DiscoverJacksonNC
1) Witness Endless Views
Jackson County, NC
Waterrock Knob is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 451.2 and has a stunning overlook with east and west-facing views. Onsite amenities include picnic benches, ample parking, restrooms, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
DiscoverJacksonNC
2) Hike the Scenic Trail
Sylva, NC
A 1.2-mile roundtrip hike will take you to the top of the 6,292-foot summit. The vigorous climb gains 412 feet in elevation and features great views along the way. At the top, there are several vantage points where you can see up to 50 miles out on a clear day to the Smokies.
DiscoverJacksonNC
3) Experience Golden Hour
Jackson County, NC
Easily accessible off of the BRP, you’ll find a sizable parking lot along with convenient amenities, including picnic benches and restrooms. If you’re looking to capture a sunrise and get in a morning workout, take on the Waterrock Knob Trail. Ascending 412 feet in a 1.2-mile roundtrip, this morning hike is well worth the hype, as you may find yourself above the clouds if atmospheric conditions are ideal. The parking lot fills up quickly around sunset, but there is usually room if you arrive a bit earlier. Peak weekends in leaf season will always be packed, so pick a weekday for the best sunset viewing.
DiscoverJacksonNC
4) Cruise America’s Favorite Drive
North Carolina, United States
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America’s Favorite Drive” and boasts some of the country’s most scenic vistas. Spanning 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains, 45+ miles can be found in and along Jackson County’s borders. In the spring and summer, the roadway is lined with blooming flora and fauna, making the drive even more stunning. Some of the most scenic overlooks and hikes can be found between the terminus located in Cherokee and Balsam Gap. Make sure to check out Waterrock Knob, Richland Balsam, Devil’s Courthouse, Black Balsam, and Soco Falls located between Maggie Valley and Cherokee off of Soco Gap (US 19). We always recommend ending the day the right way, so BYOB… bring your own blanket, that is. There’s nothing like enjoying a golden hour picnic with takeout from one of our award-winning non-chain restaurants as the sun sets below the mountain ranges. Picnic areas are plentiful along the Parkway! Although open year-round, we recommend checking for weather related closures before venturing on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the winter.
DiscoverJacksonNC
5) See the Milkyway on a Clear Night
Jackson County, NC
Waterrock Knob has long been a favorite overlook for golden hour sunsets and exploring the trails during the day. When the sun sets to the west, the fullness of a Blue Ridge Parkway night comes to life. With both east and west-facing views, Waterrock Knob fully displays the night sky year-round on clear nights. With ample parking and room for chairs, it’s no wonder why this is a common vantage point for meteor showers. One of the best ways to get the full experience is to grab dinner to-go from one of our local restaurants and enjoy it at the picnic tables while the sun sets behind the horizon. Then, you’re already set up to watch the night sky take over.