Adventure Out Waterrock Knob

PETER

MCINTOSH

Early spring has come and gone here in the mountains of north Georgia, but it’s just getting started if you go higher up. With that in mind, we’re going farther north, up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a nice short hike up to Waterrock Knob. The peak of the mountain is 6,292 feet above sea level and is accessed via a short but sometimes steep trail from the very nice parking area. The parking area/visitor’s center is at 5,719 feet, just for reference. (There are restrooms here as well, just so you know.) There is an observation area with views to the west just 2/10 mile up the paved portion of the trail. I think the best views are just a bit further up the trail, but see what you think. And if you don’t feel like walking at all, the views from the parking lot are stunning. You can see to the west and to the southeast and there are information placards here naming the mountains in your view. There are picnic tables here, also. Should you choose to hike to the top, that’s fine, but the views from the top are okay at best, not great. And it’s only a half a mile to the top. Waterrock Knob is at milepost 451.2, 18 miles from the southern end of the parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We access the parkway from Hwy 74 between Sylva and Waynesville. It’s 8.2 miles from Hwy 74 to the parking area with lots of overlooks along the way to stop and check out these amazing mountains. And be sure to notice the wildflowers blooming up high. At this altitude, like I said earlier, the flowers that have come and gone down here in Georgia are just getting started along the parkway. And you can return the way you came or continue down the parkway, 18 miles, to the intersection with Hwy 441, just north of Cherokee, NC. Happy hiking!

I won’t sing a tune but here’s my poem for June: For a nice summer adventure I have just the thing, Up high in North Carolina where it’s still early spring.

You see far distant ridges and lovely wildflowers, It’s a great way to spend a few summer hours.

Getting there: From the intersection of Hwy 441 and Hwy 23/64 in Franklin, turn right going north towards Sylva. Just past Dillsboro, bear to the right on Hwy 74 and continue up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. After cresting the ridgeline, the parkway entrance is on the left. Go west on the parkway 8.2 miles to the Waterrock Knob parking area/visitors center. It’s just over 33 miles from Franklin to the Blue Ridge Parkway. A road trip well worth taking!

To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com