Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located at Milepost 451.2 (just 18 miles from the end of the Parkway), it features the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This peak (6,292 feet) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States - and the the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6,000 feet. There are fantastic views both east and west from the parking area, home to a Visitors Center and restrooms. It's one of the best places in the North Carolina mountains to watch a sunrise or sunset.
A 1.2-mile roundtrip hike will take you to the top of the summit. The steep climb gains 412 feet in elevation. There are more great views along the way. The first 1/4 mile of the trail is paved, ending at a nice overlook with a small rock wall that you can sit on to catch your breathe. At the top, there are several vantage points for distant views (although it's not a 360-degree panoramic view). On a clear day, you have 50-mile views, including the highest peaks in the Smokies. In the valley below is Maggie Valley.
Waterrock Knob is located in the Plott Balsams mountain chain between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Great Balsam Mountains. There is a spring that flows over the Waterrock where hunters, and farmers in the area came to rest and get a cool drink of water. |
