Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook is one of the most interesting areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The windswept trees are twisted into unusual shapes but there is a lot more than that to see at this beautiful overlook.
Apple Orchard Mountain at milepost 76.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a wide overlook over a huge valley. There are several crisscrossing ridges visible from the overlook.
You can be forgiven for thinking there is an apple orchard somewhere nearby. However, the name refers to the wind stunted trees standing atop the mountain ridge. In fact, most of the trees are oak species, specifically northern red oak.
Normally, northern red oak grows to around 60 or 70 feet when fully mature. You would be hard pressed to find many trees that reach more than 30 feet in height. Instead you find stocky trunks and gnarled branches.
When is the best time to visit?
The view is always great in all seasons, but certain times it is even more beautiful. Just like the rest of the Blue Ridge Parkway, fall is beautiful. But, sunrise may be the very best time to visit.
Before you take a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway always check for closures.
Apple Orchard Falls at Sunrise
Sunrise from Apple Orchard Mountains is stunning. The overlook faces directly toward the east and because of the steep slope, the view is unobstructed.
You should plan on reaching the overlook very early for sunrise. Some overlooks, like Pine Tree Overlook, are great for a late sunrise. The wide view and distant mountains mean that sunrise will be best before the sun fully rises above the mountains.
If you catch it at the right time, the early morning haze rests in the valley making striking blues and purples.
Apple Orchard Mountain during fall
Fall at Apple Orchard Mountain can be beautiful, but it is a little tricky. Because of the consistent high winds leaves fall off the trees early.
Skip this section if you aren’t a tree nerd. When deciduous trees begin changing colors the trees start to form a thin layer of cells between the leaf and branch, called the abscission layer. Once the layer is formed, wind and brushing against other branches causes the leaves to fall off. If tree stuff gets you going, we have more information about fall colors in the Blue Ridge.
Late October is when the leaves peak in this part of Virginia, but you may not want to wait until the normal peak time to visit. Peaks of Otter at milepost 85.6 is a better option for the best fall colors.
Plan on visiting Apple Orchard Mountain a bit before peak colors for the best views.
What else is there to see nearby?
Apple Orchard Mountain is in one of the most scenic sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. There are a number of hikes and amazing overlooks just a few miles away. And one weird attraction.
Some of the overlooks you should plan on stopping at are:
- Thunder Ridge (MP 74.7)
- View Arnold Valley (75.2)
- Peaks of Otter (85.6)
The hikes you definitely want to think about stopping at are:
- Apple Orchard Falls (MP 78.4)
- Fallingwater Cascades (MP 83.1)
- Sharp Top (MP 86)
The real highlight of the area is Peaks of Otter, so make sure you have a chance to explore the area; even if it is just to walk around Abbott Lake.
What’s the weird golf ball thing on the mountain? There is an old FAA radar dome on top of Apple Orchard Mountain visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can actually hike to it from Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook.
You will have to walk around .2 miles along the parkway to reach the AT. From the intersection you’ll have another .8 miles to reach the radar dome. Your round trip will be about 2 miles and should take around 45 minutes to complete the hike.
The short map below shows the location of the dome, the overlook, and where to access the AT.
Apple Orchard Falls is a quick stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, probably only taking a few minutes. But, if you visit at the right time, those few minutes can capture some spectacular views.
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