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.
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