Information on the Clinchfield Railroad (click to enlarge)
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The intent of The Loops Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway is to give visitors a view of the railroad tracks laid for the Clinchfield Railroad in 1905. Unfortunately, the view of the tracks from the parking area is completely obscured, but I could hear the trains passing by below, so the tracks are still in use today. You can, however, still see the surrounding mountains.
Panoramic view from The Loops Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (click to enlarge)
If you take a short walk north on the Parkway, you will see the Historic Orchard at Altapass, a farmers’ market-type store that was built by the railroad in 1908. Though it is not part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is open to the public. The turn-off for it is just north of The Loops Overlook.
Historic Orchard at Altapass as seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway
Next Stop South | Next Stop North | Scenic Overlooks
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Last updated on December 14, 2023
