Identifying our Commonwealth’s Most Treasured Views
Treasured Views
The Scenic Virginia Viewshed Register is a collection of the most Treasured Views in Virginia. A community or organization nominates specific views. The nomination process includes providing photographs of the view and a detailed description of the view's assets. This includes details about the view, how it is viewed by the community, and, in a larger context, the number of people who visit the view and any special recognition the view has received. Special recognition may include national, state, or local inclusion in planning documents, existing protection, etc. A committee of visual resource experts from across the country reviews each nomination and then uses Scenic Virginia’s developed evaluation process to determine if it qualifies for inclusion in the Register.
In 2025, we evaluated five views for inclusion in the Scenic Virginia Viewshed Register. These views represent some of the best of Virginia, being from the Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Cumberland Plateau. Four of the five views qualified for inclusion in the register to be designated as a scenic viewshed, having scored the highest marks possible. The fifth view was included with special consideration due to its historical and public concern value.
These views are:
Piedmont Memorial Overlook in Paris, Fauquier County, is an elevated view over the Crooked Run Valley with little distracting development and a classic Blue Ridge view that is well thought of by locals, the county government, and travelers.
The Peak is seen most often from a heavily traveled Virginia Byway and has a small parking area that allows people to spend time viewing this beautiful scene.
Birch Knob in Dickenson County offers a 360-degree view of the Cumberland Plateau from the top of a platform in Jefferson National Forest with views into six states. Being along a major trail (the Pine Mountain Trail), accessible by car and promoted by local tourism, it has many visitors and is a great example of the beauty of the region.
Old Rag Mountain, a very famous hiking a viewing spot, but unique in that the view is from the valley to the top of the mountain. Many people drive along numerous roads looking at Old Rag, appreciating its silhouette. The County and local citizens groups support the protection of this view.
Red Hill, the final home and burial site of Patrick Henry, on the line between Charlotte and Campbell Counties. The Piedmont view of rolling hills and agricultural lands is an example of the history and early industry of the region. The public concern for this site was great, with national and state recognitions meriting this site one of special consideration, thus giving it a register designation.