View Arnold Valley Overlook at milepost 75.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful overlooks in Virginia. It is an awesome spot – actually two spots – to stop anytime of the day but it is best at sunset.
There aren’t many split overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway but View Arnold Valley is one of them. Both segments of the overlook are on the same side of the road and look out over the huge valley that bears the name of the family that settled there in the mid 1700s.
Each section is a pull-off with just a few spots to park and not full parking lots. If you are heading to the overlook for sunset you need to plan on visiting early so you can get one of the parking spots.
Before you make any trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway check for closures. View Arnold Valley is between the off ramps at mileposts 66.3 and 76.4.
South Arnold Valley Overlook
The southern most overlook has a much longer pull-off than the northern one. You’ll find the pull-off to be incredibly narrow, though, so definitely make sure you are all the way off the road when you park.
The view is completely unobstructed from the southern overlook which is great if you love huge views. The mountains are distant so most of your view will be of the valley.
If huge views are your thing, make sure you also stop at Apple Orchard Mountain at milepost 76.5, especially if you are passing through around sunrise – it’s beautiful.
North Arnold Valley Overlook
The northern overlook is about 200 feet lower and has a wider, but shorter pull-off. This overlook also features a large stone outcropping on the edge of the ridge.
The rocks are a great spot to sit and take in the view. Personally, I like the view from this overlook better and judging by the barren spot in the grass leading up to rocks – so does everyone else.
Which spot is best for Sunset?
You can visit both spots very quickly so visiting one doesn’t stop you from visiting another, but parking may be tight. You should plan on arriving at least half an hour early for sunset if you are going to View Arnold Valley.
The sun sets off to the left side, not directly facing the overlook. You may find that it’s best when there are some clouds in the sky for the light to bounce off of.
Sunset will be best between March and October because of where the sun crosses the horizon.
Sunset views are a bit tougher in this section of the parkway during winter months. In my experience, some of the best views are had from the road between Peaks of Otter milepost 86 and The Great Valley Overlook milepost 96.6. You can also stop by Pine Tree Overlook. Most of the year the sun doesn’t set in the right place for Pine Tree Overlook, but in winter the sun setting over the town of Montvale is very pretty.
View Arnold Valley Overlook is on our list of the most beautiful overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, as is nearby Thunder Ridge Overlook and with it being less than a mile away there isn’t any reason not to visit.
If you are driving to View Arnold Valley from the south you may notice a strange rocky patch on one of the mountain slopes far in the distance as you near Arnold Valley. That rocky slope is Devil’s Marbleyard and if you love adventure you have to check it out.
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