The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch 550 miles from north Georgia to southern Pennsylvania, much of it connected by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge region encompasses more than 34,000 square miles of dynamic landscapes- mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls- in eight states along the east coast. Let our local experts be your guide to things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains, from camping and hiking to the best Blue Ridge cabins, resorts and restaurants.
ABOUT BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS TRAVEL GUIDE
The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel.
Bret grew up camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and North Carolina with his parents, and the couple both spent childhood summers on the water with their grandparents.
After becoming empty nesters, they yearned for a pristine place where they could escape the hustle and bustle of the city, commune with nature and family, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle that leaves time to appreciate the simpler things in life.
Join them and their team as they explore the region, offering expert insights on Blue Ridge travel as they search for the perfect mountain home.
FAQs ABOUT THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains?
The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain range. They extend 550 miles in the eastern United States, and include parts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The Blue Ridge region is home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park, as well as eight national forests (including the Chattahoochee National Forest, Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest).
How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest linear park, stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway starts at U.S. 441 and ends at Shenandoah’s entrance, where the name changes to Skyline Drive. Originally known as the Appalachian Scenic Highway, the road’s construction began in 1935 and ended in 1987. It has been the most visited unit of America’s National Park System for 70+ years.
Why are the Blue Ridge Mountains blue?
The distinctive color that gives the Blue Ridge Mountains their name largely comes from the forests that line its ridges (which reach elevations up to 6,684 feet). Many shrubs and trees– including oaks, poplars, and eucalyptus– emit an organic compound called isoprene. When this hydrocarbon is released into the atmosphere, it creates a distinctive lingering haze that looks blue from a distance.