From the overlook you can see some of the magnificent mountain ranges of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors will also see part of the Clinchfield Railroad that makes its way through the Appalachians. The railroad travels along almost 32 miles and passes through 18 tunnels as it ascends the Blue Ridge. The construction of the railway began in 1886. However, the gigantic struggle with the mountains, funding and land slowed the progress of the railway. In 1909 the rails were in place over the Blue Ridge. The Clinchfield Railroad was complete and running from the East to Midwest by 1915.