This is a short backpacking trip in the Linville Gorge, but a fun one.  I started on the western rim entering the gorge via the Bynum Bluff trail and exiting via the Conley Cove trail.  

The Bynum Bluff trail (1.15 miles) is one of the "easier" entries into the bottom of the western rim of the gorge, however if you've never been here before - everything in the gorge is relative to the gorge.  This hike to the river is still quite strenuous especially with a big pack on your back as it descends 600 feet after starting out relatively flat for the first half mile.

Once the river is in sight, you should see a trail coming in from your left and continuing to your right...this is the Linville River trail which you'll take heading south to Babel Tower (on your right).  It's roughly 2 miles to the intersection of Babel Tower which is signed when it enters from your right and continues downhill on your left.  Take the left and head out towards the rocky pinnacle which is probably obscured from your view at this point.  You will have climbed up to this trail intersection and stay fairly high above the river below you as you get out to the edge and the trail ends.  There are several awesome campsites so pick whichever suits you - I recommend scrambling around to see the options.  I camped at the very edge of the tower so I could have an unobstructed view of Hawksbill Mountain to the south.  I would guess I was a few hundred feet above the river which was in clear view beneath me.  

On my second day, I hiked back to the intersection of Babel Tower trail and the Linville River trail and quickly dropped back to the floor of the gorge as the trail settled back to the banks of the river.  I hiked this trail all day making my way to Conley Cove.  You'll notice you've arrived when you start seeing many campsites and find the river and the land beside it is relatively flat.  If you go past it, you'll see the sign for the Conley Cove trail headed up through the woods.  I chose to camp right along the river since it had been dry for several days and the forecast was clear and calm.  

I exited by hiking up the Conley Cove trail to the Kistler Memorial Highway and hiking back to the parking area for Bynum Bluff after playing around in the river in the morning.  The Conley Cove trail offers no outside views into the gorge, but is scenic with all the woods surrounding you.  It would've been preferred to drop a car at the parking area for Conley Cove, but I didn't have that option on this trip.  

Loop (of sorts)

Maybe 10 miles...it's hard to say because the gorge is notorious for making each mile seem like 3.  

There is a parking area off the Kistler Memorial "Highway."  Mind you this is a dirt/gravel road that is pretty rugged.  I traversed it several times with my Honda Accord, but it was painful.  

The usuals + trekking poles & bear bell/bear spray or a hiking companion since the gorge is a known habitat for black bears.  Canisters aren't required (yet).   I've seen 2 bears in the gorge and heard another.  I've never had an encounter, but you should be aware they do live there.  

Camping permits are required on weekends and holidays from May 1 through October 31 through the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest (828-652-4841). Group sizes are limited to ten campers or less. Permits are restricted to one stay per group per month, and for no longer than three days and two nights per visit. 

Weather in the gorge changes fast.  Check the forecast the day before you leave and perhaps check with the rangers to ensure you understand the short-range forecast.  

Take your time.  The Linville River is awesome and mostly visible during the hike.  There are several spots that I paused to simply soak in the view or the rays or the water.  Watch out for snakes.  I saw a timber rattlesnake and a copperhead in addition to a few non poisonous snakes.