First off let me say that this site is awesome. Ive been staring at google earth for the past couple of days trying to figure something out for our upcoming trip to the gorge.
4 of us are planing a trip March 13-17.  We'll be leaving here (Auburn, Al) Fri afternoon so we'll either roll in late and camp by the truck or camp somewhere on the way and get to there Sat morn.  Would like to leave around noon-ish on Wednesday.  So there is our timeline.

Ive thought up a couple options for a backpack:
Park at the falls parking, Basically do the grand loop.
Either Bushwacking to the bottom of LGT(not really preferred as this is our first time to the gorge)
Or, Go up Pinnacle, road to Rock Jock, to Conely and back up LGT

Do same loop but parking at Spence trail head

Think 4.5 days is plenty of time for a backpack to take our time and take in the views a little? I think its supposed to rain/snow though. 

OR,

Base Camp and do day hikes.
Maybe Move base camp one day to reach other parts of the gorge?
I don't have a clue as to where to start with a base camp as it seems you'll have to overlap alot.
Basically what are the must hit trails given a max of 4.5 days?
Cause we could always cut it down and do a day hike somewhere else in the general area, Ie. Grandfather mtn.

Given it's our first time, what would you do?

Your suggested route  tells me that you dont understrand our maps or are not reading them clearly.  Be sure  you understand the difference between a Proposed route and a Unpublished trail.  Its not easy to figure our stuff out--this is a voluntary collection of maps...you got to study them a lot before they begin to make sense. Suggest you stick to the topo---to me they are easier to read than Google earth.

Drive Kistler Road on the west side of the gorge to Conly Cove.  Its a long dirt road. walk down conly and take your first right. Youll be on Rockjock. Lots of views.  This trail will not go to the  river but will keep you on the cliffedge for miles.  If you get tired of that, you can always go back to Conly Cove aND HIKE DOWN TO THE RIVER.  Suggest you DONT backpack down into the Gorge.  Camp near the rim and throw your pack down and travel lite with a day pack.  Let us know how it goes.  --  Bob   

WOW, that's a ton of time in the Gorge.  That's what I like to hear! 

There are so many ways to approach having a good trip in Linville Gorge, and certainly to each his own.  I would suggest something similar to Michael, which would allow you to enjoy the leisures of car camping as well as a night away from the truck, with your backpack at the river. 

If you have read a good bit on this site and it's companion site, Linville Gorge Yahoo Group, you know that some of the most strenuous hiking in the southeast can be found in the Gorge.  That in mind, you should select only routes that you have both carefully studied and totally understand the difficulty of.

With the amount of time you have, you have plenty of time to get some base camp hiking done as well as a small backpacking loop or a down and out one nighter.  Say you arrive Friday, camp near the road close to Conley, wake up Saturday and check out the Conley Cave, Petraus Point, Lost Dog Loop, and all or part of Rock Jock.  That's a full day!

Sunday morning, if you're dead set on backpacking, head to Conley Cove Trailhead and descend to the river, probably less than 45 minutes.  Head north on LGT to the bridge, cross the river, and head up Spence Ridge to either Little Table Rock or to MST and take either of them to Table Rock and then descend to and across the parking lot.  Camp just beyond the parking lot on the right or continue across toward the Chimneys and camp just beyond there on the left.  Set up camp and check out Table Rock with some remaining daylight.

When you wake up Monday, hit the NC Wall trail without backpacks, explore along the cliffs and make a loop back to camp using MST.  Pack up and continue south along MST, descend to the gap, and back up to the head of Cambric Branch.  Descend Cambric Branch to the river, crossing at the toe of the Cambric Ridgeline you will find a nice camp along LGT.  (search for more about Cambric Branch Trail, as it can be tricky, also, no bridge, but you can make it easily by wading).

Tuesday morning make your way north on LGT back to Conley, ascend Conley back to the truck and find a nearby camp, possibly at old Conley intersection, or Lost Dog.  Take it easy on Tuesday afternoon, maybe re-explore nearby portions of RJT, or take in the views at Wiseman's. 

Wednesday wake up and pack up camp, maybe a quick stop at Wiseman's.  Check out the falls if everyone is game.  Then head into nearby Linville Falls and grab lunch at Louise's.

By the way, on the river crossing:
Mike and I crossed the river by wading at two very popular points on the 28th and 29th of May in 2008.  The first being at the toe of Conley, and the second where MST first meets the river after descending from Pinnacle, just south of private land.  Using records from the gauging station downstream, you can estimate whether conditions will be safe for crossing.  Here is a link:
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02138500
Looks like the max discharge for the days we crossed was just over 140 cfs.

-Lewis

Thanks for all the advice!
After talkin with the other 2 guys (one dropped out, LAME) they're dead set on a backpacking trip for springbreak, so we're gonna do some of the AT instead and I'm trying to talk them into stopping by Linville on the way home to do a day hike. If I am successful with my persuasion we'll explore Rockjock if Kistler dries up, but its not looking good(2wd 4runner).

If the stars align and we're able to make it this go round I'll definitely come back with a report and pics!
If not, there's always the summer!

Thanks!
David

The USFS Grandfather District office will be your best bet.  It is right by the interstate at Nebo on a frontage road.
I'm not sure of the exit.  The only other place I know would be Morgantion at CBS Sports, but then you'd have to backtrack
to the south end of the gorge.

Ken

They may Lewis.  Thanks, I didn't think of that.  I'm not sure when they open either, but if these guys are coming
from the west and entering the south end of the gorge, Nebo would be easier if the office is open.

Been a tough winter!  When you going camping?

Ken

Thanks Glen.  I just checked and the Nebo office is at exit 90 on I-40.  You can see it from the Hwy. on a frontage road just north and east of the exit.

Ken

Lewis,

I have purchased the maps there in the past. I would guess they still sell them.