Even though the net elevation gain (or loss - depending on direction hiked) on the Linville Gorge Trail is not that much, you will gain and lose plenty of elevation all hike long. There are many many many short steep sections on this 12 mile trail. On many of these short sections the footing is not all that great, like on this one, which makes backpacking in Linville Gorge that much more challenging.
Linville Gorge Wilderness
June 4, 2011