Waterrock Knob

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Waterrock Knob is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 18.0 miles from the southern end of the Parkway. At an elevation of 6,292 feet, Waterrock Knob is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States.

The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store is located here and open seasonally. Restrooms are available and wheelchair accessible. There are no fees required to visit Waterrock Knob.

The hike to the summit is a 1.2-mile round-trip. It is a very steep climb and gains 412 feet in elevation. Great views are available along the way to the summit. Don't let the paved first 0.25 miles of the trail fool you—it is steep but smooth and temporarily provides a respite from the climb with a small rock-walled viewing area overlook where you can catch your breath.

The rest of the climb is steep and rocky. At the summit, there are various spots where you can get long-distance views, but not a total, 360 degree one. If it is a clear day, you can probably see 50 miles to the highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains. Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Great Balsam Mountains is the Plott Balsams Mountains.