r/WNC • u/Basic_Expert8945 • 4d ago

Proposal spot with Mountain View?

Hey everyone! We’re traveling from the eastern part of the state next week and I’ll be proposing to my girlfriend of 2 years. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on any places that have a great mountain view where there won’t be a million people around? Were able to hike a short distance if needed (less than a mile preferably. We’re staying in Bryson City if that helps, but can drive a little ways if needed. I’m working with a photographer who is also helping me but figured I’d come here as well. Any advice/tips or locations are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

6 Upvotes

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5

u/mediocre_remnants 4d ago

Get on the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive to the nearest scenic overlook.

2

u/Basic_Expert8945 4d ago

Definitely thought about that, but wasn’t sure how the traffic/volume of people is on a Friday afternoon this time of year

2

u/TeacherLady3 4d ago

Well .....it's leaf peeping season. It's busy even on a Tuesday afternoon. What about a nice spot along Deep Creek?

1

u/dontforgettowriteme 4d ago

It might be crowded, you never know! But that sort of comes with the territory. If it helps, people tend to give engagements a little privacy. I happened upon one on Devil's Courthouse once and we all clapped for them but then backed up for a minute and waited so they could have a moment. Then we cheered for them on their way down. So you never know, the people could add to it. You could also be selective in your timing by going really early or close to closing. Waterrock Knob comes to mind, great view at sunrise and sunset. I went for sunrise New Year's Day one year and I was almost the only one there.

4

u/flyingfishyman 4d ago

Hard asks, minimal hiking and no people. I would suggest either Sam's Knob (2.5 miles round trip, there will be people)

Ontop of John Rock (5 mile loop with a spectacular view of looking glass rock)

Devils Courthouse

Id also suggest at the base of second falls, out at graveyard fields. Pretty, and big waterfall. I just saw somebody getting married out there the other week and it was really nice.

1

u/an86dkncdi 4d ago

All wonderful locations, but all pretty far from Byson

2

u/SufficientObject1480 4d ago

Make sure to eat at Boots in Dillsboro. Let them know you are newly engaged and call ahead for reservations. Any where on Blueridge Parkway

2

u/chocobearv93 4d ago

Wayah bald fire tower. But there will be some people. If you want, hike out behind the fire tower, follow the trail, it meets the AT, take a left on the AT, go a little ways down, you’ll see an obvious road to your right, go down that road a good bit, like maybe a mile or two, and you’ll come out to a cabin that is owned by an old family and used as a church retreat sometimes. They don’t mind too much if you hike out there but please clean up after yourself and follow leave no trace principles. This time of year there will be no one at the cabin and a fully unobstructed Mountain View as well as a little pasture to picnic in.

2

u/burnin8t0r 4d ago

Jump Off Rock is gorgeous and hardly ever busy. Flat Rock/Hendersonville area. The view is spectacular.

2

u/jennamom2boys 9h ago

Came here to say! We live on this particular mountain and the view from the top is stunning. It's also a nice big area that you can drive right up to. On a weekday shouldn't be busy at all. The sunsets are gorgeous.

2

u/burnin8t0r 9h ago

How lucky to live there! I grew up visiting family there and it still feels like home.

2

u/Plane-Salad5953 4d ago

Max Patch, in SW Madison County. It’s on the Appalachian Trail and gets some traffic on weekends. Go on a weekday and you’ll have it mostly to yourself. There’s a forest road with a parking lot at the base, and an easy one-mile hike to the top.

Others mentioned the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you go that route, look for the Craggie Gardens summits. You get great vistas but a steady stream of visitors. Max Patch is in a class by itself — a bald with spectacular panoramas in every direction — a navel of the universe.

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u/sister_gldnhair 3d ago

Here to second Max Patch, my husband and I eloped there years ago. I think photographers may need a permit, check it out OP!

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u/an86dkncdi 4d ago

Bryson City- head to Robbinsville and hike huckleberry knob. It’s an easy .7 mile hike and the bald has better views than Max patch. The Cherohala Skyway (the road huckleberry is on) is as pretty as the parkway. Epic views of the Smokies.
There’s also Waterrock Knob. Really busy, but start the hike up to the top from the parking lot. The trail bends at about .3 miles up, don’t continue to the top, continue straight on the mountain to sea trail. There’s a couple of benches here that I go to that never have people, really good views.

Google Huckleberry. I’m a wedding planner, it’s the spot you’re looking for.

1

u/Ok-Sir6603 4d ago

Wayah Bald, in Franklin! There are no views like it!

1

u/Ok-Sir6603 4d ago

We had a senior photoshoot there last week and there weren't any people at the moment, but I would plan on a few. The upside? They will probably film it for you.

1

u/Flashy_Performer_646 3d ago

Is it before 10/31? Look at Heintooga Overlook in the GSMNP, near Bryson City. The road to it closes after 10/31 but it's easy to navigate (it is paved) and from where you park the overlook is only a stroll away.

1

u/Surprise_Elegant 3d ago

The Lump, MP 264.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Short hike, gorgeous sunset views and never very crowded.

1

u/Bread_Roses74 2d ago

Parkway - south of Asheville. Maybe up around the Pisgah Inn .