Thing to Do

Stargaze at Waterrock Knob

Blue Ridge Parkway

Night sky with multitude of stars over silhouetted tree topped mountains

Waterrock Knob is an amazing destination. Close to the end of the Parkway, this high elevation retreat hosts a visitor center, restrooms, picnic tables, and a hike to the summit. It has long, expansive views from the large open parking area that sits at almost 6,000 feet. It is far away from big cities and has a remote and quiet feel to it. This remoteness and distance from city lights makes Waterrock Knob an ideal place to stargaze.

Stargazing is a fantastic activity that is fun and easy to do. All it really takes is an open patch of sky and your own two eyes. Being up high and away from light helps. Try to pick a clear night to avoid clouds. Stargazing is best around the new moon—when the moon is not visible, you’ll see more stars. Those are the basics. And that might be enough for you. Just looking up at the night sky can be calming and relaxing. It can make us feel connected to things much larger than ourselves as we ponder our place in the universe.

If you want to see more, a pair of binoculars or even a telescope will help. Learning the constellations can make stargazing more fun and interesting. A star chart or astronomy app can help you identify what you’re looking at. To find out more about local astronomy events, check with the Astronomy Club of Asheville (astroasheville.org) or the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (pari.edu).

So pack a lawn chair or a blanket and get up to Waterrock Knob! Don’t forget warm clothes—Waterrock Knob’s high elevation makes for cool evenings even in summer. If you get there for sunset, enjoy the transition to night—it’s like someone has flipped a dimmer switch as the sky darkens and the stars grow brighter and brighter. Enjoy the calm and quiet of the Parkway at night. Stay up past your bedtime. It’s worth it. As the poet Avijeet Das wrote, “Some nights are not meant for sleeping; they are meant for talking to the stars!” 

Details

Depending on your interest and the stargazing conditions, the amount of time you spend can vary greatly.

Activity
Stargazing

All ages welcome

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No

Blue Ridge Parkway closures may limit access. Check the road closure map before heading out.

Time of Day
Night
Accessibility Information

Waterrock Knob is a large, open area with a circular drive with accessible parking and restrooms. A grass field is found in the middle of the area.

Blue Ridge Parkway

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Waterrock Knob Visitor Center

Waterrock Knob is our highest elevation visitor center on the Parkway. Known for its beautiful long-range views of several major mountain chains in the Appalachians, Waterrock Knob is uniquely suited for viewing sunrises and sunsets. The small visitor center introduces visitors to the area's rugged terrain and tremendous scenic resources, including the Great Smoky Mountains that are visible from here.

Image Gallery
Cement picnic table with long range view of layered mountains
Waterrock Knob's stunning views are a perfect picnic spot
NPS Photo / Gail Fox
Information sign with long range mountain view in background
Parkway exhibit highlights the stunning western view
NPS Photo / Gail Fox

The weather on the parkway can vary widely along its 469-mile route. Precipitation is possible any time of the year. Winter can be cold and snowy, especially at the higher elevations. Spring and fall can have large temperature swings, from near freezing to over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are hot in the lower elevations, but the highest elevations remain cooler. Summertime thunderstorms are common, so be prepared for weather changes.

Weather Details

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Last updated: February 11, 2025