Dotted throughout the mountains of Patrick County, Virginia are many scenic overlooks that are waiting to take your breath away!
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Fred Clifton Park
Conveniently located just off of Route 58 on Meadows of Dan mountain is Fred Clifton Park. This small park hosts three different overlooks with picnic tables and grills scattered in the privacy of trees and rhododendron bushes. The uppermost overlook is steeped in local lore. Legend has it that a Native American maiden, Morningflower, and a colonial man fell in love, but both their families forbade them to be together. With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as their backdrop, they jumped into the great blue yonder to be together forever. Some say you can still hear them when you stand on the overlook platform and look out at the expansive view.
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Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook
Named after the tragic love story that took place at adjacent Fred Clifton Park, Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook is by far the largest overlook in the area. Its colorful rock wall runs alongside the roadway of Route 58 with easy on, easy off parking. Travelers from all over the world stop here to gaze into the distance. Witness the panoramic views of the mountains & valley and see hundreds of miles out.
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Angel Overlook
Angel Overlook is located on notoriously curvy Squirrel Spur Road between Ararat and Meadows of Dan. This is the perfect place to pause your backroads cruise for a picnic lunch and enjoy the views of the neighboring North Carolina skyline. This overlook gets its name from the Angel family who donated the land for travelers to enjoy in 2009. You can find travel and area information at the information kiosk located right beside the overlook.
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Round Meadow Overlook
Take an easy 20-minute walk on the Round Meadow Creek loop trail at milepost 179.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and view the Round Meadow Overlook of the massive 20th-century parkway bridge. Take the right fork at the start of the trail to gradually descend into a hollow. Walk through a grove of giant white pines, see colorful flowers and patches of ferns, and walk along a creek that is deep enough to wade in (and cool in the summer!). Continuing on the loop, you will pass under the bridge at the bottom of the trail, and then once again as you near the trail’s end at the top of the hill. This second pass under the bridge lends an amazing “underlook” of this engineering marvel. Short on time? Skip the walk and take the left fork at the beginning of the trail to quickly arrive at the overlook.
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Rocky Knob Overlook
This grassy overlook is located at milepost 169 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The soft, open space is perfect for picnics and letting the children roam free. Across the road is the Rocky Knob Visitor Information Center and picnic area. From here you can start a few different hiking trails, use the restroom, take a break from the shade at a picnic shelter, and get area information from Parkway employees.
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Rock Castle Gorge Overlook
Located at milepost 168.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this overlook, along with the Rocky Knob Overlook, sits in the direct path of the Rock Castle Gorge National Recreation Trail. You will often see hikers appear on the forest edge, cross the overlook meadow, and continue on the path back into the trees on the other side. At this overlook, you can read about the history of the Rock Castle Gorge, including the geographic features that give the gorge its name. Close by on the parkway is the Rocky Knob Campground, a great place to pitch your tent or park your camper during your travels.
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Groundhog Meadow Overlook
Step back in time at the Groundhog Mountain Observation Tower at Groundhog Hill, located at milepost 189 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This structure was used by the Forest Service to watch for fires and other emergency situations. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower for amazing 360-views of the surrounding Mountains. This site also offers picnic tables and restrooms.