Directions:
From Waynesville, head west on US-23/US-74 for about 7 miles and turn right towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right to go southbound on the parkway for 7.7 miles and turn right on the entrance road for Waterrock Knob.
Map:
Trails:
Mountains-to-Sea Trail:
The statewide Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through the area with Waterrock Knob being the boundary between Segment 1 and Segment 2.
Waterrock Knob Trail:
Waterrock Knob is a half-mile trail leading from the Visitor Center up to the summit. The first half is paved and leads to a scenic overlook.
The trail changes to natural surface and becomes a little more rugged up to the top.
Points of Interest:
Plane Crash:
In the 1980s, a small airplane crashed into Browning Knob. The wreckage was removed by the National Park Service in summer 2023, but I left a picture up for posterity.
Waterrock Knob:
Waterrock Knob is the highest point in the Plott Balsams at 6,292 feet above sea level.
Wildlife:
Yellow jewelweed (Impatiens pallida)
Pink turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)
Honey mushrooms (Armillaria spp.)
Orange amanita (Amanita flavoconia)
Blog Entries:
02-Jul-2023: MST Hike to the Plott Balsams
03-Sep-2022: Waterrock Knob MST Hike
External Links:
National Park Service website: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/waterrock-knob-mp-451-2.htm
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