Top scenic viewpoints
Scenic ViewpointRAVENS POINT
Scenic ViewpointStone Door Big Creek Gulf Overlook
Scenic ViewpointAlum Gap Overlook
Scenic ViewpointLaurel Gulf Overlook
Scenic ViewpointYellow Bluff View
Scenic ViewpointChampion Overlook
Scenic ViewpointStep Down Overlook
Scenic ViewpointSavage Falls Overlook (South Rim)
Scenic ViewpointSavage Creek Swinging Bridge
Scenic ViewpointBoyd Branch Swinging Bridge
Scenic ViewpointRattlesnake Point Overlook
Scenic ViewpointSavage Falls Overlook (Day Loop)
Scenic ViewpointMoonshine Still Remnants
Scenic ViewpointMeadow Creek Overlook
Scenic ViewpointSavage Creek Overlook
Scenic ViewpointLoose Rock Overlook
Scenic Viewpoint1984 Landslide Overlook
Scenic ViewpointJumpin' Branch Overlook
Scenic ViewpointYellow Bluff Overlook
Scenic ViewpointTrail Edge Overlook
Scenic ViewpointTommy Point Overlook
Scenic ViewpointCoppinger Creek Overlook
Scenic ViewpointBlue Branch Overlook
Scenic ViewpointHorsepound Point Overlook
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How to photograph scenic viewpoints
Overlooks are about the sweep of the land, so low-angle light matters most: side-light at sunrise or sunset reveals ridges and texture that midday sun flattens.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise or sunset to find a composition before the light peaks.
- Use a telephoto (70–200 mm) to isolate layered ridges and light rays instead of shooting only wide.
- Check the sun azimuth for your date: front-light, side-light and back-light give three different pictures from the same rail.
- Haze builds in summer afternoons; mornings after a cold front are often the clearest.
- Stay behind barriers — many overlook edges are undercut or crumbly.
Season: Clear, dry air in autumn and after winter storms gives the longest views; summer adds wildflowers but also haze.