Hiking Fork Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob with Simba the Adventure Pup!

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving sidekick) and I are taking you on one of the most breathtaking hikes we’ve tackled on the Blue Ridge Parkway: the trail from Fork Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob in North Carolina!

If you’re chasing big mountain views, cool breezes, and unforgettable overlooks, this moderately challenging hike is a Blue Ridge Parkway gem you’ll want to add to your list.

🗺️ About the Trail

This ~2.4-mile roundtrip hike begins at Fork Ridge Overlook (milepost 435) and takes you up to the famous Waterrock Knob. Along the way, you’ll traverse forested ridges, rocky sections, and steep inclines — but trust me, the views from the top are 100% worth it.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping, panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles, and the cool mountain air makes it a refreshing spot to rest, snap photos, and just take it all in.

🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights

✔️ Leashed + dog-friendly — Simba loved trotting along the ridgeline trail, sniffing the cool mountain air, and posing like a champ at the overlooks.
✔️ Shady sections — parts of the trail offer tree cover, which helps on sunny days.
✔️ Cooler temps — the high elevation keeps things comfortable even in warmer weather.
✔️ Paw caution — rocky sections near the summit require some careful steps, especially for dogs with sensitive paws.

🧭 Tips for Hiking This Route

🕗 Start early or late — the overlooks can get crowded, especially on weekends.
💧 Bring water + snacks — no services at the summit, so pack what you need.
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes — some rocky, uneven sections on the climb.
🐕 Keep your pup leashed + hydrated — Simba enjoyed the cool air, but we still stopped for water breaks.
📸 Hit the best photo spots — the summit + overlooks along the way are perfect for snapping iconic Parkway shots.

🚐 RV Traveler Tips

If you’re road-tripping in your RV, Waterrock Knob has large parking areas suitable for RVs (but no overnight camping). You’ll also find campgrounds nearby along the Parkway where you can set up for a longer stay and explore more of this beautiful region.

🎥 Watch Our Full Adventure

In our latest video, Simba and I take you through the entire hike — sharing the trail highlights, summit views, and everything you need to know for hiking this route with your dog.

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Why We Loved This Hike

✔️ Iconic Blue Ridge views — some of the best along the Parkway.
✔️ Dog-approved adventure — Simba gives it four happy paws up!
✔️ Moderate challenge — just enough elevation to feel rewarding.
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers looking for a memorable North Carolina hike.

Thanks for joining us on another adventure! Simba and I are traveling full-time in our RV, seeking out the best hikes, campgrounds, and dog-friendly destinations across the U.S. Got a favorite Blue Ridge Parkway trail we should check out? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾⛰️🚐