Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Waterrock Knob is a wonderful spot near mile 451 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a popular overlook area and even has a small visitor center that is open seasonally. There are picnic tables and restrooms too. The parking area offers incredible views to the east and west and is therefore a fantastic place to catch the sunrise or sunset. Peaks like Clingmans Dome and Mount Le Conte can be seen from here.

There is a short paved path that leads to an observation area above the parking lot. The trail then continues on to the summit of Waterrock Knob. At 6,292 feet, Waterrock Knob is the tallest peak in the Plott Balsams. If you wish to do more exploring, there is an unmaintained trail that dives off into the woods just below the summit and will take you to some interesting sites, including the wreckage of an old plane and Mount Lyn Lowry.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Amazing views.

Cons

Can be crowded.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

ADA accessible
Vault toilet
Family friendly
Big vistas
Picnic tables

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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