When most visitors to Linville Falls, North Carolina, stop at the popular Erwin’s View or Chimney View, a handful of adventurous hikers push farther. On a recent November afternoon, rock‑climber Kitty Myers, scuba enthusiast Jill Young, and photographer known as Badger left the marked trail to reach a hidden outcrop called the Old Man’s Perch.
Finding the hidden perch
The newly reopened Plunge Basin Trail led the group down to the river’s edge, where they navigated wet, uneven granitic gneiss. From the river’s left side, they could see the 50‑foot drop of the falls and a narrow sliver of quartzite jutting from the near‑vertical wall. Local lore says the rock’s silhouette resembles an old man’s face, echoing the famous “Old Man” on nearby Grandfather Mountain.
After photographing Kitty and Jill standing on a ledge in front of the falls, the trio decided to attempt the precarious crossing to the perch. Badger described the maneuver as a “Via Ferrata without the cables, ropes, or harness.” One misstep would have sent a climber into the cold November water below.
Risk and reward
With Kitty and Jill spotting and steadying each other, Badger gingerly moved across the rock, found a tiny toehold, and finally secured a clean, eye‑level profile of the Old Man with the waterfall cascading behind it. Jill later noted she was unaware of any other photographer who had captured that exact perspective, making the shot a personal triumph.
When asked why anyone would voluntarily seek such a risky spot, Badger quoted local legend‑maker Bob Underwood: “Risk makes the adventure come alive, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.” The sentiment rang true on that autumn afternoon, as the group celebrated the unique view they had earned.
Why the Old Man’s Perch matters
The Old Man’s Perch is not a tourist‑friendly overlook; it is a hidden niche that rewards those willing to leave the safety of the trail. For the Western North Carolina hiking community, such feats embody the spirit of exploration and respect for the natural world. The photograph captured from the perch adds a fresh visual record to the region’s rich outdoor heritage.
Thomas Mabry, the author of the original piece, continues to share his love of nature through stories, photography, and social‑media channels like Honey Badger Hiking on Facebook and Honey Badger Images on Instagram. His work encourages fellow hikers to appreciate the beauty and challenge of places like Linville Falls while reminding them that responsible preparation and teamwork are essential for safe adventure.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
