Scenic Overlooks Archives - Visit Patrick County

Rock Castle Gorge Overlooks

Grace Cooper — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 12:45:01 +0000

The Rock Castle Gorge Recreation Area offers beautiful views for hikers and drivers alike. There are plenty of pull-offs along the Blue Ridge Parkway for visitors to enjoy.

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Orchard Gap Loop

Grace Cooper — Wed, 22 May 2024 16:08:50 +0000

This is one of the shortest loops on the Jagged Edge. The Orchard Gap Loop takes riders through Ararat and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Orchard Gap Rd. offers amazing views and tight turns for riders to enjoy. As a bonus, this loop passes several orchards.

Starting in Ararat, take Willis Gap Rd. North to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn left and continue for 1.6 miles. Turn left onto Orchard Gap Rd. At the intersection, turn right onto Old Dominion Rd. Continue onto Orchard View Dr.

Map Directions

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Groundhog Mountain Overlook

Grace Cooper — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:24:28 +0000

Overlook and picnic area located on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. This area is a relaxing stop with structures demonstrating the history and heritage of early pioneer life.

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Blue Ridge Parkway

David Stanley — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:20:14 +0000

Drive Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway: “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive”. The Parkway runs 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in northern Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina and features spectacular natural beauty. Wildlife and foliage are highlighted by picnic facilities, camping, hiking trails, waterfalls and sweeping overlooks.

It meanders in and out of Patrick County for a 30 mile stretch in Meadows of Dan and is one of very few towns you can see from the Parkway. The Meadows of Dan village is a great place to stop along your drive for unique shopping and delicious food!

The Parkway has been designated an All-American Road, the highest honor bestowed by the Federal Highway Administration to recognize roadways that possess surpassing scenic, historic, recreational and other intrinsic qualities that make them one of a kind.

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Lover’s Leap

David Stanley — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:13:59 +0000

Lover’s Leap is one of several spectacular views along your journey through Patrick County. In the 1600’s, Native Americans inhabited the Blue Ridge Mountains. Colonists started arriving and began clearing land to farm. Conflict arose between the Native Americans and the colonists. Legend has it that the son of a colonist saw the twinkle in the eyes of the Chief’s daughter, Morning Flower, and was immediately love-struck. The couple began to meet secretly and their love continued to grow. The young man and maiden were threatened and shunned. With the beautiful rock and wildflowers as their backdrop, they jumped into the wild blue yonder ensuring they would be together forever. As you gaze out at Lover’s Leap, you can still see the evidence of their love in the beautiful view and hear them whisper in the cool evening breezes.

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Fred Clifton Park

Grace Cooper — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:22:33 +0000

Elevation: 2930 ft

Fred Clifton Park offers amazing views just off Highway 58.

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Angel Overlook

Grace Cooper — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:13:20 +0000

Angel Overlook is located on Squirrel Spur Road between Ararat and Meadows of Dan.

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