A Complete Guide to Hiking Browning Knob at Waterrock Knob

A Complete Guide to Hiking Browning Knob at Waterrock Knob

🥾 Looking for a mysterious, scenic hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway? The trail to Browning Knob from Waterrock Knob combines panoramic views, rugged terrain, and a haunting historic twist. With a dramatic summit and a 1980s plane crash site hidden in the woods, this off-the-beaten-path hike is a unique adventure for the curious and courageous.

Where Is Browning Knob Located?

• 📍 Milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

• 🗺 Nearest Towns: Cherokee, NC (18 miles); Asheville, NC (50 miles)

• 🅿️ Parking: Waterrock Knob Visitor Center

• 🚶 Trailhead: Begins at Waterrock Knob overlook

Why Hike to Browning Knob?

• 🌄 360° Views of the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge

• 🛩 Historic Plane Crash Site from 1983

• 🌲 High-elevation spruce-fir forest atmosphere

• 🧭 Quiet alternative to more popular trails

History of the Plane Crash Site

• ✈️ In 1983, a Cessna crashed near the summit of Browning Knob

• 🧱 The wreckage remains today, drawing hikers, historians, and photographers

• ⚠️ Respect the site: It's a memorial, not a playground

Trail Overview & Difficulty

• 📏 Distance: 2.5 miles round trip (from Waterrock Knob)

• ⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~800 feet

• 🔁 Trail Type: Out-and-back

• ⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous — Short but steep with uneven terrain

• 🌧 Conditions: Rocky, muddy, and root-covered in spots

Scenic Highlights Along the Trail

• 🌅 Waterrock Knob Overlook — Top-tier Blue Ridge Parkway sunset spot

• 🌲 Dense Forest with rhododendron and mossy paths

• 🏔 Browning Knob Summit — Quiet, scenic, and wide open

• ✈️ Plane Wreck Site — Eerie and historically significant

Best Time to Hike Browning Knob

• 🌸 Spring/Summer: Greenery and wildflowers in full bloom

• 🍁 Fall: Peak foliage and cool hiking weather

• ❄️ Winter: Crisp views, but trails can be icy and slick

• 📸 Pro Tip: Hike early morning for best photos and solitude

Wildlife & Nature Around Browning Knob

• 🐻 Black bears (be bear aware!)

• 🦌 Deer, wild turkeys, and high-elevation birds

• 🌿 Lush plant life: Ferns, rhododendron, and moss-covered trees

Things to Do Nearby

• 🥾 Climb Waterrock Knob — Short hike with views

• 🌊 Visit Soco Falls — Twin waterfall nearby

• 🚗 Drive the Parkway — Endless vistas and overlooks

• 🏺 Explore Cherokee, NC — Culture, history, and local eats

Tips for Hiking Browning Knob

• 🥾 Wear sturdy boots — Steep, rocky, and can be muddy

• 💧 Bring water and snacks — No facilities along the trail

• ⛅ Check weather conditions — Be prepared for fast changes

• 🛩 Respect the crash site — Leave it untouched

• ♻️ Follow Leave No Trace — Pack out all trash

Browning Knob is a hike unlike any other in the Smokies. With mountaintop views, forest solitude, and a powerful piece of history, it’s a trail that combines beauty and intrigue. For adventurers seeking something different along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is a must-visit.

👉 Book a Stay Today and explore the trail to Browning Knob: https://smokymountainstays.com