Waterrock Knob Overlook
Waterrock Knob is the second-highest point accessible by car on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at Milepost 451.2 near Sylva, NC, with the visitor center parking lot at 5,820 feet and the summit at 6,292 feet. The circular parking lot faces both east and west, making it one of the few spots on the Parkway where both sunrise and sunset can be watched from the same location. The seasonal NPS visitor center provides ranger assistance, exhibits on the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, and trail access. On clear days, the Plott Balsam and Great Balsam Mountain Ranges fan out in all directions. The 0.6-mile trail to the summit begins paved and then ascends 400 feet of rocky terrain.
One of the highest and most exposed overlooks on the entire Parkway — the circular lot frames mountain views in every direction and makes a dramatic high-altitude stop near the southern end of the NC Blue Ridge.
On the way: Blue Ridge Parkway
Shot by the riders who've run it.
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