Skyline Drive - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 1031

14. Big Run Overlook
The secret to Skyline Drive's appeal is its contrasting perspectives—short-range views of
forestsjuxtaposedwithlong-rangevistasofthedistantmountainsandvalleys.Atthisover-
look, for example, nearby trees frame panoramas of far-off peaks, creating scenes that are
postcard perfect. For the more adventurous, a steep trail descends into Big Run Valley,
where a fish-filled stream leads to a small waterfall and several pools large enough for a
dip.
15. Blackrock
This summit, and the talus slopes below it, may seem black from a distance, but they are
actuallydarkbrown—thecolorofthecoarselichenthatcoversthem.Sincenotrailleadsto
the top of Blackrock, visitors must clamber up a slope littered with fallen rocks. The view
atopthesummitisworththeeffort:asweepingsurveyofforestedmountainsandthevalley
beyond.
16. Crimora Lake Overlook
Near mile 92.6 is Crimora Lake, one of the few lakes visible from the drive. Crimora is
more notable for what stands beside it than for the lake itself: To its left is an abandoned
manganese mine—once the largest source of this rare mineral in America. The overlook
also provides a scenic vista that includes several mountains.