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Ascenic viewpoint—also called anobservation point,viewpoint,viewing point,vista point,[1]scenic overlook,[1] etc.—is an elevated location where people can viewscenery (often withbinoculars) andphotograph it. Scenic viewpoints may be created alongsidescenic routes ormountainroads, often as simpleturnouts orlay-bys wheremotorists can pull over onto pavement, gravel, or grass on theright-of-way.
Many viewpoints are larger, havingparking areas, while some (typically on largerhighways) are off the road completely. Viewing points may also be found on hill or mountain tops or on rocky spurs overlooking avalley and reached via ahiking trail. They may be protected by railings to protect the public or be enhanced by aviewing tower designed to elevate visitors above the surrounding terrain or trees in order to offerpanoramic views.
Overlooks are frequently found innational parks and in the U.S. alongnational parkways such as theBlue Ridge Parkway, which has numerous individually named overlooks for viewing theBlue Ridge Mountains and theirvalleys. Other overlooks are next towaterfalls, especially since mountain roads tend to followstreams.
Many overlooks are accessible only bytrails andwooden walkways andstairs, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. These overlooks are often wooden decks, which minimize the impact on the land by reducing the need to disturb it forconstruction.[citation needed]
The word viewpoint is from 1856, but it was thought to have been used as a physical sense in 1858. From time on, many scenic viewpoints have since becometourist attractions, with numerous vistas inscribed asworld heritage-listed natural sites.
