From West Virginia, down I-81 to Rockbridge County, VA, you have the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
With National Parks, rivers, caverns, overlooks, and mountain views, the Shenandoah Valley is hard to beat. However, I may be slightly biased because I love it here!
I wanted to share my top spots to check out some of the best scenic overlooks in the region. They range from taking a hike, to drivable, to a short walk. Each one is spectacular!
1. Yellow Cliff Mountain Overlook
This hike overlooks New Market, VA. If you are heading from New Market to Luray on 211, the entrance to the hike is at the top. It is definitely a hike, and is pretty steep for most of the hike. It takes about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes to get to the top, and is an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
2. Reddish Knob
Reddish Knob is a very well-known spot. All you have to do is take a gentle, winding ride up to the top of the mountain, and you get to experience 360° views. Watch the sunrise or the sunset from here, and then head back down. It is usually colder, so make sure to bring a coat
3. High Knob Fire Tower Lookout
I think this one could be considered a 2 in 1. You can get spectacular views from the parking lot, without having to hike. But, if you do make the hike, you will have unobstructed 360° views overlooking Virginia and West Virginia. The hike isn’t too difficult, and it is definitely worth it when you get to the top.
4. Kennedy Peak
This is another one that you don’t necessarily need to make the hike to get the views. From the parking area, you can overlook Luray, VA. They also paraglide from this spot as well. But, the hike is relatively easy, and increases in difficulty the closer you get to the top. But there is a lookout tower there, so you can get unobstructed views.
5. Woodstock Tower
A well-known spot, and easy to get to, the Woodstock Tower also offers 360-degree views. Overlooking the seven bends in the river, it is truly amazing. There is a short walk to get to the tower, but other than that you just take a drive to the top of the mountain.
I hope you have the opportunity to check out these spots. We are so lucky to live in an area surrounded by so much beauty. If you have a favorite spot, reach out because I would love to visit it!