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.
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.
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.
Watch your step on the rest of the climb. Tall stone steps eventually morph into slick, steep rocks on a muddy, eroded ascent.
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.
-
Hikes of WNC: Glassy Mountain at the Carl Sandburg Home
Glassy Mountain is the resident peak of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, the preserved farm and house of the famed poet located in Flat Rock, N.C. A beautiful network of trails eventually leads to a steep, but worthwhile, climb to Glassy Mountain Overlook.
-
Hikes of WNC: Beaucatcher Mountain Trail
Beaucatcher Mountain Trail is a popular hiking spot just outside of downtown Asheville. The network of branching trails is located behind Memorial Stadium and McCormick Field, making the hike a perfect outing for tourists and Tourists alike.
-
Hikes of WNC: Triple Falls Trail
Located in the hiking bounty of DuPont State Recreational Forest and captured on the silver screen in movies like “The Hunger Games,” Triple Falls Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall view, three times over.
-
Hikes of WNC: Lookout Mountain Loop
Just minutes from University of North Carolina Asheville main campus, Lookout Mountain Loop is a beloved hiking spot for students and locals alike. The .6 mile trail is a quick lap around a North Asheville peak, but the views of the city skyline and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains will make a lasting impact on any…
-
Hikes of WNC: South Slope Mural Trail
Sometimes you don’t want to travel too far for a good hike. Fortunately, downtown Asheville is home to a two mile urban trail, the South Slope Mural Trail, home to many local businesses covered with interesting artwork. It’s like taking a hike and visiting an art gallery at the same time!
