Big Witch Overlook

Located at Milepost 467.9 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Cherokee, Big Witch Overlook offers classic Smoky Mountain views that showcase the region's rolling peaks and deep valleys. This well-maintained scenic spot features a spacious paved parking area and sturdy guardrails, making it easily accessible for both quick photo stops and longer visits to soak in the scenery.

The overlook faces west, providing excellent opportunities for sunset photography when weather permits. During fall, the panoramic views reveal a patchwork of autumn colors as the hardwood forests change, while spring and summer showcase the mountains' characteristic blue-green hues. On clear days, visitors can spot multiple mountain ranges extending toward the horizon.

Like most Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, Big Witch Overlook is free to visit and open year-round, though winter weather can occasionally cause road closures. The parking area typically has room for 8-10 vehicles, and concrete benches offer comfortable seating for those who want to linger.

Morning visits often provide the clearest views before afternoon haze sets in. Photographers should bring wide-angle lenses to capture the expansive mountain panoramas. The overlook's elevation and open exposure mean it can be significantly windier and cooler than Cherokee proper, so bringing an extra layer is recommended, even in summer.

For travelers exploring the southern section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Big Witch Overlook serves as a reliable stopping point between Cherokee and Maggie Valley, offering exactly what most visitors seek: unobstructed mountain views and a well-maintained place to safely pull off the parkway and appreciate the Smoky Mountain landscape.