Great 360 degree views from the summit with a pretty easy and walkable path to the top from the parking lot. If you are a seasoned hiker you might enjoy parking further down at the restaurant parking lot and taking the 2 mile trail up to the top instead. Updated facilities that are kept clean, with restrooms at the trailhead for the summit path, along with a snack bar and a gift shop. Be sure to check before you head up for their hours because they aren't always open depending on the season. The gift shop was not taking cash when I was there, but I'm not sure if that is a permanent thing or if they were just between bank runs being all the way out in the middle of nowhere.

It can get really crowded on the weekends or holidays and if you try to go up during the Fall when the leaves have changed just expect to spend several hours just getting up to the overlook. The Blueridge Parkway gets really backed up during the Fall due to the scenic views and people slowing down for photos because in all honesty there aren't a lot of places to pull off. Traffic can also be a problem at random since the speed limit is 25-40 mph and you might get stuck behind granny going 15 mph up the hill, a slow cyclist occupying the lane, or an 18-wheeler that shouldn't be on the road, and there is nowhere to safely pass due to them using mowing equipment or cyclists on the parkway. My experience, and why I've deducted one star, has always been that people go 10-15 mph below the speed limit so if you aren't patient, you may want to skip this one. Certainly something to check off the list and do at least once, just be patient, stop to go to the bathroom before you get on the Parkway, and take plenty of water and snacks.