The 30 Best Blue Ridge Mountain Towns to Visit in 2025

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Over the 5 years since we launched Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide, our team has visited 70-80 different towns in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia (not including those we’ve driven through, but not actually stayed in). 

So narrowing it all down to a list of 30 mountain towns was no easy feat!

What makes a great mountain town? For us, it typically involves a downtown area worth exploring, cool cultural offerings (great food, music, art, etc), a bit of history, and enough natural beauty to provide an escape for those who seek it.

Some towns (including Hot Springs & Chimney Rock NC) had to be left off the list because they haven’t fully recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Others (including one of my personal favorites, Robbinsville NC) were left off because, while the area offers a lot of enjoyable attractions, the town itself is very sleepy, with lots of empty storefronts. 

Read on for our admittedly subjective guide to the 30 Best Blue Ridge Mountain Towns to Visit in 2025, including an overview of their highlights and what makes them special.

READ MORE: The Best Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts to Visit

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Best Blue Ridge Mountain Towns Guide

(Listed Alphabetically by State)

  1. Blairsville GA
  2. Blue Ridge GA
  3. Cartersville GA
  4. Clayton GA
  5. Dahlonega GA
  6. Ellijay GA
  7. Helen GA
  8. Hiawassee GA
  9. Lookout Mountain GA
  10. Sautee Nacoochee GA
  11. Asheville NC
  12. Banner Elk NC
  13. Blowing Rock NC
  14. Brevard NC
  15. Bryson City NC
  16. Burnsville NC
  17. Cherokee NC
  18. Hendersonville NC
  19. Sylva NC
  20. Waynesville NC
  21. Bristol TN/VA
  22. Chattanooga TN
  23. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN
  24. Sevierville TN
  25. Townsend TN
  26. Bedford VA
  27. Galax VA
  28. Lexington VA
  29. Luray VA
  30. Waynesboro VA

READ MORE: Where Are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide

 

Georgia Mountain Towns 

Mural in Downtown Blairsville GA

1. Blairsville GA 

Just 85 miles north of Atlanta, Blairsville GA is home to one of our favorite lakes in Georgia (Lake Nottely) and  lots of fantastic waterfalls and hiking trails (including 80 miles of the Appalachian Trail). 

It’s 14 miles west Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia (4,784 feet), which offers sensational Blue Ridge Mountains vistas. 

Blairsville is also home to Vogel State Park, which features a lake, waterfall, excellent trails, as well as state park cabins and campgrounds.

If you visit Blairsville, don’t miss Helton Creek Falls, one of our favorite waterfalls hikes in North Georgia! 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County

Panorama photo of Downtown Blue Ridge, GA
Downtown Blue Ridge GA

2. Blue Ridge GA

Blue Ridge has grown by leaps and bounds, with excellent Blue Ridge restaurants, cool shops and boutiques, an Art Center, and a historic drive-in theater. 

There’s also 100,000+ acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest, myriad hiking trails and waterfalls to explore,, Lake Blue Ridge, and kayaking, whitewater rafting, and/or tubing the Ocoee/Toccoa River.

If you love trains, check out the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which offers scenic train rides all year long. 

Visit in Summer or Fall to go apple picking at Mercier Orchards, whose farm market features fresh fruit, jellies, jams, and some of the best hot apple pies and donuts in the state!

READ MORE: The 25 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA

Lake Allatoona Sunset 11.17.24
Lake Allatoona Sunset

3. Cartersville GA

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cartersville GA offers an awesome assortment of museums, restaurants, and shops for visitors to explore. 

History lovers will enjoy the Bartow History Museum (which covers 200+ years of area history), while the Tellus Science Museum is great fun for families with kids and the Booth Western Art Museum tells the story of America.

If you want to learn about Georgia’s indigenous people, the 54-acre Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site includes 6 earthen mounds, hiking trails, and an impressive museum. 

But our favorite things to do in Cartersville center around Lake Allatoona, which offers boating, camping, fishing, and swimming on one of the most beautiful lakes in North Georgia

READ MORE: The 25 Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Downtown Clayton GA Shopping
Downtown Clayton GA

4. Clayton GA

Located in northeast GA, the small town of Clayton is filled with charm, restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. 

We love Black Rock Mountain State Park for its picturesque lake, hiking trails, and stunning scenic overlooks. It also has a trail to the Foxfire Museum, a fantastic living history museum focused on Appalachian culture. 

