The nonprofit purchased the 205-acre property in 2018 and transferred it to the U.S. Forest Service at the end of 2020. Support from the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Conservancy and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, together with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Fred and Alice Stanback, made the protection possible. 

“The Forest Service is grateful to The Conservation Fund and all of our many partners for the addition of this critical tract of land at Linville Gorge,” said James Melonas, Forest Supervisor for the National Forest in North Carolina. “The addition of Long Arm Mountain will protect views and enhance access to Linville Gorge for current and future generations, as well as protect wildlife habitat and water quality.”

An iconic destination in North Carolina, Linville Gorge is one of the deepest, most rugged and scenic gorges in the eastern United States. Sitting atop Long Arm Mountain, the newly conserved property is visible from Linville Gorge and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its protection will conserve stunning natural viewsheds as well as Bull Branch Creek, which starts on the property and flows into Linville River. It also secures public access on the east side of the gorge and will expand protected habitat for black bear, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, neotropical migratory birds and federally endangered plant species.