Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is situated at an elevated location along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is one of the most impressive places to visit when driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is an eye-catching Scenic Overlook located on the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains mountaintops, offering breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across those mountains.
Just in case it seems like you should be one of those types of people who chase after fall foliage colors, or enjoy the golden duration of a stunning mountain sunset, or just want to experience the relatively short yet steep hike to the top, Waterrock Knob is the place.
Visitors to the Waterrock Knob Visitor area will find this site located at Milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway to be not only an entrance to stunning natural landscapes but an effective traveling destination as well.
It is particularly well known for the sunset scenery, and it is one of the highest overlooks in the area, 5,820 feet above sea level.
1. Where Is Waterrock Knob Located?
You are wondering where is Waterrock Knob. It is located in western North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Cherokee, Bryson City, and Maggie Valley. This is all you need to know to plan your travel:
Location: Road to, Rd to Waterrock Knob, Sylva, NC 28779, United States. Google map
Closest Towns:
- Cherokee: 18-mile and 30-minute drive
- Bryson City: 28 miles and a 45-minute drive
- Maggie Valley: 14 miles and a 25-minute drive
When staying at Elk Hollow Resort close to Bryson City, you are only 45 minutes away. Experience curvy roads, mountain tunnels, and breathtaking scenery on your trip to one of the highest visitor centers in the Parkway.
2. Why Visit the Waterrock Knob Overlook?
Waterrock Knob Overlook is just the escape you are looking for on a mountaintop. That is why you should consider it a part of your itinerary:
Hills and scenery
Waterrock Knob is one of the highest drivable which, reaching 5,820 feet. View From the overlook, one is able to view 50 miles on clear days, which covers the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Plott Balsam Range. It is particularly readily accepted in the fall during leaf-peeping season and during the soft blossom of spring.
Photographer Heaven
The clear sightings of strata mountainous terrains offer unbelievable illumination during daytime, especially at sunrises and sunsets. Be it iPhone pictures or long-exposure shots, Waterrock Knob turns every picture memorable.
Accessibility
There is a spacious parking lot that is well-maintained. The visitor center has paved walkways, which make it a decent resting place even for people with limited mobility. There are benches and stone walls to rest on and have unimpeded views.
3. Waterrock Knob Sunset – A Must-See Experience
The drive is done by travelers so much because they would like to witness a Waterrock Knob sunset. As the sun goes down, leaving a trail of gold, crimson, and violet on the sky, the dramatic background shows the undulation of peaks.
Best Time to Visit
Hopefully, the goal is to get there 30 to 60 minutes before sunset in order to get a good vantage point, park, and prepare the camera or blanket. The times of sunset change according to the seasons, so it is better to see the forecast for the local weather.
Sunset Photography Tips
Apply a tripod to stabilize long exposures. A polarizing filter should be brought to improve the contrast of the sky. Not to forget a wide-angle lens that will capture more ridges and sky. Bracket exposures when doing HDR shots.
Ideal for everyone
Waterrock Knob sunset is not only striking to the eye, but it touches the heart. No matter who you share the experience with, whether with your partner or getting a mild mid-week adventure and spending time in your sweet solitude, there is just something rather magical about seeing a day turn into night when you sit within the Appalachian wild.
4. Hiking Trails from Waterrock Knob
Feel like getting the legs out? Waterrock Knob Trail is a short hike to the top of the mountain, where one will obtain even more panoramic views.
- The official trail starts on a paved surface, but quickly changes to a rocky, bumpy dirt trail as it travels uphill through wildflower fields, rhododendrons, and spruce-fir forest.
- You will go past rock steps, switchbacks, and turn-offs with lookout points where you get teaser views.
- The highest point of Waterrock Knob offers panoramic views of 360 degrees, some of the most wide-reaching in Western North Carolina.
- It is possible to see Clingmans Dome, Mount Mitchell, and some places in Tennessee and South Carolina on a clear day.
Trail Information
| Distance | 1.2 mile (round-trip) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Time to Reach | 45 minutes |
| Elevation | 133 m |
| Dogs Allowed | Yes, dogs are allowed here, but on leash |
| Kid Friendly | No |
5. Waterrock Knob Visitor Center Info
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center offers far more than a pretty pull-off on the Blue Ridge Parkway; it is a center of learning, planning, and resting. Here is all that you have to know when visiting:
Hours Of Operation
It is at such a high elevation, and the weather is unpredictable, so the visitor center is not in operation throughout the year.
- It generally runs in the warmer months when the Blue Ridge Parkway is open in full operation.
- The overlook, trails, and parking lot are open year-round; however, the visitor center itself may be closed off-season or during foul weather.
Opening: April to October
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
What’s Inside
The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center has a lot of resources to help you as a traveler.
- Local geology, how the Blue Ridge Mountains were formed, and the ecosystems of the heights are displayed.
- Details of the wildlife in the area- black bears, elk, and bird species.
- Complimentary brochures, trail maps, and area guides
- Information on the other close stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- There are clean toilets (only when the visitor center is open)
Other On-Site Features
- Parking: Big paved parking area, good for cars, vans, and small RVs (it may get filled during peak sunset times)
- Benches and Rock Walls: Benches to relax and a view to enjoy, or a place to wait for sunset.