Clayton also makes a great base for exploring other North Georgia State Parks, including Tallulah Gorge State Park and Moccasin Creek State Park

If you love water, Clayton has 5 fantastic lakes nearby, as well as wondrous waterfalls such as Minnehaha Falls, Panther Falls and Angel Falls, all of which feed into Lake Rabun.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton GA

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in Dahlonega GA for Old Fashioned Christmas
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in Dahlonega GA for Old Fashioned Christmas 

5. Dahlonega GA

Home to America’s first gold rush in 1828, Dahlonega GA is now known for its historic downtown square, tasty restaurants, and thriving live music scene.

Start at the Dahlonega Gold Museum (inside the old Lumpkin County Courthouse). Then head to the Crisson or Consolidated Gold Mines to try panning for gold yourself! There are also 8 Dahlonega Wineries to explore.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the myriad North Georgia waterfalls, kayaking and tubing the Chestatee River, and hiking in nearby Amicalola Falls State Park. 

We love visiting at Christmas, when the town is lit up for the Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega celebration.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County

Bird's Eye View of Downtown Ellijay GA
Bird’s Eye View of Downtown Ellijay GA

6. Ellijay GA

Widely known as Georgia’s Apple Capital, Ellijay is home to some of the state’s best Apple orchards, hosting annual festivals such as the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival and Ellijay Apple Festival.

It has a bustling historic downtown area filled with antique shops, great Ellijay Restaurants (Cantaberry, The Roof, The Shack), and the Tabor House & Civil War Museum. 

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Carters Lake, the Cohutta Wilderness, the Ellijay River, and the Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area. There are also many great North Georgia wineries nearby.

Our favorite nearby attraction is Fort Mountain State Park, which offers exceptional hiking trails and scenic overlooks, as well as campgrounds, picnic shelters, and a gorgeous lake. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County

Downtown Helen GA
Downtown Helen GA

7. Helen GA

Helen GA is best known for its Oktoberfest, one of the best Fall festivals in Georgia and the largest celebration outside Germany. The tiny Alpine town is also packed with traditional German restaurants.

Unicoi State Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, offering myriad hiking trails, a lake for fishing and kayaking, access to Anna Ruby Falls, and a ziplining course. We also love their unique Barrel Cabins and lodge.

Kids will enjoy riding the Georgia Mountain Coaster, splashing around at the Helen Water Park, and tubing on the Chattahoochee River. 

Visit in December to experience Christmas in Helen, which was rated the “Top Christmas Town in America” by MSN.com and one of Southern Living‘s Best Christmas Towns in Georgia and the USA. 

READ MORE: The 25 Best Things to Do in Helen GA

Bell Mountain Overlook of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee GA
Bell Mountain Overlook of Lake Chatuge in Hiawasee

8. Hiawassee GA

Located on beautiful Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee GA offers more than 100 miles of shoreline, fishing and kayaking on the Hiawassee River, and numerous beautiful waterfalls to explore.

Brasstown Bald is just 20 minutes south, while Hamilton Gardens is a haven for anyone who loves native Georgia wildflowers

Located at 3,424 feet, the 18-acre Bell Mountain Park & Historic Site is one of the tallest mountains in North Georgia, offering a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the lake and town.

Don’t miss the historic Pioneer Village at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, which is especially gorgeous when it’s all lit up with colorful lights for Christmas!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA

Chattanooga viewed from the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway at the Summit
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Summit View

9. Lookout Mountain GA

Located 5 miles south of Chattanooga TN, Lookout Mountain offers tons of fun things to do, from hiking the Lula Lake Land Trust and Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park to visiting Raccoon Mountain Caverns.

Our favorite attraction is Rock City Gardens, which is home to ancient rock formations, stunning views, Fairyland Caverns, 400+ species of native plants, and a fantastic Christmas light display.

Another beloved tourist hotspot, Ruby Falls, offers visitors a chance to take an elevator 260 feet underground to see geological formations and the tallest underground waterfall in the USA!

You’ll also love the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, a 125-year-old funicular that ferries passengers up and down the mountain, with jaw-dropping views of Chattanooga‘s valley along the way.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN

Nacoochee Indian Mound in Sautee Nacoochee GA
Nacoochee Indian Mound in Sautee Nacoochee GA

10. Sautee Nacoochee GA

Widely regarded as one of the best places to live in the Georgia mountains, Sautee Nacoochee offers some of the region’s best shopping, food, and wines.

