The beautiful and majestic Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Range. They run from Northern Georgia to South-central Pennsylvania. Most of the mountain range is in Northern Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Virginia.
The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch for over 600 miles and include over 34,500 square miles of stunning landscapes, including breathtaking mountains, dense green forests, serene lakes, rushing rivers, and waterfalls.
As locals to the Blue Ridge Mountains, hailing from Waynesville NC, we've spent years exploring its hidden trails, majestic peaks, and charming towns. Unlike most travel guides, this one is crafted with our unique perspective as locals, a couple who have called these mountains home for many years.
Throughout this guide, we'll not only tell you all about this wonderful, popular and almost magical mountain range but also share the must-see sights, local secrets and hidden gems you won't find in any ordinary travel guide.
Updated: 12/12/2024 - New information and reorganized guide to be more concise and easy to navigate
The Blue Ridge Mountains Overview
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the second oldest mountain range in the world at about 250 million years. They are part of the large Appalachian Mountains and formed when Africa and North America collided.
The Blue Ridge Mountains include a number of sub-mountain ranges, including the Smoky Mountains, the Great Balsams, the Roans, the Blacks, the Brushy Mountains, and some other lesser-known ranges.
The Blue Ridge are also the tallest mountains in the Eastern US, with the highest peak being Mt. Mitchell, at 6,684 feet.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which receives over 13.3 million visitors each year (from 2023 records).
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a world famous scenic drive, travels much of the mountain range, offering travelers incredible high elevation scenic views. The parkway also contains many points of historic interest, hiking trails, waterfalls, visitor centers and much more.
Also included in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, offering visitors a beautiful drive along Skyline Drive, many mountain peaks, scenic views, and waterfalls.
Blue Ridge Mountains Map
Below is a map that shows the various areas and ranges that make up the Blue Ridge Mountain range, along with its relationship to other surrounding mountain range. The map shows the Blue Ridge Mountains in blue.
People often ask us: Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains located and are they separate from the Great Smoky Mountains?
The location of the Blue Ridge Mountains is often very confusing, because of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains all being in the same area.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are in the Southeastern United States, and run for about 620 miles and through eight different US States. Beginning in Pennsylvania and extending through Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and Georgia.
Blue Ridge Mountains in Pennsylvania
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Pennsylvania are in the south central portion of the state.
While not a considerable part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pennsylvania contains the official northernmost portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Carlisle, PA.
There are two state parks near Carlisle Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardeners, PA and Michaux State Forest. The Appalachian Trail runs through both parks. Michaeux State Park is the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail.
Blue Ridge Mountains in Maryland
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Maryland are in the western part of the state, about an hour and a half from the Washington, DC, Metro area.
The highest peak in Maryland is Black Rock, which is in the George Washington National Forest. Black Rock is the has an elevation of 3,440 feet.
Some of the most popular attractions in mountains of Maryland include:
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- Antietam National Battlefield
- Catoctin Mountain and Park - Home to the US Presidential retreat, Camp David.
Blue Ridge Mountains in West Virginia
The Blue Ridge Mountains in West Virginia are located in the most eastern part of the state. The border of West Virginia and Virginia is the transition from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Allegheny Mountains, both part of the Appalachian Mountain range.
Some of the most popular attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains in West Virginia include:
- Dolly Sods Wilderness
- Seneca Rocks State Park
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
- Babcock State Park
Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia are located in the western part of the state. The highest peak in Virginia is Mount Rogers, which is located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Mount Rogers as an elevation of 5,729 feet.
Some of the most popular attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia include:
- Shenandoah National Park
- Skyline Drive
- Luray Caverns
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina are located in the western part of the state.
The highest peak in North Carolina is Mount Mitchell, which is located in the Black Mountain National Forest. Mount Mitchell has an elevation of 6,684 feet, making in the highest peak east of the Mississippi river.
Some of the most popular attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina include:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Linville Falls
- Asheville and Boone
- Pisgah National Forest
The Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina
Many don't realize that a small portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains are located in the northwestern corner of the South Carolina. While it's certainly not a large portion, there are mountains there, as you can see from the photo above of "Pretty Place" near Greenville SC.
Some of the most popular locations in the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina include:
Also important to mention is that Upper Whitewater falls is the tallest waterfall on the East Coast of the US. Upper Whitewater Falls is in North Carolina, while lower whitewater falls is in South Carolina.
Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee are part of the four key Blue Ridge Mountain states, which also include North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. These four states contain the majority of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, and contain the majority of popular attractions and iconic places to visit.
What mountains are in Tennessee you may wonder? Most of the TN mountains are located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The National Park sits on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee? The Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee are located in the eastern part of the state. The highest peak in Tennessee is Clingmans Dome, at an elevation of 6,643 feet, which is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Some of the most popular attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee include:
Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia are located in the northwestern part of the state, and they are a popular destination for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and whitewater rafting.
The highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia is Brasstown Bald, which is located in Towns County. Brasstown Bald is 4,784 feet, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is also part of the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway.
