Natural attractions in Virginia

Scenic Natural Wonders

This collection features Virginia's diverse topography, ranging from the massive reservoirs of Lake Anna and Claytor Lake to the dramatic peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It highlights numerous overlooks along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont region. The list also includes significant landmarks like the 200-foot Apple Orchard Falls and the Gathright Dam, providing a detailed guide to the state's most prominent natural landscapes and viewpoints.

Scenic Natural Wonders — Map

NortyNort / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Lake Anna

Lake Anna is one of the largest freshwater inland reservoirs in Virginia, covering an area of 13,000 acres, and located 72 miles south of…

Vejlenser / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Claytor Lake

Claytor Lake in Pulaski County, Virginia, is a 4,472-acre, 21-mile-long reservoir on the New River, created for an Appalachian Power…

armyengineersnorfolk / Public domain

C

Gathright Dam

An earthen dam on the Jackson River that impounds Lake Moomaw for flood control and downstream flow regulation.

D

Naked Creek Falls

A series of cascades located within the Central District of Shenandoah National Park.

E

Apple Orchard Falls

A 200-foot waterfall in the Jefferson National Forest, accessible via a trail from milepost 78 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hal Jespersen / Public domain

F

Drewry's Bluff

Drewry's Bluff is located in northeastern Chesterfield County, Virginia, in the United States.

G

Peaks of Otter

A trio of mountain peaks—Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill—located at milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

H

Onion Mountain Overlook

A roadside viewpoint at milepost 79.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering vistas of the surrounding mountain ridges.

I

Hensley Hollow Overlook

Located at milepost 75.2 on Skyline Drive, providing views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge foothills.

J

Hogwallow Flats Overlook

Situated at milepost 13.8 on Skyline Drive, offering views of the Rappahannock County countryside.

K

Thornton Hollow Overlook

A viewpoint at milepost 27.6 on Skyline Drive overlooking the central section of Shenandoah National Park.

L

Hogback Overlook

The longest overlook on Skyline Drive at milepost 20.8, featuring views of the Shenandoah River's bends and the Massanutten Mountain.

M

Overlook

A viewpoint overlooking the Potomac River and the historic town of Harpers Ferry from the Virginia side near Loudoun Heights.

N

Shenandoah Valley Overlook

Located at milepost 2.8 on Skyline Drive, offering a panoramic westward view of Massanutten Mountain and the valley.

O

Belfore Hollow Overlook

A roadside stop at milepost 79.7 on Skyline Drive overlooking the rugged terrain of the park's southern district.

P

Rocky Mountain Overlook

Situated at milepost 79.5 on Skyline Drive, this point offers views of the 2,740-foot Rocky Mountain.

Q

Spitler Knoll Overlook

Located at milepost 48 on Skyline Drive, providing views of the Page Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

R

Tunnel Overlook

A viewpoint at milepost 32.5 on Skyline Drive, located just north of the Marys Rock Tunnel.

Other Lists

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