Climbing to the Blue Ridge Parkway

About a week after Rebecca Mountain, I wanted to get out a get a good mountain hike in. I had been looking at this route for a little bit hoping to find an easier route to the Pinnacle. The goal was to climb from Pinnacle Park in Sylva, North Carolina to the top of Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The first 2 miles feel like they’re straight up, and is on a wide but very rocky trail. After the initial climb, it eases off a bit, as you take a short hike over to the last climb. Which is a beast. It goes from a node wide (albeit it rocky or overgrown) to a single track gnarly climb that feels like it’s more rock and root than path.
A bit shy of 3 miles I found myself in front of Blackrock Mt’s peak (I think). Unable to clmib it safely I pushed forward and found a different vantage point. Past this, I had about a 2 mile ridge line run that was unexpected, technical, and amazing.
Once off the ridge line, I popped out in front of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I followed the road up to the visitor center, and ascended Waterrock Knob as my halfway point. After a quick snack break, and a moment of enjoyment at the top, I descended back down.
Honestly, the best part was the ridge line running. I’m going to have to try and find more routes like this one. I do believe the is another path to Mt LeConte in the Smokies, and it’s a ridge line…..


#blueridgeparkway #northcarolina #trailrunningviews