Take a trip to the bottom of the Linville Gorge to find a magical pot of gold! Daffodil Flats is a ghost garden that blooms for only a short time each year putting on an amazing display of color deep in this wilderness area.
There are a number of different trails to reach the bottom of the Linville Gorge to get to Daffodil Flats which is located along the Linville Gorge Trail. On this adventure, I took the Pinch In trail, which descends nearly 1700′ in just over one mile. Start the steep descent and as you emerge from the thicker forest, you’ll have amazing views of the surrounding peaks. The trail is rocky and steep the whole way down, take your time and use caution.
After reaching the bottom of the Gorge, take a right to head down the Linville Gorge trail that follows the Linville River downstream. This trail is mostly flat, easy to follow and beautiful. You can see the forest recovering from a massive wildfire that occurred here. After a little little less than 2 miles you will reach Daffodil Flats. Thousands of Daffodils bloom in this magical spot for a short time in the valley each year, usually sometime during February or March.
From what I understand, there use to be a homestead here many years ago. Likely lost due to flooding or fire at some point, only the garden survived, and it still thrives to this day.
The Linville Gorge is a Wilderness area so you need to be self sufficient in an emergency situation, during this time of year these trails are heavily trafficked and numerous rescues are made for inexperienced and injured hikers year round. I suggest going early in the morning or during the week to avoid the crowds and make sure you are in shape and have the experience necessary to safely complete this hike.
Latitude/Longitude 35.85118266543657, -81.91005127336149
Daffodil Flats35.83724/-81.91213
River Bank and Campsite 35.83318/-81.91364
This trail is rated MOST DIFFICULT. It has a steep descent/ascent and the trails in wilderness area are not blazed and all trailheads may not be clearly signed.