1. Overview
Your guide to the dreamy Blue Ridge Mountains, including excellent hikes, beautiful drives, and the best hotels and campgrounds.
2. Blue Ridge Mountains Overview
The Blue Ridge Mountains region is a 600-mile-long segment of the mighty Appalachian range. Unlike the sharp and sheer Rockies, the Blue Ridge Mountains are rounded and relatively low, shaped over a billion years by wind, rain, and snow. They are famous for their bluish haze, which can appear deep ocean blue, pale purple, or somewhere in between.
3. Where Are the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Most definitions acknowledge that the range stretches from Georgia’s Mount Oglethorpe to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Between those two points, the ridge spans South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Some maps even include West Virginia and parts of Alabama and Kentucky. However, the cultural heart of the region belongs predominantly to North Carolina and Virginia.
4. Best Times to Go to the Blue Ridge Mountains
Nature lovers will find year-round nirvana in the Blue Ridge Mountains; however, spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit for vibrant flora, pleasant weather, and numerous outdoor activities.
- Spring: The region bursts with wildflowers and fresh greenery, with many river tours starting whitewater-rafting season by April.
- Summer: Though summer brings warmth, the region’s elevation keeps humidity moderate. Activities like camping, kayaking, and music festivals abound.
- Fall: Fiery colors illuminate the Blue Ridge, attracting leaf-peepers to admire the region’s stunning fall foliage.
- Winter: While many attractions become inactive, skiing and holiday celebrations in family-friendly resorts like Sugar and Beech mountains emerge as seasonal draws.
5. Where to Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains
There’s perhaps no better way to feel the life force of the Blue Ridge Mountains than by hiking its expansive trails. Numerous routes abound, many located near the popular Blue Ridge Parkway, including the long-distance Appalachian and Mountains-to-Sea trails.
Popular hiking areas include:
- Roanoke Valley, Virginia: Features McAfee Knob, Sharp Top, Tinker Cliffs, and Devil’s Marbleyard.
- Shenandoah National Park: Offers 500 miles of trails; the Old Rag Circuit is particularly famous for its rock scrambling and spectacular views.
- Grayson Highlands State Park: Noted for its open meadows and wild ponies.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Known for extensive hiking options, including challenging trails like Chimney Tops and Alum Cave.
6. Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge region provides an astonishing abundance of activities beyond hiking, including:
- Swimming and Tubing: Locations like Sliding Rock offer refreshing swimming options in summer.
- Fishing: Mountain streams are rich in trout, while lakes provide opportunities for catching bass and other fish.
- Boating and Rafting: Price Lake offers boat rentals, and the French Broad River provides thrilling rafting experiences.
- Biking: The Virginia Creeper Trail is an outstanding biking path suitable for all levels.
7. Where to Stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Visitors can choose from a range of accommodations, including:
- Biltmore Estate: The largest private home in the U.S. offers intricately designed rooms and expansive grounds.
- Asheville: A hub for relaxation with a variety of lovely hotels, boutique options, and the famous Biltmore Estate nearby.
- Cabins and campgrounds: Options like Mountain Springs Cabins allow guests to immerse themselves in nature.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Provides numerous options from cabins to camping sites.
