Iron Mine Hollow Overlooks at milepost 96.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers sweeping views that stretch across the surrounding valleys. It is also one of the best spots to snap an awesome sunset photo.
Iron Mine Hollow Overlook is only about 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, Virginia and 15 minutes from Peaks of Otter.
The overlook is actually two small, pull-out-style overlooks, each offering a cozy vantage point for watching the breathtaking sunset unfold over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The two overlooks are separated by just a few hundred feet and share a very similar view.
The overlook is named for the now-decommissioned mine that once supported nearby Spec, Virginia. The mine shut down during the Great Depression.
If you want to learn a bit more about the mine, you can read this older article about a couple of guys that explored the mine. The article makes a very strong case for not visiting.
North Iron Mine Hollow Overlook
The northernmost overlook is just a bit larger than the southern overlook. It features an old, gnarled hemlock and a few rock outcroppings.
For sunset, I prefer this overlook. The sun sets behind a nearby mountain to the west, and the southern overlook is in its shadow.
You also get a slightly better view of the hollow (or holler, as my people say).
South Iron Mine Hollow Overlook
The view from the south overlook has a similar view to the north overlook, but there is a large tree blocking some of the view.
For most of the day, you won’t notice much difference in the view, but at sunset, the contrast becomes much more noticeable. The south overlook is surrounded by trees and bushes growing to the west, blocking the view.
The view in between
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs along a very narrow ridge in this section, offering a beautiful view between the overlooks that faces Montvale.
To see the view, you’ll have to walk along the road’s edge. The view is a couple hundred feet from the north overlook.
You are allowed to walk along the Blue Ridge Parkway and there is plenty of space to walk in the grass away from the road.
Sunset at Iron Mine Hollow
Sunset here is so good we put it on our list of the best sunset overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Sunset is definitely the best time to visit Iron Mine Hollow. The sunset view is best in the late spring, summer, and early fall because of where the sun sets in the sky. The view is still beautiful in winter, but not the best it could be.
Before you make any visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway, make sure to check for closures.
If you are thinking about visiting Iron Mine Hollow, you should also plan on visiting View Purgatory Mountain Overlook and Pine Tree Overlook. These three overlooks are some of the best near Roanoke, Virginia and are awesome to visit all year long.
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