A Viewpoint Trail, or a scenic viewpoint, (also called an observation point, viewpoint, viewing point, vista point, scenic overlook, and etc.) is a physical location or site, often elevated where people can view a beautiful panorama view of the surrounding landscape (often with binoculars or a zoom camera) and photograph it. Scenic viewpoints may be created alongside scenic routes or mountain roads, often as simple turnouts or lay-bys where motorists can pull over onto pavement, gravel, or grass along the right-of-way.

The word viewpoint is believed to have used in a physical sense from as far back as 1858. 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.

Many viewpoints, often the popular ones have large parking areas, some even have visitor centers and/or gift shops. Some viewpoints (typically near larger highways) are set back off of the roadpath completely with many having a hiking trail to access the viewpoint location. Viewing points may also be found atop hilltops or mountain summits or on rocky spurs overlooking a valley, most of which are reached via a hiking trail. Other viewpoints can be found on or near waterways, seashores, and adjacent to ocean beaches. The actual viewpoint 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 better panoramic views.

Overlooks are frequently found in national parks of many countries and when in the U.S. also along national parkways such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Parkway and other roadpathways, most of which have numerous individually named overlooks for viewing the surrounding mountains and their valleys. Other overlooks are next to waterfalls, especially since mountain roads tend to follow streams.

Many overlooks are accessible only by trails, and/or wooden walkways and stairs, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. These overlooks often have wooden decks, which minimize the impact on the land by reducing the need to disturb it for construction.

Persimmon Gap Entrance Station and Visitor Center

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Hanksville

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Cornet Bay Road, north end.

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Ducken Road, east end.

Ben Ure Spit trail

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View of Skagit Bay Islands

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