Some of the most popular attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia include:
- Mercier Orchards near Blue Ridge GA
- Helen and Blue Ridge GA
- Toccoa River and Gorge
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
- Lake Blue Ridge
- Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
- Brasstown Bald
Blue Ridge Mountains Weather
The weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains is generally mild, having four distinct seasons.
The average temperature in the mountains ranges from 35F degrees in the winter to 75F degrees in the summer. The mountains receive an average of 40 inches of rain per year, with the most rain falling in the spring and summer. The Blue Ridge Mountains are also prone to thunderstorms, especially in the summer.
Weather can vary greatly depending on the elevation as well. Higher elevations are generally cooler and wetter than the lower elevations. The mountains can also experience snow in the winter, even at lower elevations.
Let's take a more detailed look at the seasonal weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains:
Spring - The weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the spring is mild and pleasant. The average temperature ranges from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter. The mountains are bright green and lush, and the flowers are in bloom. This is a great time to go hiking, camping, or fishing.
Summer - The weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the summer is warm and sunny. The average temperature ranges from 70F to 85F degrees. The days are long and the nights are short. This is a great time to go swimming, boating, or hiking. You can also enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals.
Fall - The weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall is beautiful. The leaves change color and the air is crisp and cool. The average temperature ranges from 55F to 70F degrees. Fall is a wonderful time time to go see the leaves turn, hiking, or camping. You can also enjoy festivals and events that celebrate the changing of the seasons.
Winter - The weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the winter can be cold and snowy. The average temperature ranges from 25 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The mountains are often covered in snow, which makes for great skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. You can also enjoy ice skating, sledding, and snow forts.
Seasons in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a beautiful and diverse landscape that experiences four distinct seasons. Each season offers its own unique beauty and activities to enjoy.
Spring - Spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a time of rebirth. The snow melts, the days get longer, and the flowers start to bloom. This is a great time to go hiking, camping, or fishing. You can also enjoy festivals and events that celebrate the arrival of spring.
Summer - Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a time of warmth and sunshine. The days are long and the nights are short. This is a great time to go swimming, boating, or hiking. You can also enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals.
Fall - Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a time of beauty and color. The leaves change color and the air is crisp and cool. This is a great time to go leaf peeping, hiking, or camping. You can also enjoy festivals and events that celebrate the changing of the seasons.
Winter - Winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains can be a magical time with far less people. The mountains are covered in snow and the air is cold and crisp. This is a great time to go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. You can also enjoy ice skating, sledding, and snow forts.
Brief History of the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains, in the eastern United States, have a rich and fascinating history. From their formation millions of years ago to their significance in modern times, the Blue Ridge Mountains have played an important role in the region's development and the nation.
The core of the Blue Ridge dates back over 1 billion years, when the North American continent was formed. The mountains themselves date back 250 million years.
The Blue Ridge Mountains were originally much taller, but millions of years of erosion have worn them down to their current height.
The first human inhabitants of these mountains were Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee. These tribes lived in the mountains for thousands of years, hunting, fishing, and cultivating crops.
In the late 1600s and early 1700s, European settlers moved into the mountains. These settlers were primarily of Scottish-Irish descent and were attracted to the area for its abundant resources, including timber and fertile land. They built homesteads and farms, and their presence changed the landscape of the mountains and their culture and music had a significant influence on the future of these mountains.
During the American Revolution, the mountains were a key battleground between the British and the Continental Army. The Blue Ridge Mountains played a significant role in the war's outcome, as the Continental Army could use the mountains to launch surprise attacks against the British.
In the 1800s, the Blue Ridge Mountains became a popular destination for tourists seeking natural beauty and adventure. The establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934 brought even more visitors to the region, and the tourism industry became a major part of the local economy.
Today, the Blue Ridge Mountains continue to be an important part of the region's culture and history. The mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic road that runs through the mountains, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
Why the Blue Ridge Mountains are Important
The Blue Ridge Mountains are an important natural and cultural resource in the eastern United States. Here are some reasons why:
Biodiversity - They are home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species. The mountains provide a habitat for many threatened and endangered species, and the mountain forests are some of the most biologically diverse in the world. This biodiversity is not only important for the region's ecological health, but it also provides opportunities for scientific research and discovery.
Outdoor Recreation - They are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountains offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as scenic drives and other recreational activities. The tourism industry that has developed around the Blue Ridge Mountains has become an important part of the region's economy.
Cultural Significance - They have a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years. The mountains were home to Native American tribes for centuries, and European settlers began to move into the region in the 1700s. The mountains have played an important role in American history, serving as a battleground during the American Revolution, as a destination for tourists since the 1800s and as strong musical influence to modern day music and culture.
Conservation - They are a critical area for conservation efforts. The region is home to many threatened and endangered species, and there are ongoing efforts to protect the area's natural resources. The establishment of national and state parks in the region has helped to preserve the mountains' natural beauty and protect their ecological health.
Scenic Beauty - They are renowned for their scenic beauty. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through the mountains, is one of the most popular scenic drives in the world. The Blue Ridge Mountains have some of the most scenic views and most prolific number of waterfalls in the world.
Why are the Blue Ridge Mountains Blue?
The Blue Ridge Mountains are both named and famous for their unique blue color, often seen when viewing the mountains at long distances from higher elevations.
