Hazel Mountain Overlook – Skyline Drive Views at Mile 33 in Shenandoah National Park
Hazel Mountain Overlook is a scenic stop along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, offering expansive views of the eastwardly side of the Blue Ridge and surrounding mountains.
Located near the Thornton Gap entrance at mile marker 33 and an elevation of approximately 2,770 feet, this overlook provides a quieter alternative to some of the more heavily visited viewpoints along the drive.
Where Is Hazel Mountain Overlook?
Hazel Mountain Overlook is located at mile marker 33 along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, just south of the Thornton Gap entrance.
At an elevation of around 2,770 feet, it sits high above the Rappahannock County, providing wide, unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
What to Expect
Hazel Mountain Overlook offers sweeping views, with layers of mountains stretching into the distance.
Compared to some of the more popular overlooks along Skyline Drive, this location is often:
quieter
less crowded
easy to access
It’s an ideal place to stop, take in the scenery, and enjoy a more relaxed experience along the drive.
Best Time to Visit Hazel Mountain Overlook
Hazel Mountain Overlook can be visited at any time of day, but certain conditions offer the best experience:
Morning: softer light and fewer visitors
Late afternoon: warmer light across the valley
Fall: peak foliage with vibrant colors across the mountains
Lighting conditions change quickly in the mountains, making it worth stopping even briefly as you travel along Skyline Drive.
Photography Tips
Hazel Mountain Overlook is a great location for landscape photography, particularly for capturing layered mountain views and sunrises in early spring and fall.
Tips for photography:
use a telephoto lens to compress distant mountain layers
bring a lightweight tripod for low-light conditions
watch for shifting light and shadows
This overlook works especially well for capturing depth and atmosphere in the landscape.
For a complete guide, see Photography in Shenandoah National Park
How Much Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 5–10 minutes at Hazel Mountain Overlook.
If you’re focused on photography or waiting for better light, you may want to stay longer.
Tips for Visiting
use designated pull-off areas for parking
be mindful of changing weather conditions
take your time — lighting and visibility can shift quickly
visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience
Nearby Stops
Hazel Mountain Overlook is located in a central section of Skyline Drive and pairs well with other stops in the area.
You can combine it with:
nearby overlooks along Skyline Drive
hikes accessible from the Thornton Gap area
additional scenic stops as you travel north or south
Final Thoughts
Hazel Mountain Overlook is a scenic and often overlooked stop along Skyline Drive that offers wide views without the crowds.
Located near Thornton Gap at mile marker 33, it’s a great place to pause, take in the landscape, and experience a quieter side of Shenandoah National Park.
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