Waterrock Knob to Big Witch Overlook, westbound
June 15, 2026. My first hike in Segment 1 was 11.3 miles. And yes, I still have some miles left in 2, 3, and 4, but since the husband-shuttle was unavailable, I needed to hike in a place where I could use a paid service. So, off to Cherokee!
I stayed three nights in this sweet little Airbnb cabin.
My cabin was right on the Oconaluftee River, and it was very pleasant to sit out on the porch. Occasionally some inner-tubers would drift by.
Early in the morning Terri from Cherokee Cabs picked me up at Big Witch Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and drove me up to Waterrock Knob.
Time to hike! It was somewhat chillier up there than I had anticipated, and it would have been prudent to have my light jacket with me, but I quickly warmed up.
I chose not to do the optional mileage to the top of Waterrock Knob, since there was a swirling mist, hampering the views.
The only rocky areas on today’s hike were in the first two miles, and even so, it wasn’t anywhere as strenuous as my last few hikes in Segment 3 and 4.
My major hiking challenge was a pretty bad tummy ache, which only eased off at about ten miles.
Too many cherries yesterday, probably!
My legs felt fine, though, so I just tolerated the gastric discomfort, and ate only a couple of jelly beans and half a fig bar.
I was in the shade all day and never put on my sun hat.
The last five miles of the hike were on gravel roads, which makes for fast walking.
I took advantage of one of the Mile High Campground’s picnic spots for a short rest break.
What a pretty day! Perfect temperature for hiking.
Given the size, these are elk tracks.
My hike ended with a short stretch along the parkway up to the Big Witch Overlook.
If there’s one thing even better than getting back to your car at the end of a hike…..
……it’s finishing at noon!
129 miles to go.
My.Bird.Walks. 