Water Rock Knob, Great Smokey National Park
Park
Why pick this one
Waterrock Knob offers a 1.2-mile summit hike with 50-mile clear-day views, restrooms, picnic areas, and sunrise or sunset access.
Best for
- short but steep summit hikes
- sunrise and sunset viewing
- stargazing with minimal light pollution
- picnicking along the Blue Ridge Parkway
- views toward the Great Smoky Mountains
Look elsewhere if
- a fully accessible summit trail is required because the hike is steep
- a 360-degree panoramic summit view is required
- winter travel during potential Parkway snow and ice closures
- a fast drive from Asheville is required because the Parkway route may take about two hours
Specialties
- 1.2-mile summit hike
- sunrise and sunset viewing
- stargazing
- mountain overlooks
- picnic areas
What makes them different
- Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 451.2
- Summit trail gains 412 feet over a 1.2-mile round trip
- Parking area sits at 5,719 feet elevation and includes restrooms
- Clear-day views can extend 50 miles, including the highest Smoky Mountain peaks
- Visitor Center is open 10 AM-5 PM from mid-April through October
Distilled from this business's own website.
Contact & Location
Services
- outdoor recreation
- hiking
- scenic viewpoints
- picnicking
- visitor center access