A guide to some of my favorite overlooks for photos in Shenandoah National Park

Sunset mountain landscape with silhouetted trees and rolling hills in the distance.

Jewell Hollow Overlook


With a stunning sunset view of Luray, this overlook is a favorite spot for photos. There are rocks to climb, a grassy area, and a large parking lot bordered by a stone wall.

Couple in formal wear standing on mountain peak with dramatic landscape views.
Close up of ring exchange during mountain top ceremony with scenic backdrop.
Couple sitting on stone wall overlooking vast mountain landscape on sunny day.
Couple sharing tender moment while sitting on rocky mountain overlook with scenic valley views at sunset.

Bearfence Rock Scramble


A short hike with a moderately challenging rock scramble, this trail is best suited for the adventurous. The panoramic view at the top is one of my personal favorites (it's breathtaking)!

Two people in cozy sweaters share a romantic moment while sitting on rocks overlooking a mountain landscape.
Two people stand on a rocky overlook enjoying sweeping autumn mountain views in a scenic wilderness area.
A couple sits together on a rocky mountain overlook during golden hour with rolling Blue Ridge mountains in the distance.
A couple sharing a romantic proposal moment on a mountain overlook with scenic autumn views in the background.
Two people standing on rocky cliff edge overlooking misty mountain landscape at sunset.

Blackrock Trail at Big Meadows


This super-short hike leads to a scenic overlook with beautiful sunset views. Easy enough for kids and older folks or those with less mobility.

A joyful couple embraces while standing in a forest setting with bare trees and rocky terrain in the background.
Two people stand together on a rocky cliff overlooking a misty mountainous landscape at sunset.
A couple sits together on a rocky mountain overlook during sunset as clouds gather in the dramatic sky.
Graduate in white dress throws cap in air on road near rocky tunnel entrance.

Tunnel Parking Overlook


The rock tunnel makes a unique spot for photos during non-busy times. This east-facing overlook is ideal for sunrise shoots along the narrow stone wall that borders the parking area.

Graduate in white dress stands on stone wall with mountain vista in background.
Graduate in white robe displays decorated Liberty University cap against mountain backdrop.
Scenic mountain overlook with large tree and trail marker on grassy hilltop.

Pass Mountain Overlook


This overlook offers a large, open grassy area suitable for family and group photos. The beautiful west-facing view is great for sunset photos.

Mountain vista through bare trees with gravel path leading to overlook.
Lone pine tree stands sentinel on grassy overlook with mountain views.
Rocky mountain ridge stretches across panoramic vista under blue skies.

Crescent Rock Overlook


A short walk leads you to this stunning rocky overlook with west-facing views of the town of Stanley, as well as the park's highest peak - Hawksbill Summit.

Rocky cliff edge overlooks vast forest valley under clear blue sky.
Panoramic mountain valley view from rocky overlook on clear day.
Panoramic mountain vista captured from a rocky overlook showing distant blue ridges and valleys in the wilderness.

Stony Man Mountain Summit


Epic views are the reward for a relatively short hike through the woods to a rocky summit. This is a wide, west-facing view so it's perfect for sunset photos.

A dirt hiking trail winds through bare winter trees and rocky terrain on a sunny day.
A serene hiking trail winds through bare winter trees on a sunny day with bright blue sky overhead.
A rocky hiking trail winds through bare winter trees on a clear day with blue skies overhead.
A scenic mountain hiking trail overlooks a distant valley through twisted tree branches against a bright blue sky.
A rocky mountain trail overlooks distant hills through pine trees and bare branches against a bright blue sky.
Rocky mountain summit overlooking a vast valley with forests and a distant lake under clear blue skies.
Vibrant orange sunset over mountain ridges with snow-covered rocks in the foreground creating a dramatic winter landscape.

Hazel Mountain Overlook


This east-facing drive-up overlook is super accessible and has a beautiful view of sunrise over the valley. There is even a rock outcrop if you want it to look like you climbed a mountain without all the effort!

A vibrant sunset illuminates the horizon over rolling mountains with rocky outcrops in the foreground.