Hikes of WNC: Waterrock Knob Trail

SYLVA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — This gorgeous hike, featuring a large parking lot, a half-mile ascent to a great lookout and ready access to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Sylva, N.C.

Fast facts

• The trail up and down Waterrock Knob is exactly one mile, or a half-mile up to the summit from the parking lot.
• While the route up Waterrock Knob is exceptionally steep, with many tall steps and narrow ascents, there is an overlook about a third of the way up – .21 miles – that makes for a nice stopping point if the trail is too challenging.
• Waterrock Knob is only accessible on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so be sure to check www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures to ensure the parkway is open for your visit.

Sun-drenched ascent

For our hike, we arrived at the Waterrock Knob Outlook around 8:45 a.m., which was the perfect time to appreciate some golden sunlight, light breeze and fog rolling over the mountain.

Fog in the Waterrock Knob Overlook parking lot.

Fog in the Waterrock Knob Overlook parking lot.

To embark on the trail, follow the concrete path with wooden fencing on the side. A large, helpful sign will gives a directional arrow, as well as distances to the summit and the overlook.

While the trail is relatively short, it is not always straightforward. Be mindful not to head down Mountains-to-Sea Trail branches or to stray off onto unmarked territory.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail access.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail access.

Shady spots are littered along the trail.

Along the way, if hikers tire on the steep path, there are benches available to rest on.

After a short wooden staircase, round the bend to the pedestrian overlook, which has a beautiful descending view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Wooden staircase along the trail.

Views from the pedestrian overlook.

Stone steps are also prevalent along the trail.

Watch your step on the rest of the climb. Tall stone steps eventually morph into slick, steep rocks on a muddy, eroded ascent.

Rocks on the Waterrock Knob climb.

A hiker ducks under a felled tree on the trail.

Warning signs call out the eroded parts of the trail.

The flora along the hike is bright and colorful, from red lichen to bright green evergreen boughs.

Finally, the summit of the trail has multiple access outcroppings for views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as far as the eye can see.

Waterrock Knob summit.

Waterrock Knob summit.

Waterrock Knob summit.

Waterrock Knob summit.

Waterrock Knob summit.