It’s best-known for the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mounds, part of the Hardman Farm Historic Site. Behind it is Yonah Mountain, which offers one of the most popular (and most challenging) hiking trails in Georgia

If you love Appalachian arts & crafts, visit the Sautee Nacoochee Center and its Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia. Their galleries and gift shop spotlight the work of local potters, woodturners, and crafters. 

Other fun things to do in Sautee Nacoochee GA include tastings at Habersham Winery, seeing the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, shopping at the Old Sautee Store, and horseback riding with Chattahoochee Stables.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Sautee Nacoochee GA

 

North Carolina Mountain Towns

Downtown Asheville NC
Downtown Asheville NC, photo by Thomas Mabry

11. Asheville NC

The largest town in Western NC (population 95,000), Asheville took major damage from Hurricane Helene. But with the exception of the River Arts District and Biltmore Village, it is now open to visitors again!

Asheville is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway HQ, tons of top-notch restaurants, world-class craft breweries, and fantastic attractions like the Biltmore Estate, Grove Park Inn, and NC Arboretum.

Outdoor adventure is a big priority for the Asheville crowd, including mountain biking in Pisgah Forest and great hiking trails and waterfalls in every direction. 

There are so many great things to do in Asheville, we’ve visited dozens of times and never get bored. But if you’re in the mood for a day trip, the neighboring town of Black Mountain is also now open to visitors.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Asheville for Couples

Banner Elk, NC
Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

12. Banner Elk NC

One of the last major tourist towns in the mountains of North Carolina to reopen after Hurricane Helene, Banner Elk offers access to an excellent array of hiking trails, waterfalls, and other popular attractions.

The tiny town is home to more than a dozen noteworthy independent restaurants, as well as some great local wineries and breweries.

Banner Elk is near Grandfather Mountain State Park, Otter Falls, Wildcat Lake, and some of the best places for snow skiing in North Carolina, including Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain.

It’s also home to family-friendly attractions (such as the Land of Oz and Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster) and the annual Woolly Worm Festival and Small Town Christmas celebration. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC

Sunset at the Blowing Rock in Blowing Rock NC
Sunset at the Blowing Rock by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

13. Blowing Rock NC

This popular town was named after The Blowing Rock attraction, an iconic geological formation that provides sensational views of the many surrounding summits, forest, and the Johns River Gorge.

Downtown Blowing Rock is home to an extensive assortment of other attractions, including great restaurants, several fine museums, a gorgeous city park, Mystery Hill, and much more.

And with the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few minutes away, Blowing Rock makes a great base for exploring the area, with nearby highlights like Julian Price Memorial Park, Moses Cone Memorial Park, and Rough Ridge.

It’s home to one of our favorite NC mountain resorts, Chetola, plus lots of hotels and rental cabins.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC

Transylvania County Courthouse in downtown Brevard, one of the Best Things to do in Brevard NC
Transylvania County Courthouse in Downtown Brevard

14. Brevard NC

Known as “the Land of Waterfalls” for its many dazzling cascades, the town of Brevard NC boasts a temperate climate, dozens of critically acclaimed restaurants, great museums, and a rich cultural scene, 

Compared to many of the other mountain towns in Western NC, Brevard has a hip, youthful vibe, thanks to the proximity of the Brevard College campus.

As a result, the town boasts a mixture of natural and cultural attractions, including great breweries & cideries, Bracken Preserve, Brevard Music Center, the Cradle of Forestry in America, and Lake Toxaway. 

It’s also surrounded by natural beauty, including DuPont State Recreational Forest, the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, Pisgah National Forest, and numerous rivers for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. 

READ MORE: The Top 20 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)

Sunrise in Bryson City NC
Sunrise in Bryson City NC

15. Bryson City NC

Surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Fontana, and the Nantahala National Forest, Bryson City NC is a small town loaded with outdoor activities. 

With attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Deep Creek, the Road to Nowhere, and the Tuckasegee River, there’s truly something for everyone. 

Downtown Bryson City is one of the most charming mountain towns we’ve ever visited, with adorable shops, sensational restaurants, several museums, and Appalachian Rivers Aquarium. 

There’s also a whole host of spectacular waterfalls, important historic sites, great fly-fishing for trout, and a fantastic array of hiking trails nearby. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

Burnsville NC Sundial Quilt & Church
Burnsville NC Sundial Quilt & Church

16. Burnsville NC

Burnsville was another one of the NC mountain towns that suffered the most devastation from Hurricane Helene, and some of its finest attractions remained closed as of this writing. 

