Cowee Mountain Overlook — Attraction in Waynesville

A very nice stop along the parkway with an iconic view. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 470-mile-long roadway that meanders through the mountains and connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The parkway boasts about 170 official stops along the path. This site is one of these many stops. It is located at milepost 431 and may seem like a simple pull-off but as far as I am concerned it gives one of the most iconic views of the entire parkway. It is primarily a west-facing view with a 180-degree view. The best views, with possible clouds between many of the mountains, will probably show up in the morning or afternoon. The parking area fits about 20 cars and has a simple information sign that states the name (Cowee Mountain overlook) and elevation (5950 feet). The parking area looks out onto what is essentially an open field so the view is not obstructed by trees. It gives a view of numerous mountains behind each other receding off into the distance. If you want to get a good picture of the parkway mountains then this is probably one of your best chances to...

When everything aligns for a beautiful sunset at the Cowee Mountains Overlook, it's pretty hard to beat. It's one of the higher places along the Blue Ridge Parkway with a great open view of mountains cascading into the distance. As a photographer, I'd love to keep it all to myself, but as a fellow traveler to this beautiful part of the world, it's well worth sharing. The only downside is that a drive back to civilization from here in the dark can be daunting for many folks, especially those not used to driving twisting mountain roads that follow ridges along the Blue Ridge. If you notice a long line of cars behind you, you're the problem, as they are likely mountain folks who can better navigate these roads. If that happens, please be courteous, pull over in a safe place such as an overlook, and allow them to...

My favorite place 🙃 Bring your spouse, kids, family , friends , fur babies....camera, maybe a chair ...sunglasses....snacks.... jacket...sunscreen....drink....coffee.... It's breathtaking and most beautiful. The weather changes quickly sometimes so even on a sunny hot day the temps can be much cooler up there. Hence the jacket. There is not a bathroom. Parking is limited but we have been here numerous times and only ever a few cars at a time. It's an amazing spot to enjoy life seconds. Anyone can go if they can handle a car...