Things To Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Written by Larry Deane, local expert for 20+ years

Find your Adventure Today!  The Blue Ridge Mountains are FULL of things to do and see.  We cover the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennesee, and no matter where you are or what you like to do, you'll find something just for you!

Explore restaurants, shoping, hiking trails, waterfalls, historic buildings, National Forests, National Parks, sceneic roadways and much more!

Create your Bucket list to Adventure and Fun in the Blue Ridge, by exploring the links and destinations below, you'll find tons of ideas!  Our guides will provide you everything you need to know, and even tease you with all of the photos and videos.

Biltmore Estate
One of the popular attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains is touring Biltmore Estate. Explore the award-winning gardens, dine on exquisite food, shop till you drop, sample award-winning wines, stay the night in luxurious comfort, and explore the more than 8,000 acres of land. Visit our comprehensive Biltmore Guide for more information and lots of photos. Learn More »
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Drive sections or the entire Blue Ridge Parkway, where you'll find waterfalls, historic structures, incredible scenic views at over 5,000', see wildlife, and so much more. Our comprehensive guide takes you mile by mile from the beginning in Virginia to the terminus in Cherokee NC. One of the most scenic drives in the world! Learn More »
Fontana Dam
Fontana Dam is the highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. You can visit the Dam and its museum, and even drive over it! The Appalachian Trail crosses the bridge. Learn More »
Journey to The Land of Oz
Visit the Land of Oz during one of their two yearly events. This re-opened 60s and 70s amusement park is beautiful, fun, and nostalgic. Learn More »
Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns is an educational, exciting, and beautiful trip under Humpback Mountain. See the underground stream, fish, stalactite and stalagmite formations and explore the civil war deserter hide-out. Guided tours provided. Learn More »
Max Patch NC
Visit Max Patch for sunrise, sunset or just have a fun romantic or family getaway. Max Patch offers 5,000+ scenic and 360 degree views. Learn More »
Pisgah National Forest
Hiking Trails, waterfalls, scenic views, camping, and attractions, Pisgah National Forest has it all. Learn More »
Skiing and Snow Tubing
Some of the most famous ski resorts in the US are located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll not only find trails, but accommodations, snow tubing, ice skating, great places to eat and more. Learn More »
Top 10 Blue Ridge Swimming Holes
With all of the waterfalls, creeks, and streams located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are tons of awesome Swimming Holes to visit and explore. Here's our list of the top 10, complete with photos, details, video, and more. Learn More »
Top Hiking Trails
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to literally thousands of miles to world famous hiking trails, including the popular Appalachian Trail. Trails will take you through dense woods, and across mountain tops with scenic vistas. Here are our top picks for Blue Ridge Mountain Hiking Trails. Our full guides with photos will provide all the information you need. Learn More »
Top Waterfalls
Out of the hundreds of Waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we picked the top 40 waterfalls for you to see an enjoy. See our full guides to each, including directions, photos, information, maps, and more. Learn More »
Tubing in Deep Creek
Learn all about the fun of tubing down Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fun for the entire family. Learn More »
View Wildflowers
View Wildflowers while hiking along one of these top wildflower hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are full of hundreds of varieties of wildflowers. Learn More »
Visit a Bridge that Flowers
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a unique and magical garden that, just as it sounds, is located on an old bridge. Learn More »
Visit Barber Apple Orchard
Fall and Apples go hand in hand. Visit one of the nicest Apple Orchards in the Blue Ridge, at Barber Orchards in Waynesville NC Learn More »
Visit Chimney Rock State Park
Visit the historic Chimney Rock State Park, providing outstanding scenic views overlooking Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains. While there, visit Hickory Nut Falls, and hike along all the great trails. See our complete guide for more information and photos. Learn More »
Visit Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska is a beautiful, 200-acre lake surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, located in Western NC. The Lake is full of things to do, and provides full lodging and dining accommodations. Boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, golf, walking/running, bird watching, gardens, and much more. Learn More »
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Visit the most popular National Park in the United States! You'll find scenic views, historic structures, beautiful waterfalls and creeks, mountain vistas, and some of the best hiking trails in the world. Learn More »
Visit the historic Grove Park Inn
Built in 1912, the Grove Park Inn offers historic and luxury accommodations, with incredible views. Dine at one of the fine restaurants on site and relax in the award-winning spa. Trust us, you won't want to leave. Learn More »
Visit The Road to Nowhere
Visit this scenic road that was never finished. Learn all about the story, and walk through the abandoned tunnel at the end. Learn More »
About the author

Larry Deane is the co-owner and voice behind Blue Ridge Mountain Life, a travel resource built from more than two decades of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains firsthand. A Western North Carolina local, Larry has spent 20+ years hiking the trails, visiting small towns, chasing waterfalls, and documenting life in the mountains he calls home.

Alongside his wife Jenn, he created Blue Ridge Mountain Life to share their real-world experiences with others who love — or are just discovering — the Blue Ridge. Larry is a seasoned travel writer, photographer, and videographer with a background in journalism, and his work reaches more than 500,000 mountain lovers each month. Whether he's deep in Pisgah National Forest or strolling Main Street in a mountain town, you can count on Larry to give you the inside scoop from someone who’s truly been there.

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