Thunder Hill Overlook (milepost 290.4) on the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular stops for its incredible view. With the amazing sunrises and sunsets it is a perfect spot for taking photos. Below we cover how to see both and a bit of an unexpected surprise when researching the Thunder Hill area.
Thunder Hill Overlook is one of the best spots for taking in the overlapping mountains near Blowing Rock, NC and is one of the most beautiful overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
You can find a similar view at nearby Yadkin Overlook (milepost 289.8), but Thunder Hill is just a little bit better.
The rolling mountains are similar to those found in the Pisgah section, like Waterrock Knob. However, the mountains around Blowing Rock are significantly shorter.
Many of the higher mountains in Pisgah area top out above 5000 feet meaning they are topped with evergreen trees.
Thunder Hill Overlook measures at 3795 feet in elevation. That elevation makes it the area perfect for fall colors. You will want to plan to visit early to mid October for the best colors.
You may want to check out our post on when and where to see fall colors in the Blue Ridge.
Watching Sunrise or Sunset at Thunder Hill
Thunder Hill is an awesome spot for both sunrise and sunset. It is most famous for sunrise because of the long view that extends across the rolling mountains.
Sunrise at Thunder Hill is incredible.
You’ll want to arrive 30 – 45 minutes before sunrise because the best view will be of the early morning light streaking across the mountain tops.
It takes less than 10 minutes to reach the overlook from Blowing Rock and a little less than 20 from Price Lake.
Even more amazing, sometimes thick fog blankets the valleys. Be sure to check for closures on foggy mornings.
Thunder Hill Overlook is also awesome for sunset. Instead of facing the rugged mountain peaks, you will cross the parkway to look out over a farm.
You’ll need to walk through the tall grass that has grown up along the road. You can stand along a fence and take in the view. Be sure to check for ticks after walking through the grass.
Thunder Hill is on our list of the best spots for sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nearby Raven Rocks Overlook is also on the list and only a mile away.
Because Raven Rocks (milepost 289.5) and Thunder Hill are so close together you can pretty quickly move from one overlook to the other.
Raven Rocks gets very crowded for sunset and the parking lot is quite small. If you can’t find parking or don’t want to be around a lot of other people Thunder Hill is a great option to get some space.
If you want to visit both go to Raven Rocks first. Parking is much tighter there and the sun sets a few minutes sooner than at Thunder Hill.
The trail through the farmland
Across the road from the parking area there is what looks like a short trail that sneaks across the farm land. This is actually the Mountain to Sea Trail.
One direction goes into the farmland and the other follows the outside of the fence line. If you followed the trail on the outside of the fence line you would reach Raven Rocks Overlook after a mile.
You can view the Mountain to Sea Trail interactive map to chart out the trail. There are several other more interesting hikes to take in the Blowing Rock area, but it’s an option.
If you decide you want to follow the trail into the farm the most interesting feature is a rocky outcropping after about a tenth of a mile. There isn’t a view of the mountains because of the trees but this may be a good detour for kids.
Why is it called Thunder Hill
I always like trying to find why overlooks have their name. In researching Thunder Hill I came across an article that suggested the name originated because of powerful storms that formed on the mountain top.
What I wasn’t expecting was a tale about a monster. I don’t want to spoil the story.
You can read Nelly’s Tale here. The article only takes a few minutes to read and it is the best kind of Blue Ridge folktale.
Thunder Hill is an incredible overlook for its great views, for the beauty at both sunrise and sunset, and a more colorful history than many other overlooks.
Any visit to Blowing Rock or Price Lake is incomplete without stopping at Thunder Hill.
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