- Viewing platforms: A series of flat walkways that head towards the overlooks are near the parking lot
- Picnic-Ready Spot: It does not have an official picnic sheltered area, but there are open areas where tourists usually settle down and have a snack.
6. Travel Tips for Visiting Waterrock Knob
Being able to visit the Waterrock Knob can be a memorable experience, but you need to prepare for it.
So here is what you should know before you go:
Weather Considerations
Waterrock Knob has been recorded as one of the highest points in the Blue Ridge Parkway, and as such, there can be extreme changes in weather even within a few minutes.
- It is cooler in temperature compared with the other towns, such as Bryson City or Cherokee.
- Fogs may suddenly come and bury all the sights, sometimes in the early morning or late evening.
- Snow and ice in winter and early spring can shut a section of the Parkway altogether.
What to Pack
Due to the height, you would want to carry along additional equipment even on a short trip or hike.
- Carry a light jacket and a rain shell (Layers). It is both windy and cold, even during the summer.
- Wear hiking boots or heavy shoes.
- Bring a hat & sunglasses. The day can be bright at high altitude
- Bring a lot of water and carry light snacks for you to munch on.
- When hiking at sunset, carry a head lamp or flashlight with you, because the trail down goes dark in no time.
Cell reception is poor
Waterrock Knob has patchy or no cell reception, particularly for navigation apps or streaming.
- Obtain maps( Google Maps or AllTrails) beforehand
- Make use of offline GPS apps or take a printout of directions
- Feel free to use the visitor information center to ask about directions.
Best Time to Visit
The time of the day is everything in the creation of a Waterrock Knob experience. This is how to do proper planning:
- Best time of the day: Sunrise or sunset is the best time of the day. Arrive early to take awesome pictures and the colors of golden hour or sunset
- Best time of the week: On weekends, it is not as crowded as compared to weekdays. Avoid those holiday weekends in the fall foliage season
- Best Season to Visit: Fall colors in October
7. Stay Close to the Parkway – Why Choose Elk Hollow Resort
In need of the ideal mountain getaway around the Waterrock Knob? Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City is an idyllic resort in nature-dotted cabins. It is conveniently placed in order to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Reasons Why Elk Hollow Resort Is Perfect:
- Less than an hour away from Waterrock Knob
- Near Deep Creek Trails, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and Nantahala River
- Outside fireplaces, porches, and mountain views
Elk Hollow lets you be as close to nature as you wish, whether you are listening to birds as you wake up or peering at the sky with a fire.
And there is Bryson City, a place to visit after hiking and sightseeing, and roam among the local restaurants, breweries, and shops for local crafts.
Final Thoughts – A Memorable Blue Ridge Parkway Stop
Whether you are an experienced traveler on the Blue Ridge Parkway or you are only beginning your mountain experience, the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is a place of destination.
It is dreamy, with panoramic views, memorable sunsets, and conveniently located just off the highway along hiking paths; it embodies the essence of the Smokies in a single place.
Linger in this spot, catch the clear mountain air, see the clouds drift over the far mountain-tops, and imbibe the beauty which only the highlands of the Appalachian range can afford.
Meanwhile, when you want to retire to bed, head over to Elk Hollow Resort, where you can have a relaxing stay amid the views you have just traversed.
Are you up for an unforgettable mountain adventure? Plan your Waterrock Knob expedition today!
FAQs | Waterrock Knob Visitor Center
1. Where is the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center located?
The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is located at Milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina, between Cherokee, Bryson City, and Maggie Valley.
2. How high is the Waterrock Knob Overlook?
The Waterrock Knob Overlook sits at an impressive elevation of 5,820 feet, making it one of the highest overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
3. How do I get to Waterrock Knob from Cherokee, NC?
From Cherokee, NC, Waterrock Knob is about 18 miles away and takes around 30 minutes to reach by car via the Blue Ridge Parkway.
4. Why is Waterrock Knob Visitor Center popular for sunsets?
The Waterrock Knob sunset is famous for its dramatic panoramic mountain views and stunning golden hour colors. It’s one of the best sunset spots in the Smokies.
5. What can I see from the Waterrock Knob Overlook?
On a clear day, you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Plott Balsam Range, and even distant peaks in Tennessee and South Carolina.
6. Is there a hiking trail at Waterrock Knob?
Yes! The Waterrock Knob Trail is a 1.2-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the summit for a breathtaking 360-degree view.
7. What facilities does the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center offer?
Inside you’ll find exhibits on local geology and wildlife, maps, restrooms (seasonal), paved paths, and ranger information to help plan your Parkway adventure.
8. When is the best time to visit Waterrock Knob?
The best time is during sunrise or sunset for amazing light and fewer crowds. The fall foliage season in October is especially beautiful at Waterrock Knob.
9. Is the Waterrock Knob Overlook accessible for everyone?
Yes. There’s ample parking, paved walkways, benches, and stone walls that make the overlook accessible for most visitors, including those with limited mobility.
10. Where can I stay near Waterrock Knob Visitor Center?
Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City is a top choice for a nearby stay. It’s less than an hour from Waterrock Knob and offers cozy cabins with mountain views.
