Scenic Viewpoints in Roanoke County, Virginia

Top scenic viewpoints

Scenic Viewpoint

Lost Mountain OverlookRoanoke County · 682 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Masons Knob OverlookRoanoke County · 434 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Metz Run OverlookRoanoke County · 573 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Poages Mill OverlookRoanoke County · 611 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Poor Mountain OverlookRoanoke County · 916 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Read Mountain OverlookRoanoke County · 352 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Roanoke Basin OverlookRoanoke County · 375 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Roanoke Valley OverlookRoanoke County · 652 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Shags Gap OverlookRoanoke County · 873 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Stewart Knob OverlookRoanoke County · 413 m

Scenic Viewpoint

Roanoke River Parking OverlookRoanoke County · 312 m

Map

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.