A Complete Guide to Hiking Browning Knob at Waterrock Knob
The trail to Browning Knob from Waterrock Knob combines panoramic Blue Ridge views with a piece of history most hikers don't know about: a 1983 Cessna crash site that still sits near the summit. It's a short but steep hike that rewards the effort with solitude and wide-open mountain views.
Getting There
The trailhead is at Waterrock Knob Visitor Center, Milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cherokee, NC is about 18 miles away; Asheville is roughly 50 miles.
Trail Overview
- Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: ~800 feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous — short but steep, with rocky and root-covered sections
What You'll See
Waterrock Knob Overlook — One of the best sunset spots on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway.
Dense Forest — High-elevation spruce-fir with rhododendron and mossy paths.
Browning Knob Summit — Quiet, open, and worth every step of the climb.
Plane Wreck Site — The wreckage from a 1983 Cessna remains near the summit. Treat it with respect — it's a memorial, not a photo prop.
Best Time to Hike
Spring and summer bring greenery and wildflowers. Fall is peak foliage season with cooler hiking temps. Winter offers crisp views but trails can be icy. Early morning is best for photos and solitude year-round.
Wildlife
Black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and high-elevation birds. Ferns, rhododendron, and moss-covered trees line most of the route.
Nearby
- Soco Falls — Twin waterfall a short drive away
- Cherokee, NC — Culture, history, and local restaurants
- Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks — Endless views in both directions
Tips
- Wear sturdy boots — the terrain is steep and can be muddy
- Bring water and snacks; no facilities on the trail
- Check weather before you go — conditions change fast at elevation
- Leave the crash site untouched
