View from Wolf Mountain Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway

View: ♦ ♦ ♦ / 5
Trails: None
Picnic Tables: None

Those who stop by the Wolf Mountain Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway can survey the mountains and valleys that were once home to wolves, but by the late 1800s all of them had been killed by farmers and cattle ranchers. The overlook is one of three within a mile of each other, all looking at the same view (Herrin Knob View and Courthouse Valley Overlook are the other two). It also suffers the same problem as the other two: a small number of pine trees have grown up to block parts of the scene, cutting what could be a commanding 180° vista into smaller segments, only in this case the trees are much bigger. This is what the other two overlooks will eventually become if these trees are not cut down soon.

What remains of the view—which is still quite a lot—is excellent. Instead of looking at a mountain range that runs flush with the viewing area, we are presented with valleys and layers of mountains running parallel and perpendicular to each other, all of which creates a scene of immense depth. I’d go so far as to say that Wolf Mountain and the other two overlooks could be some of the best on the Blue Ridge Parkway if only a handful of trees were cut down.