made it to Shortoff trailhead and Pinnacle trailhead in my sedan. Made it easily as long as I went slow and was careful, but wouldn’t have wanted to do it if it had rained recently

This was probably 25 years ago, but my dad and I drove NC 105 in a ‘73 VW Beetle. Not the best tool for the job obviously but at a certain point it’s mostly about your driving abilities.

All of them, if you send it hard enough

Depends on your tires and such.

I used to drive my Accord all over those roads. If not confident in wheel position and knowing when to send it on a climb with holes and such, don't do it as you can damage your vehicle, however 90% of the time it was not an issue.

Harper's Falls trailhead is easily accessible by 2wd vehicles, although you will get some dust on it.

I just went today and I was in an AWD vehicle, but I seen like a 1992 toyota corolla and an old pontiac that was definitely 2wd.

There's* ruts in the road, but a friend of mine messed up his lifted toyota that had 4x4 by hitting ruts. Gotta avoid those no matter what

I'm glad someone posted this, I could use a little help too.

I'm trying to get to the Table Rock Parking Area, coming from Charlotte. The few times I've been there I've always gone down the east side, from the north (Gingercake Rd.), and parked at either Hawksbill, Spence Ridge, or gone all the way to the Table Rock Parking Area.

My specific question is if it would be better, or even possible, to take Table Rock Mountain Road, that splits off from 181 miles to the southeast of Table Rock itself, near Horseshoe Bend Family Campground. This route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WUGuUMTy4AjqKnNY9. What about Table Rock Mountain Road (different road, same name, WTH) that splits from Fish Hatchery Rd? This route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZxbGCQorbyyq28Pm9

Google Street View has never gone down these roads (not a surprise), and I can't tell enough detail from Google Maps, so any information is appreciated.

For reference, I am in a generic 4-door sedan.

I have driven a mini cooper up and down Old 105. It was uncomfortable and I don’t recommend it (if you have other options), but there were no significant issues.

Hawksbill and the other trails there are fine or have been every time I've gone up there.

Go to short off. Go slow for only about 100 yards or so.

I drove an 08 Lancer GTS on both sides, no issues.