As it goes south through Avery County, it passes through the communities of Grandfather, Linville, Pineola, Crossnore and finally at Linville Falls. After entering Burke County at the community of Linville Falls, the river becomes the centerpiece of the Linville Falls and the Linville Gorge, an area referred to as "the Grand Canyon of North Carolina."
The river traverses Avery County from south to north, passing through the communities of Grandfather, Linville, Pineola, Crossnore, and culminating at Linville Falls. Upon entering Burke County at Linville Falls, the river becomes a central feature in the Linville Falls and Linville Gorge region, which is referred to as "the Grand Canyon of North Carolina."