Big Walker Lookout — Attraction in Wytheville

This is one of only two MANDATORY stops I'd recommend when doing the drive from the Eastern Great Lakes region down to the Savannah/Hilton Head area (or further south). It's an absolutely gorgeous little detour off I-77, and even though it's a little bit out of the way, you don't have to return to the exit you got off at. You can go up the mountain one way and down the other, and that works whether you're going North to South or vice versa.

And yes, as everyone has reported here, the tower shakes a bit from the wind once you get up at least halfway, but I'd highly recommend that if you go there, it's worth the eight bucks and the overcoming a little fear for the spectacular view!

This place was a VERY popular place for road trippers back in the day before the interstate was made. It's Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction - family owned and operated since 1947! AND, they maintain the mountain road year-round because it is the first alternative route to the interstate. Honestly, even if you don't stop at the store and the lookout (which I believe you should), it's worth the beautiful drive. The perfect remedy to the monotony of the interstate.

I've only been here once, but I've heard they have live music events up there as well! The country store is charming and has all kinds of little gifts to choose from if you're looking for a magnet or a book or a bumper sticker or even some locally made jams and butters (or clothes). We actually bought a couple small jars of pumpkin-pecan butter to give as gifts (and for ourselves), and it is delicious! The one thing that put me off is the section of the store that has Confederate Flag souvenirs and such. Yes, I know, it IS the South, but it's still revolting and insulting to anyone who has any world or historic perspective. Nonetheless, just be warned. They don't wear it on their sleeve, but it's there.

The man who was running the place was VERY nice and helpful. We got there just 10 minutes before they closed and he still sold us a ticket to go up the tower and stayed open just a little bit longer so we could buy some magnets and pins and butters and stuff. I think the patriarch of the family was in the back, but we didn't see him.

Thanks, Big Walker Lookout! We will return next time we...

My daughter & I visited Big Walker Mountain on June 20 this year ('19). It was a grand experience. Highly recommended.

From the interstate we could see that Big Walker was shrouded in clouds and almost didn't go. But we decided to take a chance and got on Rt. 52 to the summit.

By the time we got there the clouds started to dissipate and we were able to see the valley below and surrounding mountains from the lookout parking lot.

We decided to go into the country store located there to grab a bite to eat and look around. The store is very nice and the folks operating it were most friendly and told us a lot about the area.

After a short while the clouds were breaking up and we decided to climb the Big Walker tower for the ultimate experience; an amazing 360 degree view! It was pretty windy, so be prepared for the tower to sway a little on a breezy day. (Don't worry, it was quite safe but I did keep hold of the railings nonetheless.)

On one side we watched remaining clouds scraping the top of a higher peak off in the distance. From the other, we watched clouds coming up the valley directly towards us and it seemed they were only another hundred feet of so above us. Exhilarating!

Anyone who appreciates the beauty of the southern Appalachian Mountains should put Big Walker mountain on their travel list.

We'll definitely return for another view on our next trip to...

Big walker look out is a little bit of a drive off the beaten path… But it is a spectacular view from the top of the tower!

It’s the middle tower with maybe 10 or 12 stories of wood on metal stairs, safety rails, and mashing to make you feel a little more comfortable as you walk up to the top.

If you’re scared of heights, this may not be the thing for you because there’s a whole Lotta open error around the middle structure for you to look out and through as you make the climb to the top.

Additionally, while the tower seems very strong, it does move a bit while people are hiking up and down the stairs. I think it was kind of thrilling your mileage may vary.

The view from the top of the tower is spectacular! You can see beautiful forests for tens of miles in every direction.

People go up the tower year-round I understand… Coming in the winter is when the air is clearest and therefore you can see the farthest. The only two times you cannot go up the tower during regular hours is when there is too much ice on it and when there are electrical storms.

There’s a convenience store that sells the tickets and has many gifts and treats and snacks and food… Good assortment in a really nice man behind the register to help you get what you need

Adults cost eight dollars…...