Waterrock Knob
Highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering stunning panoramic mountain views from an accessible overlook and a challenging summit trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Waterrock Knob
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering stunning panoramic mountain views from an accessible overlook and a challenging summit trail.
"Gorgeous views for sunset and sunrise, easy access to trail."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The summit trail is steep & rocky. Paved path to overlook is easier, but good shoes are key for the full experience.
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunset/Sunrise
Popular spots fill up fast! Get there ahead of time to secure a good viewing location.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Top of the knob
Reach the highest point for breathtaking, layered mountain vistas. A must-see for any Blue Ridge Parkway visitor.
Plane Crash Site
Off the main trail
An adventurous detour for history buffs and hikers seeking a unique experience. Requires careful navigation.
Visitor Center Overlook
Near the parking area
Accessible paved overlook offering stunning long-range mountain views without a strenuous hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The summit trail is steep & rocky. Paved path to overlook is easier, but good shoes are key for the full experience.
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunset/Sunrise
Popular spots fill up fast! Get there ahead of time to secure a good viewing location.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No food or drinks available on the Parkway up to Waterrock Knob. Be prepared!
🚗 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience and better parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The summit trail is steep & rocky. Paved path to overlook is easier, but good shoes are key for the full experience.
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunset/Sunrise
Popular spots fill up fast! Get there ahead of time to secure a good viewing location.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No food or drinks available on the Parkway up to Waterrock Knob. Be prepared!
🚗 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience and better parking.
☁️ Embrace Smoky Mountain Weather
Clouds can create dramatic, ever-changing views. It's part of the Smoky Mountain charm!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Waterrock Knob for its breathtaking, expansive mountain views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The accessibility from the paved overlook is a major plus for many, though the summit trail is noted as steep and rocky. Some find the lack of amenities a drawback, but the serene atmosphere and cooler temperatures are often highlighted as enjoyable aspects.
"We thoroughly enjoy driving up to Waterrock Knob. Such beautiful views in all sorts weather. Many times clouds change the gorgeous views you experience & remind you of why it's called the Smoky Mountains. Many times we drive up with a picnic lunch, chairs and a book. So quiet & serene"
Danette Kuzel
"My husband and I did this hike with our dogs and it was beautiful at the top but the trail is pretty steep. From the parking lot to the lookout is paved but beyond that it is very rocky and a pretty rough and steep trail."
Emily Sala
"Just shy of a 2 Hour Dr. from Greenville, South Carolina, chasing a sunset that is rarely seen in the Greenville area, we rolled the dice and headed out, hoping that it would pay off.
It did not disappoint . The drive up to the Outlook is beautiful with numerous overlooks along the way. We went on a Sunday and avoided a lot of congestion probably because it’s not as popular of a day to travel as Saturday.
There was still a full parking lot, but we got there early and got to choose a place in the Grass that was perfect
There is not any food or beverages once you get on the parkway up to Water rock so make sure you pack what you need.
Restroom facilities were clean and stocked!
And added perk for us was the temperatures in the humidity were significantly lower than the Piedmont 74° with a mountain breeze and virtually no bugs
We plan on going back this coming weekend because once it’s just not enough!
This time we plan on making the half a mile hike to the top."
Rochelle Holla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waterrock Knob is located at Milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Access is directly from the Parkway. If you're driving from Asheville, head south on the Parkway. If coming from Cherokee, head north. The visitor center and parking area are clearly marked. 
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often closed in winter due to ice and snow, especially at higher elevations like Waterrock Knob. Always check the Parkway's road status before planning a winter visit.
From Greenville, SC, it's about a 2-hour drive. From Asheville, NC, it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. These times can vary based on traffic and Parkway conditions.
Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center. They are generally reported as clean and stocked.
It appears Waterrock Knob may connect with the Mountains to Sea Trail, offering a longer hiking option for those interested.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Waterrock Knob or access the overlooks and trails. It is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a free-access national park.
Visitor center hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Blue Ridge Parkway website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
No advance booking is required for Waterrock Knob. It's a public access point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, parking can fill up during peak times.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails and in the outdoor areas of Waterrock Knob, provided they are kept on a leash.
Waterrock Knob stands at 6,273 feet (1,912 meters) above sea level, making it the highest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trail to the summit is about 1.2 miles round trip. The initial part is a steep paved path, transitioning to a more natural, rocky, and steep trail towards the top. It's considered moderate to strenuous by some. +1
The hike is doable with young children, but it is steep. Parents recommend assessing your child's hiking experience and being prepared for a challenging ascent.
Expect stunning panoramic views of layered mountain ranges, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset. The views can change dramatically with weather conditions.
Waterrock Knob is a great starting point for exploring other trails. It's also near the start of the Mountains to Sea Trail, offering further hiking opportunities.
There is a plane crash site accessible via a trail off the main Waterrock Knob path. It's a unique historical point of interest for hikers.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the mountain layers. Golden hour light is spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A tripod can be helpful for low-light sunrise/sunset shots.
Yes, even from the parking area, you can get excellent long-range views. The paved overlook offers fantastic photo ops without the strenuous hike.
Focus on the sweeping mountain panoramas, the changing cloud formations, and the unique textures of the summit trail.
Drone usage is subject to National Park Service regulations. Check current FAA and NPS guidelines for drone operation in this area before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your children are experienced hikers, the trail to the summit is doable, but be aware it's steep and rocky. 🚗 Scenic Drivers & Day-Trippers
+1 You can easily incorporate it into a day trip, enjoying the scenic drive and stopping at various overlooks along the way. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated tables and soak in the serene atmosphere. 📸 Photographers & Sunset/Sunrise Chasers
Arrive well before the event to secure a good vantage point, as these times are very popular and parking fills quickly. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Waterrock Knob Trail Experience
Many visitors enjoy the 'adventure' of climbing the rocky path, noting the sounds of nature and the interesting rock formations. There are also unofficial paths carved by visitors, though sticking to the main trail is recommended for safety and to minimize environmental impact. The effort is well worth it, as the summit provides unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, often described as spectacular even in cloudy weather.
For those seeking a unique historical element, there's a trail leading to a plane crash site off the main path. This adds another layer of interest for hikers, though it requires extra caution and navigation. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the rocky sections can be slippery.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Waterrock Knob
Even from the parking area and the paved overlook, you can capture incredible shots. However, for the most dramatic perspectives, making the hike to the summit is highly recommended. A wide-angle lens is ideal for encompassing the vastness of the landscape, while a tripod can be invaluable for capturing sharp images during low-light conditions. Don't forget to look for interesting cloud formations, as they add depth and drama to the mountain scenery.
Beyond the grand vistas, pay attention to the details: the textures of the rocks on the trail, the vibrant colors of wildflowers (seasonally), and the unique atmosphere created by the mountain mist. The plane crash site also offers a unique, albeit somber, photographic subject for those interested in its history.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Amenities
The visitor center offers restrooms that are generally reported to be clean and well-maintained, providing a basic comfort for visitors. The parking area can become quite full, especially during popular times like sunset and sunrise on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a good spot and avoid disappointment.
Temperatures at Waterrock Knob are significantly cooler than in the Piedmont region, offering a welcome respite from heat and humidity. Expect a mountain breeze, and generally fewer bugs at this elevation. This makes it an enjoyable destination even on warmer days, provided you are dressed appropriately for cooler mountain weather.
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