About Waterrock Knob (MP 451.2)
Waterrock Knob is the Parkway's best late-day stop in the Smokies country. At 5,820 feet the lot is already above many of the surrounding peaks, and a steep trail adds another 470 feet to the summit.
The summit trail
A trail of about 1.2 miles round trip climbs from the lot through high-elevation forest to the 6,292-foot summit. It is steep, rocky in places and uneven, so wear real shoes. The payoff is a 360-degree view: the Great Smoky Mountains to the west, the Plott Balsams to the south and east, and the Black Mountains and the Pisgah range on the clearest days. In the early morning, valleys fill with fog and the summit stands above it.
The lot and visitor center
The lot has a seasonal visitor center and restrooms, and the lot itself has a view south and east. The visitor center closes for winter, so don't count on it this late in the year.
Road status
The Parkway road-status page showed the sections from milepost 443.0 to 455.7 open on October 22, 2026. Ice and snow close high sections from November, and Hurricane Helene repairs continue elsewhere. Always check the closures page first, and call 828-298-0398 for the Parkway info line.
Planning
- Time to allow: 45 minutes for the summit trail, 15 for the lot.
- Weather: the knob is often in cloud; temperatures can be 20 degrees colder than Waynesville. Wind at the top is strong.
- Crowds: busiest on October weekends. Come early or late.
- Facilities: restrooms in season.
Pair it with
Heintooga Ridge Road and the Soco Gap overlook are south of here. To the north are Richland Balsam and Devil's Courthouse. See the Blue Ridge Parkway site for more. Waterrock Knob is a good place to end a Parkway day: stay for sunset and drive down in the dusk.