Just off of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, this trail offers unbeatable 180-degree views of the surrounding Arnold Valley. Arnold Valley was first settled in the mid-1700s and nearly the whole expanse can be seen from the stone observation deck that is the peak of Thunder Ridge. The nearby towns of Glasgow and Natural Bridge can be seen from this fantastic viewpoint. Also can be hiked in conjunction with the nearby Appalachian Trail, which continues to provide beautiful views all throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains and Eastern United States.

Depending on personal choice, the Blue Ridge can be picked up in Buena Vista or further south, south of Snowden, along Route 501. To south of Snowden: From downtown Lexington, connect to Route 60 East, Nelson St, and follow it into Buena Vista where you will take a right on Beech Ave after passing Glen Maury Park. Follow 501 South until you take a right, south onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow the parkway for about 10 miles and Thunder Ridge parking lot will be on your right. To connect through Buena Vista: connect to Route 60 East and follow until you take a left turn to connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a left south onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and continue for about 35 miles, taking in all of the spectacular views, until you reach the parking lot on your right.

• Explore the rest of the Blue Ridge Parkway too! There is so much to see along this great expanse of road, from long hikes along the Appalachian Trail to beautiful overlooks that don’t even require you to leave the comfort of your car.

• Take a stop anywhere you can along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Each lookout or small hike offers unique beauty immersed in the surrounding landscape. If you’re on a hike and see any rock walls in the middle of the forest, it is because they are rock walls leftover from when those hills in the Blue Ridge Mountains used to be farmland. Just a fun fact to remember when exploring the beautiful landscape!

This overlook is a bit remote, so if you’re planning to visit, be sure to grab a bite from Blue Ridge Deli near the entrance to the Parkway before heading over.