15 Amazing Blue Ridge Sunrise Spots with Mountain Views
Welcome to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, a natural wonder that never fails to captivate with its majestic peaks, lush valleys, and awe-inspiring sunrises. This guide will lead you to 15 of the most spectacular spots to witness the sunrise in the Blue Ridge range.
Be prepared to be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors as the sun’s first rays kiss the mountain tops, a sight so magical, it’s worth the early rise.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, these locations promise an unforgettable experience.
So lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and let’s start the journey.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the more extensive Appalachian Mountains range. The Blue Ridge is a series of mountains, ridges, and valleys that run northeast-southwest through the eastern United States.
The mountain range is located in the eastern United States. It extends 550 miles southwest from southwestern Pennsylvania through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, western North Carolina, South Carolina, and North Georgia.
There are many scenic overlooks along the Parkway and in North Georgia, where you can watch the sunrise or sunset. Here are some of the best places to see the beautiful sunrises in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
1. Raven’s Roost Overlook
Location: MP 10.7, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Lyndhurst, VA 22952
Located near Lyndhurst, Virginia, the overlook is perched 3,200 ft above sea level and offers epic views. The views from Raven’s Roost Overlook are breathtaking!
You will see the vast Shenandoah Valley and Torrey Ridge from this elevated vantage point. The trail is about 3 miles roundtrip, so you’ll need to prepare for the early morning if you want to see the sunrise.
Related: Not sure what to bring? Here is my packing list for hiking!
2. Rough Ridge Overlook
Location: 3218 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Linville, NC 28646
Rough Ridge Overlook is the place to go if you’re looking for a short hike with a big payoff.
It provides outstanding views of the Linn Cove Viaduct, Grandfather Mountain, and forested hills.
3. Thunder Hill Overlook
Location: Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Thunder Hill Overlook is a great place to see the surrounding countryside.
If you’re ever in the area, it’s well worth visiting to take in this fantastic view. This hike is moderately challenging but relatively easy for beginners. It was well marked and easy to follow.
4. Woolyback Overlook
Location: Blue Ridge Pkwy, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
The beauty of Blue Ridge Parkway can be seen at Woolyback Overlook. It’s located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
The view from the overlook is not the widest you will get on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is a magical sight to see the misty mountains in the distance.
5. Black Balsam Knob
Location: Art Loeb & Black Balsam Knob Trailhead, Black Balsam Knob Rd, Canton, NC 28716
If you’re looking to take in some incredible views of the surrounding countryside while enjoying a challenging hike, hiking the Art Loeb Trail to the summit of Black Balsam Knob is a great option.
The trail is relatively short and easy enough for most people, but it does gain quite a bit of elevation. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted with 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
6. Craggy Pinnacle
Location: Craggy Pinnacle Trail, 3641 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709
This short hike to the top of Craggy Pinnacle offers enormous rewards. It’s only a 1.4-mile roundtrip hike, so reaching the summit is straightforward. It’s an ideal outing for beginners or those new to hiking.
The views from the top are stunning, and you’ll be able to 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Devil’s Courthouse
Location: MP 422.4, North Carolina 28708
The Devil’s Courthouse is located at milepost 422.4 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The paved trail starts from the overlook parking lot beside the mountain, providing a strenuous, but short hike to its peak with fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
8. Waterrock Knob
Location: Waterrock Knob Visitor Center, Rd to Waterrock Knob, Sylva, NC 28779
Waterrock Knob is an excellent place for viewing sunrises and sunsets. The views of several major mountain chains in the Appalachians are spectacular.
The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is located at almost 6,000 feet.
9. Clingmans Dome
Location: Clingmans Dome Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
The Clingmans Dome is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise, especially if you’re staying in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The drive to the dome is only about 45 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. You can stop at some of the scenic outlooks on the drive after taking in the gorgeous sunrise.
10. Mount Mitchell
Location: Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, Burnsville, NC 28714
If you want to see the highest peak along the Blue Ridge Parkway, head to Mount Mitchell. At 6,684 ft elevation, you can see for miles.
The summit is easily accessible, making it an excellent spot to explore. It’s also free to enjoy for everyone, making it a great place to spend a day hiking or exploring.
11. Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook
Location: MP 44.9, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Buena Vista, VA 24416
Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook provides a great view of the Hazey Mountains and the wide range of vegetation at Chimney Rock Mountain.
The Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook is a great spot to view the valleys below. You’ll be over 2,400 feet up, looking down on Lake Lure and Carolina Piedmont.
12. Mills River Valley Overlook
Location: Mills River Valley Overlook, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Candler, NC 28715
The scenic overlook provides clear views of the valleys on either side, making it a popular spot for sunrise and sunset.
Additionally, hikers can continue walking along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a rocky path stretching as far in either direction as possible.
13. Pickens Nose
Location: Pickens Nose Trailhead, Ball Creek Rd, Otto, NC 28763
Rising high above the surrounding valleys in the Standing Indian Basin, Pickens Nose juts out rocky summit outcrops skyward like an angular bird beak. The mountain’s multiple overlooks offer outstanding views of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness.
The trail quickly gains 200 feet of elevation over a wide rocky path before leveling out after a quarter-mile.
Look for a narrow side trail on the left that leads to an open rock outcropping with a 180-degree view.
14. Brasstown Bald
Location: Brasstown Bald Visitors Center, 2941 GA-180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA 30546
The Brasstown Bald Visitors Center sits atop Georgia’s highest mountain, 4,784 feet above sea level. It offers a view of the surrounding area and provides information about the mountain and its ecology.
One can see Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina on a clear day.
Related: 10 Best Mountain Towns in Tennessee with Spectacular Views
15. Preacher’s Rock
Location: Preacher’s Rock Trailhead, Cleveland, GA 30528
This easy day hike is one of the more popular trails in North Georgia, and its relatively short length makes it an ideal choice for watching the sunset.
The hike is beautiful in any season, but particularly during autumn when the trees change color and the flowers bloom in springtime. The spectacular views make for a memorable sunrise!
Bottom Line
These hiking trails and scenic overlooks offer amazing views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful escape from the hustle. The colors of the sunrise against this natural backdrop cannot be missed. If you want to see an unforgettable sunrise and the best mountain view, add any of these trails to your itinerary!
