Grandview Overlook (milepost 281.4) near Blowing Rock and Boone, North Carolina is one of the best overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The huge view over the rugged mountain terrain is spectacular and early risers will love this spot for sunrise.
The name of the overlook gives away what to expect when you visit.
Layers and layers of rugged mountains stretching to the horizon over the Yadkin Valley.
This is an overlook you need to stop for.
Looking for more overlooks you need to see on your visit? Here is our list of the best overlooks near Blowing Rock.
Sunrise at Grandview Overlook
The view at Grandview is always great but sunrise is when you really want to visit. Early morning rays flow over the mountain peaks causing the mountains to blend in to each other.
The amazing sunrise view is why this overlook is on so many best lists. Including our own list of the best overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Sunrise at Grandview Overlook is very similar to sunrise at Thunder Hill Overlook. These overlooks are only nine miles apart so a fifteen minute drive can get you from Grandview to Thunder Hill and you can catch sunrise at both.
Fog is really common throughout this area which makes for some amazing sunrises but also dangerous driving conditions. Make sure you check for closures before heading out on the Blue Ridge Parkway around Blowing Rock.
The Best Season to Visit Grandview Overlook
Grandview Overlook is really beautiful in spring, summer, and fall (in winter the parkway closes frequently near Blowing Rock).
There aren’t flowering trees and bushes at the overlook so, while it remains a beautiful view in spring and summer, it can’t match the stunning colors in fall.
The mountains are covered with deciduous trees and explode with color in early to mid October. This is when the tourist population explodes also. Don’t worry, Grandview isn’t where crowds normally gather.
The interesting tree at Grandview Overlook
The best reason to visit Grandview Overlook is for the view, but it isn’t the only thing you get to experience.
There is a very unusual tree at the edge of overlook.
We’re calling this large poplar the “closet tree”. The center has completely rotted out and it is large enough for multiple people to stand inside. If you have kids they are going to love hiding inside the tree.
While researching the name origin for Grandview came from I found an apocryphal reference to someone describing the area as having a “grand view” in the 1930s.
I can’t say whether or not that is where the name actually came from but I can say the description is true. This is a a beautiful place with a beautiful view. That explanation seems as good as a reason as any other.
Any visit to Blowing Rock and Boone is incomplete without taking in a hike or two. Here are some amazing hikes around Blowing Rock you should check out for your next visit to the area.
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