Discover Berkeley Springs
America's First Spa Town
3299 Cacapon Rd, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
National Geographic Magazine has recognized this scene as one of America’s most beautiful spots.
Prospect Overlook, also known as Panorama Overlook, is located about 3 miles west of Berkeley Springs and offers a pull-off with a breathtaking view. National Geographic has ranked it as one of the top five scenic vistas in the Eastern United States. The view includes three states—Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia—and two rivers, the Potomac and Cacapon. The scene also highlights America’s transportation history, featuring the C&O Canal on the Maryland side and the B&O Railroad on the West Virginia side.
The overlook marks the northern end of Cacapon Mountain, which extends over thirty miles southward to the Virginia border. Made of ancient Oriskany sandstone, the mountain drops nearly 1,000 feet into the Potomac River at this point.
Higher up on Cacapon Mountain, Prospect Rock (also known as Cacapon Rock) offers the same stunning view. This spot was a popular destination for horseback riders from colonial times through the early 20th century. George Washington often visited, inspired by the view to envision a route westward. Today, the unique rock formations can be reached by a 12-mile fire road and a flat hiking trail along the crest of Cacapon Mountain, accessible from Cacapon State Park.
“Rode with Mrs. Washington and others to the Cacapon Mountain, to see the prospect from there.” — Washington’s diary, August 19, 1769
Below are additional links for Prospect Overlook
Washington Heritage Trail Info
Below is a video
Comments
Karyn O June 2, 2017
(5.0)
Gorgeous overlook, even in the middle of winter. Only a few minutes from town and worth the trip. I can only imagine how stunning it would be in the fall!
From: Trip Advisor Review
Sue N June 2, 2017
(5.0)
My husband and I were there on a clear day. The view was simply stunning. We wondered how the native Americans, hunters, George Washington, and others must have felt or thought. Today, with an unobstructed view, the photo pointed out the ranges of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia along with places in West Virginia.
From: Trip Advisor Review
vitagrl June 2, 2017
(5.0)
Gorgeous overlook of the valley.Would be more beautiful when trees are in bloom. Very short ride outside of Berkely Springs. A must see.
From: Trip Advisor Review
Stephen Michael Fox Jr June 2, 2017
(5.0)
Wonderful, picturesque vista. Located just a short drive up a hill side from Berkeley Springs, the Prospect Peak provides a beautiful vista, especially if you visit at sunset. We drove up on a Saturday and were the only ones there. So breezy, beautiful, and peaceful. Well worth the stop by.
From: Google Review
Daniel Houghton June 2, 2017
(5.0)
What a fantastic view. Great place for sunsets or just to look out on a nice day. It’s just a roadside pull off but if you like scenic Vistas be sure to add this stop on journey.
From: Google Review
Herb May 28, 2023
(5.0)
See how wonderful view of overlook will be when koa campground opens in 2024