New River Conservancy (NRC) is incredibly proud to have the New River Palisades in Giles County, Virginia be selected as part of Scenic Virginia’s groundbreaking Treasured Views Program, a first-of its-kind initiative designed to identify, evaluate, document, and recognize Virginia’s most significant scenic viewsheds.
Recognizing the importance of views that are only seen from the perspective of the New River itself, NRC nominated the Palisades as a candidate for a “Treasured View.” The Palisades are towering dolomite rock formations that rise approximately 100 feet above the ancient New River, creating a dramatic and distinctive Appalachian landscape.
Andrew Downs, Executive Director for the New River Conservancy, officially nominated the Palisades earlier this year. Of the view, Downs says “Partners at Giles County have done an amazing job making this view accessible to so many visitors through the New River Water Trail, this designation shows why the Trail project is such an important way to bring Virginians to their most special places”
Each year, a distinguished panel of viewshed scholars, visual resource experts, and members of the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC)program team convenes to review nominations. This year, more than 41 nominations were submitted for consideration. Following a formal review by a committee, six views were selected for this year’s Register.
In her letter notifying NRC of the inclusion to this year’s Register, Lynn Crump, Scenic Assets Manager for Scenic Virginia says “For the Palisades View to be designated and included in the Register the final results needed to have 1) a high scenic and public concern score, 2) a high scenic and moderate public concern score, or 3) a moderate scenic score and a high public concern score. Palisades View met the criteria with a wide unimpacted view, historical content, variety, and memorability. Additionally, since there are no distractions nearby, it is a view worth acknowledging and protecting.”
As well as the Palisades, the new Treasured Views include:
Lover’s Leap – Patrick County: Spectacular panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, attracting thousands of visitors annually to enjoy its mountain vistas and unforgettable sunsets.
Mabry Mill – Floyd County: An iconic, historic water-powered gristmill built in the early 1900s, now maintained by the National Park Service and among the most photographed landmarks along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Natural Bridge – Rockbridge County: One of Virginia’s most remarkable natural landmarks and a previously designated Virginia Treasure, this extraordinary geological formation is also home to Virginia’s 37th state park.
James Madison’s Montpelier – Orange County: A landscape of exceptional natural beauty and international historical significance, offering a glimpse into the surroundings of one of America’s Founding Fathers.
Middle James Island Reach View – Buckingham and Fluvanna Counties: At the gateway of the Seven Island section of the state designated Middle James River Scenic
In 2026, Scenic Virginia formally partnered with the PEC to grow this program across the Commonwealth. This scientific methodology was developed through a partnership with Virginia Tech in 2024, and established a repeatable, science-based process that combines objective evaluation criteria with informed community values. The methodology helps identify and map important scenic resources, creating valuable information to guide planning decisions and support long-term preservation.
About Scenic Virginia
Scenic Virginia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the scenic beauty of the Commonwealth through education, advocacy, partnerships, and innovative preservation initiatives.
New River Conservancy is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission for over 50 years has been to protect the woods, waters and wildlife of the New River watershed. Their primary programs include riverbank and riparian restoration, land protection, advocacy, volunteer-based river clean-ups, water quality monitoring, and community engagement. To donate, please visit HERE
The Palisades on the New River in Giles County rise over 100’ from the river. Photo: New River Conservancy