The Blue Ridge Mountains region is a 600-mile-long segment of the mighty Appalachian range.
Like all Appalachians, these rock formations are far older than the Rockies, their counterpart to the west.
Where Are the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Getty Images
Yet its cultural heart and the bulk of its mass belong to North Carolina and Virginia.
During the spring, the region bursts with green buds and wildflowers.
Animals emerge and spring rains feed gushing streams and waterfalls.
Getty Images
By April, most river tours have kicked off whitewater-rafting season (typically through September).
Wildflower hikes and spring festivals are among the top things to do.
Temperatures climb in the summer, yet the elevation keeps humidity at bay.
Getty Images
In the fall, fiery colors blaze across the Blue Ridge.
Many attractions shut down in the winter, though skiing and holiday festivities enter the equation.
There are hundreds to choose from, many located off or near the popular Blue Ridge Parkway.
Larry Knupp/Getty Images
(The long-distance Appalachian andMountains-to-Seatrails both shadow sections of this famous drive.)
You might even spot a wild pony grazing near a trail.
Part of the Appalachian Trail, the shrubby Roan Highlands section is a string of five separate summits.
Getty Images
(Tip: Don’t even think about hiking here without a brimmed hat.)
Like Grayson Highlands, this is worth a detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Scooting south, you’ll get to North Carolina’s Linville Falls (within Linville Gorge Wilderness).
Courtesy of Biltmore
It’sthewaterfall to see on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with three trails leading to the plunge from different viewpoints.
In the hotter months, there’s nothing like cooling off in crisp, clear mountain water.
Sliding Rock in North Carolina’sPisgah National Forestis a special summer favorite.
The courtyard lawn at the Skyline Lodge, in Highlands, North Carolina.Andrew Cebulka/Courtesy of Skyline Lodge
Cool, clear mountain streams and lakes offer ample opportunities to reel in a fish as well.
One of the best ways to experience the surrounding mountain scenery is from the water.
The fast-moving currents of the French Broad River outside Asheville attract experienced paddlers and rafting tour groups.
One of the best biking trails in the country is found in a rural Blue Ridge corner of Virginia.
Just hitting the road in this part of the world is an unforgettable experience.
One stretch of U.S. 129, dubbed Tail of the Dragon, packs 318 curves into 11 miles.
New River Valley Byway follows an old trail stamped out by buffalo, winding through Christmas farm country.
Seeing Blue Ridge scenery from the sky is truly unparalleled.
TheWindsor Boutique Hotelputs guests in the center of Asheville’s brewpub/vintage shop/indie restaurant heart.
Yet many want to rent a cabin or pitch a tent.
