Crimora Lake Overlook

Overview

A small, often overlooked pullout at milepost ~92.5 on Skyline Drive, Crimora Lake Overlook sits around 2,975–2,985 feet and faces northwest. The payoff is a broad Shenandoah Valley panorama with a twist: a glimpse of a dark-green/turquoise lake tucked between ridges below.

What You’ll See

• Northwest-facing vistas over the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley.
• The namesake lake below—actually a cluster of small, man‑made lakes tied to historic manganese mining. They’re easiest to pick out with binoculars or a zoom lens.

Why It’s Unique

The National Park Service specifically calls this a good place to contemplate the region’s industrial past. Unlike most overlooks that are purely natural scenery, this view layers mountain beauty with the story of the Crimora manganese operations.

A Quick History Snapshot

Mining at Crimora began in 1867 and, per NPS, ended in 1946. The processing left behind small artificial lakes you can still see from the overlook. It’s one of the few viewpoints where you can literally look back at the valley’s industrial chapter.

Wildlife

No site-specific reports, but like many ridgeline overlooks, you may spot raptors riding thermals or catch distant movement of deer or turkeys in the valleys below—binoculars help.

Practicalities

This is a simple pullout: no restrooms, water, or tables, and parking is limited. Treat it as a quick stop for photos and a history lesson before continuing along Skyline Drive. In winter or on clear, crisp days, the lake’s color really pops.

Best Time to Visit

• Season: Winter and leaf‑off periods give the clearest sightline to the lakes and the most vivid color.
• Day: Come on clear afternoons for pleasant light on the northwest view.
• Crowd level: Generally quieter than the park’s headliner overlooks.