Finding good ground features (VFR checkpoints) is a matter of location, size, and distance. Large objects that contrast well with the surrounding environment are the best choice. Here's a list of some of the easiest points to spot from the air:

• Airports with Paved Runways: The taxiways and runways of nearby airports are easy to spot due to large clearings. They also contrast with the grass around them.
• Railroads: Railroads are relatively easy to spot due to large clearings made for tracks.
• Highways: Multi-lane highways are easy to spot from the air.
• Major Road Intersections: Major road and highway intersections with multiple cloverleaf turnoffs are easily spotted.
• Large Rivers: Looks for rivers that are drawn with some level of open-water width. Small streams are simple lines, while rivers are drawn wider on your sectional chart.
• Large Lakes with Definable Shapes: If a lake has an easily definable shape, it'll be easy to spot from the air.
• Towns with Prominent Features: Does the town you're looking for have a major road, railway, or water tower?