Lineville Gorge - Directions from Table Rock to Shortoff

Is there a faster way to get from the parking lot at Table Rock to the parking area for Shortoff without going all the way back to Gingercake Rd. and then 181 to Morganton? The guide book has FR 210 heading southeast from the gate which intersects with 181 closer to Morgantown but it says "not recommended". Is it a bad road?

It's been a long time since I've driven it, but it wasn't that the road was "bad", it was just way longer driving on a slow dirt road. Since 210 just loops back to 181 and is a much longer time on slow dirt road, it is faster to just go back the way you came and hit 181, where you can drive at normal speeds.

I figured that might be the case. Thanks.

The FS road south from the Table Rock parking lot is gated off and locked. The gate is right at the turn off for Table Rock, so you can see for yourself if it is open when you get to Table Rock, without having to go out of your way.

For getting from Table Rock to Shortoff, leave the TR parking lot, pass the first gated road (this is an older, very steep road. Even if the gate is open, don't go this way).

After you pass the Outward Bound school you will come to a T intersection. To the left takes you to Gingercake Acres. You should turn Right on Table Rock Mtn Road instead which will take you to 181 via Simpson Creek Road.

The road to the right is only a little longer than the Gingercake Road. Since it is downhill you should be able to make good time--just be careful on the curves.

If you were driving from Shortoff to Table Rock then it is worth while to drive the extra distance on pavement via Gingercake Acres.

FYI, when I ran this through Mapquest, this route is about 8 miles shorter--which saves you around 5 minutes driving time.

Scott Phil wrote:For getting from Table Rock to Shortoff, leave the TR parking lot, pass the first gated road (this is an older, very steep road. Even if the gate is open, don't go this way). After you pass the Outward Bound school you will come to a T intersection. To the left takes you to Gingercake Acres. You should turn Right on Table Rock Mtn Road instead which will take you to 181 via Simpson Creek Road. The road to the right is only a little longer than the Gingercake Road. Since it is downhill you should be able to make good time--just be careful on the curves. If you were driving from Shortoff to Table Rock then it is worth while to drive the extra distance on pavement via Gingercake Acres. FYI, when I ran this through Mapquest, this route is about 8 miles shorter--which saves you around 5 minutes driving time.

Go down old NC 105. It's practically a high way, hehe

Depending on how and when you are moving around in the gorge, also note that 210 is closed until the end of October.

fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/al…

Thanks