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State-regional
Treasured Views Register
Scenic Virginia adds Lover’s Leap, Mabry Mill to 2026 register
BILL WYATT Martinsville Bulletin
Updated
Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook in Patrick County offers views of
the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Patrick County valley.
SCENIC VIRGINIA
Mabry Mill is one of the most visited sites on the Blue Ridge
Parkway.
Courtesy Patrick Kelley
MARTINSVILLE — Lover’s Leap in Patrick County and Mabry Mill in neighboring Floyd County have been added to Scenic Virginia’s 2026 Treasured Views Register, recognizing landscapes chosen for their scenic, cultural and community value.
The two local sites are among six new selections Scenic Virginia announced. The group said it received more than 40 nominations this year. The other additions are Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, New River Palisades in Giles County, James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange County, and a 19-mile stretch of the James River in Buckingham and Fluvanna counties.
The Treasured Views program combines community input with research to document significant landscapes. Scenic Virginia says the resulting inventory can inform conservation and land-use planning. The register is a recognition and documentation effort; the announcement does not say the listings create new legal protections. This year, the program expanded statewide through a partnership with the Piedmont Environmental Council.
Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook sits beside Fred Clifton Park in Patrick County. At an elevation of 2,930 feet, the park offers views of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and the Patrick County valley. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, the overlook is accessible from Poor Farmers Farm Road.
The recognition comes as VDOT continues a $300 million project to widen 7.4 miles of Route 58 over Lovers Leap Mountain from two lanes to four. The project is listed as under construction, with completion estimated for fall 2026. The overlook’s access route is to remain open during the work.
Mabry Mill, at milepost 176 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Meadows of Dan, is a historic grist mill built by Ed Mabry. He and his wife, Lizzy, ground corn, sawed lumber and operated a blacksmith shop there for three decades. The National Park Service says the mill, smithy and nearby cabin help visitors learn about Appalachian farm life.
Scenic Virginia plans to formally recognize the six selections at an event Thursday, Nov. 5, at 110 Gallery in Hampton.
Local
AlertTop Story
SML dock destroyed in fire Sunday
Jason Dunovant
Updated
A fire engulfed a dock housing multiple boats and PWCs on Sunday
near channel marker R-39.
Photo courtesy of the SML Marine Volunteer Fire Department
A Smith Mountain Lake dock was destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon.
Firefighters responded to the fire at the dock of a home near channel marker R-39 on the Roanoke River section of the lake. The dock as well as two boats and multiple PWCs were ablaze when firefighters arrived, according to the Smith Mountain Lake Volunteer Fire Department which responded to the fire.
In addition to thee Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Department, the Burnt Chimney Volunteer Fire Department, Hardy Volunteer Fire Department, Scruggs Volunteer Fire Department and the Franklin County Fire Department all responded to the fire.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire to prevent it from spreading to the nearby shoreline.
The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time.
Franklin County School Board's Boone District representative
Jerry Conner and Blackwater District representative Arlet Greer
listen to a presentation on critical security needs at county
schools on Monday evening.
Page A4
JASON DUNOVANT, The Roanoke Times
Franklin County School Board's Boone District representative
Jerry Conner and Blackwater District representative Arlet Greer
listen to a presentation on critical security needs at county
schools on Monday evening.
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