There are many unique and interesting things to see along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Carroll County. In addition to overlooks and historic and scenic waysides, are geological aspects of the landscape. The Orchard Gap location presents the visitor with an interesting panorama of a “mountain gap.” One usually associates a mountain with a narrow, deep pass through the mountains. Here in the Blue Ridge Plateau region, a gap is a somewhat large bowl landform. Historically, the gaps provided easier access through the crest of the Blue Ridge. Gaps also afforded early settlers with generally level land to farm. The Orchard Gap provides a glimpse of agricultural use of the land, as well as a view of the overall characteristic landscape. The elevation of this gap is 2,672 feet above mean sea level. Accomodations and food are nearby – also large fruit orchards