Chief among them is Mt Mitchell State Park, whose namesake 6,684-ft summit is both the highest point in North Carolina and the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River.

Still, Burnsville makes this list because of its outstanding nature beauty, impressive restaurants and breweries, picturesque downtown area, and thriving cultural arts scene.

The best things to do nearby here hiking the Blue Ridge Pinnacle Trail, exploring local wateralls, visiting the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, and a festive small town Christmas celebration.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC

The Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary
Shops & Scenery in Cherokee NC

17. Cherokee NC

Located just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee NC is part of the Qualla Boundary, the federally recognized territory of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The area offers amazing sites devoted to Cherokee history and culture, including The Museum of the Cherokee People, Qualla Arts & Crafts, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the “Unto These Hills” show.

There are also excellent natural attractions, such as Mingo Falls, the Oconaluftee River, Oconaluftee Island Park, and lots of Elk hanging out near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Mountain Farm Museum.

If you’re planning to visit, Cherokee also has Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and an array other hotels, resorts, cabins and campgrounds to stay in. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary

Main St in Downtown Hendersonville NC
Main St in Downtown Hendersonville NC

18. Hendersonville NC

One of our favorite NC mountain towns, Hendersonville is located 22 miles south of Asheville and boasts a beautiful, walkable downtown area packed with excellent restaurants and worldly shops.

Downtown Hendo is also stuffed with attractions, including the Henderson County Heritage Museum, the Appalachian Pinball Museum, and the Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab. 

But the town also has a more rural agricultural side, which is home to an array of awesome apple orchards, pumpkin farms, wineries, and the Historic Johnson Farm. 

When we visit Hendersonville, we usually spend a day in Flat Rock, with boasts a historic district (on the National Register), the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, and the historic Flat Rock Playhouse.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC

Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva NC
Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva NC

19. Sylva NC

Picturesque Sylva NC is a colorful, eclectic college town that we fell in love with due to its stellar location and exceptional natural beauty.

In addition to being the seat of Jackson County, the town is replete with fantastic restaurants, artsy and antique shops, a brewery, and a stunning historic courthouse building high on a hill overlooking downtown.

As with many of the small towns in Western NC, there are plenty of outdoor attractions nearby, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes.

We also enjoyed the neighboring town of Cullowhee, which is home to Western Carolina University, the Mountain Heritage Center, and ancient petroglyphs at Judacullah Rock.

 
Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC Header
Bluegrass Statues in Downtown Waynesville

20. Waynesville NC

I have a warm place in my heart for Waynesville, because founder Col. Robert Love is my ancestor. So we were thankful that, other than the Frog Level Historic District, most of the town was spared Helene’s wrath.

Waynesville is rich with culture and history, including the Folkmoot Friendship Center, Haywood Arts Regional Theater, Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts/Shelton House, and a public art trail. 

It’s surrounded by natural beauty, including the Waynesville Greenway Park, Lake Junaluska, the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, and the Shining Rock Wilderness. 

If you get tired of exploring all the cool Waynesville restaurants, museums, and shops, the neighboring towns of Canton and Clyde offer a more down-home small town vibe and an array of outdoor attractions. 

READ MORE:  The 20 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County

 

Tennessee Mountain Towns 

Fun Things to do in Bristol
Bristol TN/VA Sign, photo by Emma Gallagher

21. Bristol TN

Straddling the border of Tennessee and Virginia, Downtown Bristol’s main street has you going from one state to another as you explore its museums, breweries, and restaurants

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a great place to learn about Appalachian music, while Bristol Caverns is a family-friendly cavern that offers informative cave tours. 

The Bristol Motor Speedway is obviously a huge attraction for NASCAR fans, but they also have a number of special events that almost anyone can enjoy.

If you visit during the Winter, check out their Pinnacle Speedway in Lights, which is regarded as one of the most dazzling Tennessee Christmas light shows!

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Bristol TN/VA

Walnut Street Bridge, one of the Best Things to Do in Chattanooga TN
Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge

22. Chattanooga TN

The fourth-largest city in Tennessee, Chattanooga (population @185,000) has been a major mountain town since before the Civil War. But it emerged as one of the region’s industrial hubs in the early 20th century.
 
There’s an excellent array of downtown attractions, including the Chattanooga Aquarium and the historic “Chattanoogaa Choo-Choo” station, not to mention an impressive assortment of museums, distilleries, restaurants and shops.
 
Nearby tourist hotspots include Raccoon Mountain Caverns and the Tennessee Valley Railroad, plus historic sites, Ruby Falls, and more on Lookout Mountain. 
 
