A great way to enter the Linville Gorge, the most rugged and wild area I've explored in North Carolina.  The Linville Gorge Wilderness is notorious for overgrown, unmarked trails, but since devastating forest fires in 2002 & 2007 the trail up and around Shortoff is easy to find and follow.  It is mostly out of the cover of trees and in direct sunlight for the most part. Since you'll be there after the fires, you'll get a neat look into nature's way of healing as new growth stretches towards the sky nearly everywhere.  

This trail is a fun, exposed route up the southern end of the gorge, giving you a great introduction into what the Linville River carved out years ago.  The 11-mile gorge ends as the river flows away from Shortoff Mountain into Lake James which is in view during the first portion of the hike.  

The last mile of the trail is filled with campsites if you're up to explore the cliffs just off the trail.  If not, you'll still find a few clearly defined tent sites, but you may want to start early to snug these, because they'll be at a premium through the spring, summer and fall.

Out and Back, however it can be combined with "The Chimneys" which will take you all the way to Table Rock since you'll be on the spin of the east rim of the gorge.  

Up to You, but typically it's a 4.5-mile roundtrip hike that gains 1,321 feet in elevation.

There is a parking area at the end of a gravel road that can accompany roughly a dozen cars.  Since many people either backpack or camp from this location, you'll want to get there early to secure a spot.  Get directions to Lake James (hwy 126) and hop onto Wolf Pit Road (gravel).  Take it to the parking area at the end of the road.  

The usuals + sunscreen (key since it's exposed to sun & wind), 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.  

Do this hike in the winter.  You'll enjoy less crowds and the warm sun if the weather cooperates.