Quite possibly the best overlook in the Linville Gorge area. A great spot for early morning sunrises since it faces East.
The view at Wisemans View looking down the Linville Gorge with Tablerock Mountain. 
The cliffs at Wisemans View are sudden and extreme! 
One of the observation areas at Wisemans View (there are multiple views).
Off the beaten path in the Linville Gorge area is the remote treasure of Wiseman’s View. This handicapped accessible vista, that is only 2/10’s of a mile from the parking lot, has to be seen to be believed. The view provides breathtaking views of the gorge below, along with Table Rock and Hawksbill mountains that are directly across on the other side of the gorge. Wiseman’s View is a true gem of the Pisgah National Forest and shouldn’t be missed.
The parking lot for Wiseman’s View is located on Old NC 105 which is an unpaved road. Old NC 105 is about 1 mile from Highway 221 in the town of Linville Falls or about 1 1/2 miles from the Highway 221 and Blue Ridge Parkway Intersection. The turnoff for Wiseman’s View is about 4.2 miles down Old NC 105. As you drive down Old NC 105 you will probably start thinking that you missed the turnoff as Wiseman’s View is somewhat remote. Just keep going and look for the big sign which is easily spotted on the side of the road. The parking area for Wiseman’s View is large and you should have no problem finding a spot. There are even restroom facilities present at the parking area.
Despite being so remote, the entire facility at Wiseman’s View is very well built and maintained. The walk to the view is an easy 2/10’s of a mile on a paved trail that is handicapped accessible. The trailhead starts at the parking lot by the informative sign boards. It is an easy walk to a wide and open observation area that includes two walled overlooks that provide stunning views of Linville Gorge, Linville River, and the surrounding mountains. This is one of those spots that will make you slow down as you will just want to hang out and enjoy all that Wiseman’s View has to offer.
Be mindful of the high cliffs present in this area and watch your children. The observation area also has a bench present and informative signs to provide some history of the view.
Wiseman’s View is truly a magical spot that we are certain you will enjoy on your visit.
We tried to go today and the road was impassable due to several large ditches across the road approximately 2 miles in. We have a Highlander and would not have been able to get past the ditches without damage to the car. There were 2 SUV’s in front of us that also had to turn around after making attempts. Please fix the road.
Diane…The roads are maintained by the forestry service and can be a challenge to travel on sometimes as the weather can be rough on them. The forestry service will fix the road at some point so I encourage you go out and try again sometime. You can also contact the ranger station to check the road condition before you head out. Their number is 828-652-2144. The view and experience at Wisemans View is definitely worth 5-stars in our opinion.
According to the Forest Service, the road is a state road and supposed to be maintained by the state.
I agree with Ryan, I lived up here while in college in the 80’s and my wife and I loved camping and hiking at Wiseman’s View. We have had friends get married there and it was awesome. I would encourage you to try again.
Wiseman’s View is beautiful in all seasons but especially during the fall if you want stunning fall foliage. It is definitely worth a visit!
We visited the lookout yesterday. It wasn’t until this morning that our jaws would reposition themselves! What an incredible view. This view is as spectacular as the rocky, barren, Grand Canyon, if not 100 times more scenic with its autumn colors ablaze.
need to get the LEFT turn arrow back on that sign just before the overlook. We were not sure and drove WAY PAST! I can see it on this picture here, but its not on now. Needs to be painted on so it wont go missing again. George
Sometimes the signs on the remote forest roads can be a little unreliable. Hopefully you were still able to find the view and enjoy it!