Scenic Overlooks

Explore Scenic Overlooks

The first place to check out is Route 165’s scenic overlook which is part of a scenic drive that runs about 22 miles and includes stretches of Route 265. On the drive, you’ll see Table Rock Lake and the Table Rock Lake Dam. Secondly, located inside the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, a scenic overlook that’s less than a half-mile from the parking lot leads to a 40-foot-tall viewing tower atop a formation known as Dewey Bald, where views of the White River Hills await. Lastly, take a drive up to the top of Big Cedar Lodge’s scenic overlook for a beautiful few of the Table Rock Lake and the charming wilderness resort or go next door to Top of the Rock for another beautiful view!

Many viewpoints are larger, having parking areas, while some (typically on larger highways) are off the road completely. Viewing points may also be found on hill or mountain tops or on rocky spurs overlooking a valley and reached via a hiking trail. They may be protected by railings to protect the public or be enhanced by a viewing tower designed to elevate visitors above the surrounding terrain or trees in order to offer panoramic views.

Overlooks are frequently found in national parks, and in the U.S. along national parkways such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, which has numerous individually named overlooks for viewing the Blue Ridge Mountains and its valleys. Other overlooks are next to waterfalls, especially since mountain roads tend to follow streams.