Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the
Blue Ridge Parkway. Located at Milepost 451.2 (just 18 miles from the end of the Parkway), it features the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel toward the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This peak (6,292 feet) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States - and the the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6,000 feet. There are fantastic views both east and west from the parking area, home to a Visitors Center and restrooms. It's one of the best places in the North Carolina mountains to watch a sunrise or sunset.
If you have never climbed a mountain, this is not the one to start on!
Although the trail is not long, only 1.4 miles, it is very steep and involved climbing over giant boulders, some of which were spotted with blood (yikes!).
On the other hand, my 9 year old grandson sprinted up the trail like a deer.
Purchase here
$85