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The “scar,” or gash in a mountain, that gives the Ballhoot Scar View on the Blue Ridge Parkway its name is related to logging. Cut logs were sent sliding down the mountain to a sawmill at the bottom. It’s not clear whether the scar was caused by the logs tumbling down the hill year after year or if it was naturally there to begin with and simply made a good shoot to the bottom.
There are two separate parking areas at Ballhoot Scar View, and you actually have to drive back onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for about twenty feet to go between them, which is sort of silly. Though you can see the scar from either side, the best view is from the northern parking lot, which is the section where you find the sign that identifies the overlook. However, to see the scar you must walk up the Blue Ridge Parkway for a short distance before you can get a clear view of the area. The scar resembles land scared by a landslide. A small village sits directly below it.
Next Stop South | Next Stop North | Scenic Overlooks
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Last updated on November 5, 2023