Explore Ravens Roost Overlook
Lyndhurst, Virginia
Description
Added by Christin Healey
Easy access off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Beautiful (westward facing) views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and valley. Close to local breweries and wineries. Great picnic spot to catch a sunset after completing one of the many nearby hikes. Popular climbing spot. Iconic tree and rocky outcrops for photo ops.
This cozy little overlook is very simple to get to. If you are coming from I 64, after taking exit 99 towards Shenandoah National Park, turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway when the exit comes to a "T-stop". From there, it's 10 miles down the Parkway on your right. You will see a clearly marked sign for Ravens Roost Overlook. There is plenty of parking, a few picnic benches, and lots of spots to stretch out and take in the view. Most people shoot the tree to the left of the tree, but I prefer to be on the right to get some depth going into the valley with the little river passing through. There are plenty of options and room for creativity though -- take your time with it as you will likely be one of the only photographers here if you go during the week. The A.T. and popular Humpback Rocks trail are within a few miles of this overlook.
- Please note this road is typically closed for winter and reopens in the early spring. I have hiked Humpback and gotten to this overlook in the winter, just plan accordingly as you are looking at 10 miles each way to hike in!
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Reviews
I would highly recommend anyone near this spot during sunset to stop. It offers incredible views of the mountain range. Great parking and easily accessible for everyone.
4.0
Stopped here twice today (Sunday), once around 2pm and again at 6 for sunset. It was packed both times. At sunset there were at least three separate photo shoots happening and lot of people just enjoying the views. Beautiful and lots of space to spread out and have a peaceful sunset or just people watch.
5.0
Kinda tricky to get too if you have never been in the area before
4.0
Perfect spot for a sunset photo. Ample parking as well. I'd say come on a weekday for total freedom of angles/shot for your photos.
4.0
Wide sweeping views with great access for rock climbing and a beautiful tree for photo ops!
5.0
Some friends and I drove up to Virginia in the middle of the night and stopped here first. We ended up passing out in my car for a few hours and then woke up for sunrise. It was quiet and foggy and so beautiful. I love the single tree on the overlook. We toasted bagels and had tea by the tree for breakfast. Basically a great stop to chill and have food before the next adventure.
5.0
Most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. There are beautiful trees and great view of the mountains. Great quick thing to do.
5.0
This is a great location to watch the sunset along the Blue Ride Parkway. Because of the great view that people are able to enjoy my just driving up and parking this is a very popular spot for sunset so plan to get there early because the parking lot fills up fast.
4.0
Today is a Wednesday in Oct and I just came back from the overlook. The view is great, the tree adds an interesting subject in front of the sunset. Even without the tree is nice because the sun sets behind the ridges and you don't get any human made structure on your frame. The 4 stars is only because there must have been 50 people there.
4.0
Probably one of the best places to photograph the sunset on the Virginia section of the Parkway, and fun for kids (and adults too) to explore the rocks and boulders!!
5.0
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Nearby
Hike to Shamokin Falls
Photograph Devils Knob Overlook
Humpback Rocks
Backpack Three Ridges Loop
Backpack Reeds Gap to Rockfish Gap
Camp at Sherando Lake
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