Site Visit to Chimney Tops Overlook

These pictures were taken at the Chimney Tops Overlook during the summer, a very heavily vista within the Park.  You can see how the fast growing vegetation, along with a long growing season at lower elevations, can quickly obscure vistas along key scenic roads in the Park.

Like Chimney Tops overlook, many vistas along Newfound Gap Road are impacted by encroaching vegetation.   This picture shows how the treeline on the far side of the vista has already completely blocked the view.  You can see how the rest of the treeline is reaching a similar height.

This picture shows a large walnut tree that should be saved in the foreground as a specimen to frame the view of the Chimney Tops to the right (not pictured).  Haze has also dramatically impacted the visibility of vistas, and is caused by pollution outside of the Park.