Scenic viewpoint

 ( Outdoor Structures ) 

A scenic viewpoint—also called an observation point, viewpoint, viewing point, vista point, scenic overlook,These terms are more commonly used in North America. etc.—is an elevated location where people can view scenery (often with binoculars) and photograph it. Scenic viewpoints may be created alongside or mountain , often as simple turnouts or where can pull over onto pavement, gravel, or grass on the right-of-way.

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Locations Many viewpoints are larger, having , while some (typically on larger ) are off the road completely. Viewing points may also be found on hill or mountain tops or on rocky spurs overlooking a valley and reached via a hiking trail. They may be protected by railings to protect the public or be enhanced by a viewing tower designed to elevate visitors above the surrounding terrain or trees in order to offer .

Overlooks are frequently found in and in the U.S. along such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, which has numerous individually named overlooks for viewing the Blue Ridge Mountains and their . Other overlooks are next to , especially since mountain roads tend to follow .

Many overlooks are accessible only by and boardwalk and stairs, 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 for construction.

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History 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 become tourist attractions, with numerous vistas inscribed as world heritage-listed natural sites.

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See also

• Observation Point (disambiguation) for specific places called "Observation Point"
• Observation deck
• Observation post
• Stratum Pier by artist Kendall Buster

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