Looking at the 540-million year-old quartzite rock that lies beneath the 745-million-year-old metamorphosed granite rock at the walls of the gorge is an amazing view provided by the unique geological window that is Linville Gorge.
Thanks to a fine new book Exploring the Geology of the Carolinas we have a geology field guide for our state. No doubt it is a treat to view the rocks of Linville Gorge and understand that the supercontinent of "Gondwana (which was made of parts of Africa and South America) collided with Laurentia" (North America) and that collision around 300 million years ago helped to form Linville Gorge.
More about some ancient rocks later but above is a wildflower photo of Blazing Star also called Devil's Bit. The gorge was loaded with Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron in full bloom.
