Forgot your your password?
  • single location image
  • single location image
  • single location image
  • single location image

Prospect Overlook

(5.0)

3299 Cacapon Rd, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

National Geographic Magazine rates this scene among America’s Outstanding Beauty Spots.

Prospect Overlook also called Panorama Overlook is approximately 3 miles west of Berkeley Springs, offers a pull-off and a scenic view rated by National Geographic as one of the five best in the East. Included in the view are three states: Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia; and two rivers, the Potomac and Cacapon. The scene also encapsulates America’s transportation history showing the C&O Canal on the Maryland side of the river and the B&O Railroad on the West Virginia side.

The overlook marks the end of Cacapon Mountain which runs south from that point more than thirty miles to the Virginia border. Composed of ancient Oriskany sandstone, it plunges nearly 1000 feet into the Potomac River at the overlook.

Higher on Cacapon Mountain, Prospect Rock (also called Cacapon Rock) offers the same spectacular view. It was a favorite day trip for visitors on horseback from colonial times to the early 20th century. Washington often rode here, fueling his vision of a way west. Today the unique rock formations may be reached by a 12-mile fire road and flat hiking trail along the crest of Cacapon Mountain accessed from Cacapon State Park.

“Rid with Mrs. Washington and others to the Cacapehon Mountain, to see  the prospect from thence.”
Washington’s diary — August 19, 1769

View Panorama Overlook PDF

Washington Heritage Trail Info

TripAdvisor Information

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

Leave a reply
(5.0)