Last updated: June 4, 2025
Place
Browning Knob Overlook
NPS Photo/ A.Danneker
Quick Facts
Location:
Milepost 451.2, on the entry road to Waterrock Knob Visitor Center
Significance:
Scenic Overlook
Amenities
3 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot
Browning Knob Overlook is on the entry road to the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center at milepost 451.2. The area is often closed in winter due to ice and snow. Check out our Road Status and Closures webpage before you travel to this location.
The overlook is at an elevation of 5770 feet looking towards Browning Knob which is 6260 feet of elevation. The knob and the overlook were named in honor of R. Getty Browning. Browning was the Federal Parkway Engineer and the Senior Locating and Claim Engineer for the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was his work that guided the initial exploration and design of the parkway.
Also at this location is a plaque commemorating Mr. Browning and Browning Knob. It reads as follows:
BROWNING KNOB
Named in honor of R. Getty Browning, 1884-1966,
Location and Claims Engineer and Parkway Consultant
For North Carolina State Highway Commission,
1925-1964.
His forceful presentation of the high quality scenery
Found in North Carolina secured the location through
Western North Carolina and the Cherokee Indian
Lands to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
With consideration and courtesy for those involved,
He worked untiringly to secure the rights-of-way
For this spectacular mountain Parkway. During
The construction of the Parkway he ably represented
North Carolina in its dealings with the National Park Service.
“His love of the mountains was surpassed only by his love of people.”
The overlook is at an elevation of 5770 feet looking towards Browning Knob which is 6260 feet of elevation. The knob and the overlook were named in honor of R. Getty Browning. Browning was the Federal Parkway Engineer and the Senior Locating and Claim Engineer for the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was his work that guided the initial exploration and design of the parkway.
Also at this location is a plaque commemorating Mr. Browning and Browning Knob. It reads as follows:
BROWNING KNOB
Named in honor of R. Getty Browning, 1884-1966,
Location and Claims Engineer and Parkway Consultant
For North Carolina State Highway Commission,
1925-1964.
His forceful presentation of the high quality scenery
Found in North Carolina secured the location through
Western North Carolina and the Cherokee Indian
Lands to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
With consideration and courtesy for those involved,
He worked untiringly to secure the rights-of-way
For this spectacular mountain Parkway. During
The construction of the Parkway he ably represented
North Carolina in its dealings with the National Park Service.
“His love of the mountains was surpassed only by his love of people.”