Green Knob Trail
A moderately challenging 2.4-mile loop trail offering diverse scenery from dense forests to open meadows, with a stunning overlook.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Green Knob Trail
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderately challenging 2.4-mile loop trail offering diverse scenery from dense forests to open meadows, with a stunning overlook. 
"Great hike that really makes you feel tucked away on a mountain. "
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail has steep sections and can be rugged. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check for trail overgrowth
Summer can bring dense growth, making parts of the trail challenging. Be prepared for overgrown sections. :evergreen_tree:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Green Knob Overlook Views
Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 295.9
Panoramic vistas of the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell await from this elevated viewpoint.
Dense Rhododendron Forests
Along the Green Knob Trail loop
Hike through enchanting woods, shaded by lush rhododendron and ancient timber.
Meadow and Cattle Field Scenery
Green Knob Trail loop
Experience unique pastoral scenes with open meadows and grazing cattle along the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Best Time for Views & Comfort
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail has steep sections and can be rugged. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check for trail overgrowth
Summer can bring dense growth, making parts of the trail challenging. Be prepared for overgrown sections. :evergreen_tree:
Start at Sims Pond Overlook
This is the main trailhead for the Green Knob Loop Trail at milepost 295.9. :world_map:
Bring water and snacks
It's a 2.4-mile loop, so pack hydration and energy boosters for your hike. :water_wave: :apple:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail has steep sections and can be rugged. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check for trail overgrowth
Summer can bring dense growth, making parts of the trail challenging. Be prepared for overgrown sections. :evergreen_tree:
Start at Sims Pond Overlook
This is the main trailhead for the Green Knob Loop Trail at milepost 295.9. :world_map:
Bring water and snacks
It's a 2.4-mile loop, so pack hydration and energy boosters for your hike. :water_wave: :apple:
Consider the fire tower
For expansive views, hike to the Green Knob fire tower via connecting trails. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Green Knob Trail for its beautiful, tucked-away mountain feel and unique scenery, including meadows and forests. However, some find the trail challenging due to overgrowth in summer and steep, obstacle-filled sections, making it less suitable for those with anxiety in tight or overgrown spaces.
"This trail was beautiful of course but if you get anxious in small or narrow places this might not be the trail for you. It was summer when my family and I went on it and it was very grown up around the trail for too long and we ended up turning around about half way. Also there’s a lot of climbing under and over things, so just a heads up."
Jenna Lewis
"Great hike that really makes you feel tucked away on a mountain. The hike includes some pretty cool meadow views."
Dustin Cherry
""
Milena Alfonso
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Green Knob Trail is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The main trailhead for the loop is at the Sims Pond Overlook at milepost 295.9. You can also access the Green Knob fire tower via the Mount Mitchell trail or Black Mountains Campground trail.
Yes, the Green Knob Overlook is a designated stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, typically well-marked.
While Blowing Rock is a popular nearby town, Green Knob Trail is located further south along the Blue Ridge Parkway, closer to Old Fort, NC. It's about a 30-minute drive from Blowing Rock.
Navigate to the Blue Ridge Parkway and find milepost 295.9. The Sims Pond Overlook parking area is where the Green Knob Loop Trail begins.
Yes, there is parking available at the Sims Pond Overlook, which serves as the primary access point for the Green Knob Loop Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking the Green Knob Trail and accessing the Green Knob Overlook is free. It's part of the public lands along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Julian Price Memorial Park, where the Green Knob Trail is located, generally does not have an entrance fee for day use.
The Blue Ridge Parkway and its overlooks are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours, though road closures can occur due to weather.
Accessing the Green Knob fire tower via the hiking trails is free of charge.
Yes, you can visit in winter, but always check for Blue Ridge Parkway road closures due to snow and ice, which can impact access.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Green Knob Trail is considered moderately strenuous. It's a 2.4-mile loop with some steep sections and requires navigating over and under obstacles.
The 2.4-mile loop typically takes about two hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much you stop to enjoy the scenery.
You'll experience dense rhododendron forests, old-growth timber, open meadows, and even cattle-filled fields. The Green Knob Overlook offers panoramic mountain views. +1
Yes, the trail can be overgrown, especially in summer, and involves climbing under and over things, which might be challenging for some.
Due to steep sections and obstacles, it might be challenging for very young children or those who get anxious in narrow or overgrown spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The Green Knob Overlook provides stunning panoramic mountain vistas, especially at sunrise or sunset. The trail itself offers beautiful shots of rhododendron tunnels and pastoral scenes.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets from the overlook can be spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views from the overlook. A standard zoom lens works well for trail details and forest scenes.
Look for the dense rhododendron tunnels, the open meadows with grazing cattle, and the textures of the old-growth timber for unique shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Always check current regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more accessible experience with younger children, consider focusing on the Green Knob Overlook itself. It provides stunning views without the strenuous hiking, allowing everyone to enjoy the mountain scenery.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
The feeling of being tucked away on the mountain is a significant draw for those seeking a more intimate connection with the outdoors. For those looking for an extra challenge and even more expansive views, venturing to the Green Knob fire tower via connecting trails is highly recommended.
It's always wise for solo hikers to inform someone of their hiking plans, carry a fully charged phone, and be prepared for changing mountain weather. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Green Knob Loop Trail
The path is moderately strenuous, featuring some steep inclines and descents, and hikers often need to navigate over and under fallen trees, adding an element of adventure. As you progress, the trail opens up into picturesque meadows and fields, sometimes dotted with grazing cattle, offering a stark contrast to the dense forest.
For those seeking even more expansive views, the Green Knob fire tower is accessible via connecting trails. This tower provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell, making it a rewarding destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Planning your visit during the fall for vibrant foliage or late spring for blooming rhododendrons can enhance the visual experience. The Allure of the Green Knob Overlook
This overlook is a popular stop for travelers cruising the Parkway, providing an easily accessible vantage point to appreciate the rolling hills and vastness of the mountains. Photographers often flock to the Green Knob Overlook, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The soft, warm light casts a magical glow over the mountains, creating dramatic and memorable images.
While the overlook itself is a destination, it’s also a testament to the natural beauty that draws so many to this region. It’s a place to pause, breathe in the mountain air, and appreciate the enduring splendor of North Carolina's high country.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit