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Enjoying the Views in Southwest Virginia

by ShanaCorbin

From the rooftops to the byways to the overlooks, outstanding views are front-and-center and add beauty to any visit

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–APRIL 2025–Southwest Virginia has some of the most stunning views in the country. The region’s 19 counties, covering 8,600 square miles of diverse landscape, are home to Appalachian Mountains, the Blueridge Parkway and 11 amazing state parks. The region has miles of the Appalachian Trail, picturesque wildlife management areas, biking and all-terrain trails, scenic lakes and much more. All this is located within a day’s drive of more than half of the United States population, making the trip – and the views – an easy escape to enjoy.

While outdoor adventure, even hard-core adventure, is popular here, visitors who want to take in the views in comfort will also find this to be the ideal region to explore. These experiences are as diverse as the region itself and many have their own stories to go along with the views.

  • The Perch Rooftop Terrace, atop the Bolling Wilson Hotel (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-2333), is the perfect downtown spot to enjoy an evening sunset with views of the Blueridge Mountains. Below, the hotel pays homage to First Lady and Wytheville native Edith Bolling Wilson and offers luxurious guest rooms and fine dining. 
  • Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-663-4016) is the oldest private attraction in Virginia and at an elevation of 3,405 feet, it is also the highest. The 100-foot lookout tower offers spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains and Virginia farmlands. The country store features the work of regional artists as well as homemade fudge and ice cream.
  • The Tasting Room at Nicewonder Vineyards (22091 Nicewonder Drive, Bristol, Virginia 24202; 276-299-3260) is a lovely outpost where afternoon views of the 13-acre vineyard can be enjoyed with a glass of locally made wine and live entertainment. The award-winning vineyard makes all its wines onsite, from vine to bottle.
  • High Knob Observation Tower (1256 Spruce Avenue NW, Norton, Virginia 24273; 276-679-8370) is one of the highest points in Southwest Virginia. At over 4,200 feet, it offers panoramic views of five states on a clear day. It is a favorite spot for sunrise and sunset photos as well as birdwatching.

The views from Southwest Virginia’s trails can be enjoyed via a variety of means.

This is home to the famed Virginia Creeper Trail (Abingdon Trailhead: 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210). The Hall of Fame trail offers options from an easy two-hour ride to an all-day, 34-mile excursion. It is most popular for cyclists but hiking and horseback riding are also permitted. Named for the 1880s steam engines that traversed the mountain grades, the trail includes 47 original trestle bridges and amazing views of Southwest Virginia rivers, forests and farmlands. (The trail section from Damascus to Whitetop is currently closed due to damage from hurricane Helene. Check local sources for updates.) Adventure Damascus Bicycle & Outdoor Co. (128 West Laurel Avenue, Damascus, Virginia 24236; 276-475-6262) is an excellent source for gear and information for those hitting the trail.

In Damascus, the Creeper Trail meets the Appalachian Trail. An easily accessible and extraordinarily scenic section of the famed hiking trail runs through Southwest Virginia. Whether for a day hike or overnight excursion, the experience is sure to make memories for a lifetime. The trail winds through Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092), well known for its year-round recreation opportunities. Its trails provide some of the best views in Southwest Virginia, from sights along the trails to enjoying unmatched views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains. (Check with the park regarding availability of amenities and seasonal opening dates of facilities.)

The Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway is fully open and offers an unbeatable scenic drive. The parkway spans miles of Southwest Virginia, including Galax, Hillsville and Floyd, and is second to none. The views, from simple roadside beauty to stunning scenic overlooks, constantly change with the seasons. Chestnut Cove Overlook (Milepost 398.3) offers an outstanding long range vista as well as nearby picnic areas. The options for views off the road vary immensely. Some choose to grab the binoculars and explore any of 30 different paths throughout the region on the famed Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail’s Mountain Region Loops. Others prefer to enjoy the luxurious facilities at the exclusive Primland Resort (2000 Busted Rock Road, Meadows of Dan, Virginia, 24120; 855-876-6593). The 12,000-acre mountain estate includes a lodge, tree houses, trails, streams and horseback riding.

Stretching from Marion to Tazewell, Virginia, the Back of the Dragon (592 Main Street, Tazewell, Virginia 24651; 276-979-4288) is known for its 438 curves along 32 miles of roadway with three mountain crossings. Climbing to an elevation of 3,500 feet, there are plenty of landscape views to take in. Along the way is Hungry Mother State Park (2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-781-7400), one of Virginia’s most popular parks for family getaways. Hungry Mother Lake is its centerpiece, with a sandy beach and iconic dive tower on its 108-acre lake. A hike to Molly’s Knob reveals amazing sites from one of the premier lookout points in the park.

There are beautiful lakes in the region, as well. One favorite, Laurel Bed Lake (Route 747 at the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area entrance; 276-944-3434), sits atop Clinch Mountain, covers about 330 acres and is surrounded by woodlands and spectacular views.

State parks have unique features that draw large numbers of visitors each year. Natural Tunnel State Park’s (1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield, Virginia 24244; 276-940-2674) namesake is more than 850 feet long and 10 stories high and was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. There is both an overlook and chairlift access to the mouth of the tunnel. New River Trail State Park (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-6778) is a 57-mile-long park that follows an abandoned railroad line and parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles, with a trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Breaks Interstate Park (627 Commission Circle, Breaks, Virginia 24607; 276-865-4413, ext. 3201) is home to the Breaks Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the South, which is one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River. In addition to the rugged cliffs, roaring rivers and dense forests, the park also offers a surprising wildlife viewing experience. Elk Tours allow visitors to see the majestic re-introduced species in the park.

If you go

Everyone knows Virginia is for lovers and there is no more visible proof of that than the variety of LOVEworks on display throughout Southwest Virginia. The signs vary in materials and themes and are showcased in a variety of settings. Whether viewed at the historic Damascus Old Mill Inn (215 West Imboden Street, Damascus, Virginia 24236; 276-475-3745), on the bank of Laurel Creek, toasting with a glass of wine, or near a relaxing campsite at Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground (202595 Blue Ridge Parkway, Fancy Gap, Virginia 24328; 276-730-7154), each LOVE sign is a unique sight. There are even road trips like Finding the LOVE in the Blue Ridge Highlands and LOVEworks on the Western Front, designed to maximize the views.