Visiting Linville Gorge on the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest it is hard not to notice the signs of fire. From the iconic wind-whipped table mountain pines gripping the cliffs at the edge of the gorge, to the characteristic clear views, fire has shaped Linville from the beginning. 
Partnering with The Nature Conservancy, The Fire Learning Network, and the Consortium of Appalachian Fire Managers and Scientists, the Grandfather Ranger District has installed a series of informational signs along Old NC 105 on the west rim of Linville Gorge to share with the public information about fire safety, fire history, fire ecology, and firefighting. Visitors starting at the Information Cabin at the north end of Old NC 105 can visit the signs by driving south along the Fire Learning Trail as they take in the sights of the area.
The signs are accompanied by a series of pod casts featuring radio-style interviews with local fire managers that are available on iTunes (search: Fire Learning Trail) or on CDs distributed free of charge at the Linville Information Cabin.
The Fire Learning Trail is part of an effort to increase education on the history of the Grandfather Ranger District and the forces of nature that have shaped the forests. This is an effort under the Grandfather Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project, an 8-year project with a goal of restoring 40,000 acres on the Grandfather District.
CHAPTER 1. WELCOME TO THE FIRE LEARNING TRAIL
Meet Jen, Greg, and Chase, your guides on The Fire Learning Trail! In this episode, you will get an overview of the intentions of the trail, and find out where you can get more information.
CHAPTER 2 – A FIERY PAST AND PRESENT
In this episode, Jen, Greg, and Chase talk about the history of fire in and around the Linville Gorge. They discuss current fire management and point out areas where you might see evidence from recent fires
CHAPTER 3 – MORE THAN A CHANGE IN SCENERY
What happens after a wildfire? Jen, Greg, and Chase are back to talk about the process of succession. They discuss how this keeps our natural areas interesting and healthy.
CHAPTER 4 – 100 YEARS OF FORESTRY AND FIRE SAFETY
In 2015, North Carolina celebrated the 100 year anniversary of their state foresters. This history is closely tied to railroads, Native Americans, and fire. Find out more with your hosts Jen, Greg, and Chase.
CHAPTER 5 – PROTECTING OUR HOMES AND FORESTS
Do you have what it takes to be a wildland firefighter? Find out when Jen, Greg, and Chase talk about their experiences as firefighters and fire professional. 
Grandfather Restoration Project 