Beacon Heights Overlook, at Milepost 305.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, functions primarily as a parking area. To experience the overlook and stunning long-range views, visitors must hike the short but steep Beacon Heights Trail up 1,400 feet to the peak. At the peak, two open expanses of bare quartzite rock are separated by a small patch of woods. One faces east and the other west, which makes Beacon Heights a popular place to view sunrises and sunsets. At any time of day, however, Beacon Heights is famed for its spectacular long-range views of Table Rock, Hawksbill, Grandmother Mountain, and Grandfather Mountain.
The trailhead at this parking area crosses a small road and then heads immediately upwards. The trail quickly forks to the left as the Tanawha Trail and represents the starting point of this 13-mile trail to Price Park. Continuing to the right, however, will lead you on the ascent to the top of Beacon Heights.