Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks by Motorcycle – Waterrock Knob
Waterrock Knob Overlook
Elevation – 5820 feet
Milepost – 451.2
Easy to find, convenient to reach from nearby towns of Waynesville and Maggie Valley, Waterrock Knob is a popular stop when motorcycle riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Once you’ve passed the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway it’s all downhill to the southern end at Great Smoky Mountains National Park just outside Cherokee, NC.
It’s hardly time to pull in the clutch and coast – there are a few good mountains you’ll need to climb along the way. One of them is Waterrock Knob.
Just 10 miles from the south end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Waterrock Knob is a large overlook sitting near the mountain top with outstanding views both east and west. On clear days it’s easy to spot Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee almost 20 miles distant.
The overlook is located on a short spur road that is well marked and easy to spot – the road briefly becomes divided here with a median as you reach the top of the climb.
The overlook has a large parking lot, bathrooms, and a Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. A strenuous footpath makes a 1 mile climb to the top of the mountain. There are several picnic tables and it’s a nice place for it.
You’ll find Waterrock Knob on America Rides Motorcycle pocket maps –
#6 The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Mountains Park – EAST
http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/6-The-Best-Motorcycle-Rides-Near-Smoky-Mountains-Park-EAST-NC017.htm
#7 The Best Motorcycle Rides SOUTH of GSMNP
http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/7-The-Best-Motorcycle-Rides-SOUTH-of-GSMNP-NC021.htm
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– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com
Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for Total Rider Tech teaching Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses. Isn’t it time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely? It can transform your mountain riding experience. Total Rider Tech
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Looks like a great ride.