The Linville River is one of North Carolina's prized trout streams, beginning near Linville Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains close to Crossnore. Unlike many fast-flowing Appalachian headwater streams, the upper sections of the Linville flow moderately, more reminiscent of a Western alpine stream. This freestone river meanders along Highway 105 to Linville and continues along U.S. Highway 221 through Crossnore before flowing onto National Park property near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Linville Falls. The river then enters the Linville Gorge Wilderness, where it dramatically descends over 1,800 feet in elevation through a 15-mile canyon before emptying into Lake James. The Linville River offers diverse fishing opportunities from its meandering upper sections to the fast, turbulent waters of the gorge, which features deep plunge pools that hold trophy brown trout.