Waterrock Knob–Waterrock Knob Viewpoint, 6 viewpoints
5.1 mi · ▲ 1,298 ft · 2 hr 21 min
Waterrock Knob–Waterrock Knob Viewpoint, 6 viewpoints is a 5.1-mile out-and-back near Balsam, NC. The route passes Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0), Pedestrian Overlook and Waterrock Knob before reaching Waterrock Knob Viewpoint at the turnaround, 2.5 miles in. It climbs 1,298 ft, with sections as steep as 21% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 2/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Waterrock Knob–Waterrock Knob Viewpoint, 6 viewpoints
5.1 mi · ▲ 1,298 ft · 2 hr 21 min
Elevation 5,275–6,286 ft
Out & Back
Trailhead: Mountains-to-Sea Trail · 35.45934, -83.11696
Weather Sep 5: sunrise 7:09 AM · sunset 7:56 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Mountains-to-Sea Trail, heading NE.
- 50 ftPass Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0).
- 2.2 miTurn right onto Waterrock Knob Trail, heading NW.
- 0.1 miPass Pedestrian Overlook.
- 0.3 miPass Waterrock Knob Viewpoint.
- 200 ftReach Waterrock Knob, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.4 miTurn left onto Mountains-to-Sea Trail, heading S.
- 2.1 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.3 mi in (~50 min). Leave by 6:46 PM for the 7:56 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:44 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Mountains-to-Sea Trail Trailhead
- Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0)–Pedestrian Overlook, 3 viewpoints 4.6 mi · ▲ 964 ft
- Plott Balsam–Browning Knob, 10 viewpoints 12 mi · ▲ 3,397 ft
- Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0)–Pedestrian Overlook, 3 viewpoints 12.5 mi · ▲ 2,486 ft
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Hikes near Balsam, North Carolina