This blue haze is caused by the numerous trees covering the mountains and surrounding valleys. The trees release isoprene into the atmosphere, which contributes significantly to the distinctive blue color.
The Cherokee Indians, called their homeland, Shaconage (shah-CON-uh-gee) ... the land of the blue smoke.
Physical features of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Their rugged terrain and unique geological features characterizes the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here are just a few of the physical features that define these mountains:
Blue Ridge Mountains Elevation - They are not as tall as some of the other mountain ranges in the United States, but they still reach impressive heights. The highest peak in the range is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, which stands at 6,684 feet tall.
Ridge and Valley Topography - The mountains are characterized by their ridge and valley topography, with narrow ridges and steep slopes that drop off into deep valleys.
Blue Ridge Geological Formation - They are composed of a variety of differ rock, including granite, gneiss, and schist. Tectonic activity and erosion formed these rocks over millions of years. The mountains are known for their unique geological features, such as the Linville Gorge in North Carolina, which is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East."
Forests - The mountains are covered in a dense forest that is primarily composed of deciduous trees such as oak, maple, and hickory. The forest is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
Blue Ridge Mountain Waterfalls and Rivers - The Blue Ridge are also known for their many waterfalls and rivers. The mountains are home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States, including Whitewater Falls in North Carolina and Crabtree Falls in Virginia. The rivers that flow through the mountains, such as the New River and the James River, are popular for fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities.
Wildlife and Biodiversity in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species, making them an important region for wildlife and biodiversity.
The mountains provide habitat for many threatened and endangered species, and their forests are some of the most biologically diverse in the world. The region's ecological health is important for the conservation of these species, as well as for the tourism industry that has developed around them.
Efforts to protect the area's natural resources have led to the establishment of national and state parks in the region, which have helped to preserve the mountains' natural beauty and protect their ecological health.
Plant and Animal Life
The Blue Ridge Mountains are known for their rich biodiversity and are home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. The mountains provide habitat for many different species, including some that are rare and endangered.
Here are some examples of the plants and animals found in the Blue Ridge:
Plants:
- Red spruce, Fraser fir, and eastern hemlock are the dominant tree species in the higher elevations of the mountains.
- The lower elevations are characterized by deciduous forests, which include species such as oak, hickory, and maple.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains are home too many rare plant species, including the Virginia spiraea and the Heller's blazing star.
Animals:
- The mountains are home too many species of mammals, including black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and red foxes.
- The rivers and streams in the Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a variety of fish species, including brook trout and smallmouth bass.
- The region is also known for its bird life, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the region. Some of the most common species include the American goldfinch, eastern bluebird, and Carolina chickadee.
- The mountains are also home to a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including salamanders, frogs, turtles and snakes
Things To Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Covering more 34,000 square miles and multiple states, the Blue Ridge Mountains are FULL of things to see and do for everyone. These beautiful and rustic mountains feature:
- Hundreds of Waterfalls
- Thousands of miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail
- Small mountain towns and cities
- Attractions galore
- Outdoor sports, including whitewater rafting and skiing
- Wildlife like Elk and Black Bear
- Scenic Drives, including one of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Blue Ridge Parkway
Let's explore each of these great things to see and do in a little more detail!
Hiking
One of the Blue Ridge Mountains's main attractions is the thousands of miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, which begins in Georgia, and travels through the Blue Ridge on its way north to Maine.
Top Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Looking for great hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains? There are plenty of them!
See our ALL of our hiking guides for hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
ALWAYS PRACTICE LEAVE NO TRACE: Learn all about how you can be a good steward of these mountains when visiting.
Waterfalls
Also popular are the hundreds of waterfalls, many being roadside or just a short distance from roads and parking areas. For those that are disabled, or have limited-mobililty there are also a number of roadside waterfalls for you to visit as well.
Our Waterfall Guides
See our full guides to more than 50 waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains on our Waterfalls Page. Information, Directions, Photos, Video, and more!
Wildlife
The Blue Ridge Mountains are full of wildlife, including the popular Black Bear, Elk, Deer, and wild turkeys.
While wildlife can be seen throughout the Blue Ridge, popular and common places to encounter wildlife include:
Scenic Drives
Take one of the many scenic drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and see incredible views, wildlife, waterfalls, Fall Colors, and more!
Some of the most popular drives include:
- The Blue Ridge Parkway
- Skyline Drive
- Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
- Newfound Road/Highway 441 from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC, through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Attractions
The Blue Ridge Mountains and cities in and around the mountains are full of wonderful places to see, things to do, places to stay, and places to eat!
Some of the more popular attractions include:
- Georgia
- Brasstown Bald
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad
- North/South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Blue Ridge Music Center
- Devil's Marbleyard
- Natural Bridge
- Luray caverns
- McAfee Knob
- General / Things To Do
Popular Cities and Towns
The Blue Ridge Mountains are full of cities and small towns, that make for wonderful destination spots and retreats. The Blue Ridge provide a wonderful mix of big city options, for those wanting a faster-paced vacation, to more remote and natural smaller towns, full of small mom-and-pop shops, and nature.