The Saddle Overlook — Attraction in Stuart

We visited on a Friday evening/Saturday morning in early November 2024. There were a few cars in the parking lot when we arrived and the view was spectacular. The sun was setting behind us so we knew this was the perfect spot to come for a sunrise view.

Luckily for us, we were spending the night at Tuggle's Gap Roadside Inn (Which was absolutely amazing by the way) and could wake up early the next morning drive over to this overlook (less than 10 mins). There were plenty of parking spots.

We woke up early the next morning in the dark to come up and watch the sunrise because breakfast and checkout at the Inn. We were surprised when we arrived there was already a car in the lot and when we hiked up to the AT shelter they were sitting in the best spot with a chair and warm drink waiting for the sunrise. The best spot is a rocky ledge maybe 50 feet up from the AT shelter. Maybe it was the time of year but the sunrise was further to our left. From the AT shelter itself and the trail going up and back, there were just too many tree limbs obstructing the view (even with most the leaves gone).

It was also a very cold morning and windy morning. We had jackets and blankets with us but the AT shelter doesn't do great with blocking the wind. We waited a little bit here and decided to hike back down to the parking lot overlook. We were surprised when we returned there were 4 other cars there and many photographers with cameras on tripods watching the sunrise as well. Honestly the view from the parking lot was better without the obstructions of the limbs but I would call it pretty crowded.

We watched for a few more minute and then headed back to get breakfast and check out.

Would 100% come back here, stay at Tuggle's Roadside Inn and do this again. Absolutely...

This is the best place I have ever straight given up at. The castle gorge trail has a lot more elevation change than you think and high humidity with no breeze means you go through water faster than expected. It was not a good idea. At the saddle overlook, I was able to lay down under a tree and wait for the inevitable. clouds gently wafted past as I imagined wafting away with them. A kind person offered me a cold bottle of water. That and some liquid IV, and it was the greatest moment of my life. Eventually my friends, a decade younger than I, made it to camp and drove back to get me. The view is nice too. 10/10 would recommend as place to lean back into the sweet embrace of the fates after walking entirely too far. Castle George is...

6-11-22

Within Rocky Knob Recreation Area and yet another overlook directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I kinda feel like once you've seen one, they run together and not much separates them apart. It has the token sign of what you are looking at. Parking for maybe 20 cars or so.

We accessed the overlook from the Rock Castle Gorge Trail (10.8+ mile loop) as the trail takes you straight through the parking lot. I think it adds to trail.

Scenic just like all the rest of...