United StatesNorth Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway to Waterrock Knob from Hwy 23
Blue Ridge Parkway to Waterrock Knob from Hwy 23 Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

13.5
PDI
8.6 mi
DISTANCE
2,462 ft
GAINED
5.5 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
MORE

Page Contributor(s): John Summerson’s The Complete Guide to Climbing (by bike) in the Southeast, p. 98

INTRO

Cycle the entire Blue Ridge Parkway – see PJAMM’s March 2022, 467-mile adventure on the PJAMM Adventures App: Blue Ridge Parkway. See also our Climbs of the BRP (NC to VA) and Climbs of the BRP (VA to NC).

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Moderate
4
Road
3
Traffic
4
Scenery

CURRENT WEATHER

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NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

FROM
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Jun 5, 2021
difficulty: Moderate
scenery: 4
traffic: 3
road: 4
Jun 5, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 3
road: 4
A very nice climb over steady grade. Scenery is the king on this one but it is a good workout as well, easing towards the top. Stay away on weekends unless you don't mind traffic (can be relentless) and it is a nice, sweeping descent.
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway from Route 23

Ride 8.6 miles gaining 2,452’ at 5.4% average grade.

This climb is entirely on the incomparable Blue Ridge Parkway.  The climb begins in Balsam and travels northwest from State Highway 74.  The Blue Ridge Parkway Richland Balsam (ends at the highest point on the BRP) climb runs right past the Route 23/BRP climb as it bends southeast at Hwy 74.

The scenery along the BRP is always outstanding, but it is absolutely stunning during fall colors.

John Summerson:

“Heading in the opposite direction on the Blue Ridge Parkway as the previous climb [Richland Balsam], Waterrock Knob is a very scenic ascent along a steady grade.  At the top of the ridge turn right to finish at a parking area for Waterrock Knob.”  Presented with authority from John Summerson’s The Complete Guide to Climbing (by bike) in the Southeast,  p. 98

Mt. Lyn Lowry Overlook - our climb mile 2.1 / BRP mile 445.2

Mile 3.7 / BRP mile 446

Mile 7.2 / BRP mile 450.5

PJAMM APP with stats near finish

HIGHEST VISITOR CENTER ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Visitor Center at climb finish.

Highest BRP Visitor Center.

½ mile hike to the the top of Waterrock Knob - AllTrails.com