Christmas in Chattanooga is a great time to visit, with Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, the Asian Lantern Festival at Chattanooga Zoo, and several other great holiday light displays. 
 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga TN

Fall Colors in Downtown Gatlinburg TN
Fall in Gatlinburg TN, photo via Canva Pro

23. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN

Located just 7 miles apart, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN are beloved mountain towns that offer access to Great Smoky Mountains NP while remaining close to hotels, restaurants, and kitschy tourist attractions. 

Gatlinburg is arguably the more tourist-focused of the two, with major attractions such as Anakeesta, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Ober Mountain (the only ski resort in Tennessee). 

Pigeon Forge is also family-friendly, but focuses more on Appalachian culture. It’s home to the Dollywood theme park and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, with 2 new attractions (Crayola Experience and Nerf Action Xxperience) slated to open in Summer 2025.

If you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the popular towns, GSMNP is just a mile from Downtown Gatlinburg, with an array of waterfalls, hiking trails, and the wildlife of Cades Cove nearby.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN

Best mountain towns in Tennessee - Sevierville TN
Sevierville TN, photo via Canva Pro

24. Sevierville TN

Located just 7 miles north of Pigeon Forge Sevierville is most famous as the hometown of the legendary Dolly Parton. But the area deserves more attention for the incredible outdoor beauty it offers. 

There are some wonderful trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park nearby, including Abrams Falls, Alum Cave Bluff, and Arch Rock. There’s also the Sevierville Greenway, which has miles of trails for walking.

If you prefer to be soaring above the forest, check out one of Foxfire Adventure Park’s ziplining tours

In Downtown Sevierville, you’ll find many shops offering local crafts and artisanal items, as well as the Cherokee Trading Post, a General Store, and restaurants that cater to every taste and budget.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Tennessee Mountain Towns to Visit 

Appalachian mountain towns in TN - Townsend
photo courtesy of City of Townsend

25. Townsend TN

One of the gateways to seeing Smoky Mountains wildlife in Cades Cove, this tiny town offers ample opportunities to do some epic hiking, chase waterfalls to your list, or try some river tubing.

Said to be the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” Tuckaleechee Caverns are a 6-minute drive from Townsend. They’re estimated to be 20-30 million years old, with a cave the size of a stadium and a 210-foot waterfall. 

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is great for learning about the area’s history, while the Little River Railroad Museum covers indigenous people and pioneers. 

Downtown Townsend has some wonderful locally-owned shops rich with Appalachian cultural traditions, as well as an array of restaurants, breweries, boutiques and more.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Caverns & Underground Caves in Tennessee

 

Virginia Mountain Towns

The Historic Bedford County Courthouse in Downtown Bedford VA
The Historic Bedford County Courthouse

26. Bedford VA

Founded in 1890, Bedford is one of our favorite small towns in Virginia, offering an engaging mixture of culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. 

Nestled between Lynchburg and Roanoke, Bedford is full of artisan crafts and Appalachian music, with some great restaurants to choose from.

Located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 86, this charming little mountain town is best known for the impressive National D-Day Memorial, as well as the Elks National Home. 

Peaks of Otter Lodge, Sharp Top Mountain, and Johnson’s Orchard/Peaks of Otter Winery are just 11 miles away, while Smith Mountain Lake State Park is 22 miles to the south. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Bedford VA

Sunset in Downtown Galax VA
Photo courtesy Visit Galax

27. Galax VA

Located 7 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Galax VA is the ideal small mountain town, with a historic downtown area, beautiful natural surroundings, and outstanding live music venues.

The town is steeped in old-time music: It’s home to the annual Old Fiddlers Convention, the Blue Ridge Music Center, and the historic Rex Theater (a major stop on the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Appalachian Music Trail).

But there’s also other forms of culture, including the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, a great farm-to-table restaurant scene, and the Galax Farmers Market. Plus natural attractions like the New River Trail State Park.

Galax also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the Southwest Virginia section of the BRP, with beloved attractions like Groundhog Meadow, Mabry Mill, and the Cumberland Knob Recreation Area just a short drive away! 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Galax VA

Downtown Lexington VA
Downtown Lexington VA

28. Lexington VA

Established in 1777, Lexington VA is full of historic attractions, including two historic colleges (Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute), the Stonewall Jackson House, and Oak Grove Cemetery.

A horse-drawn carriage tour is a great way to see them all in a few short hours.  

But there are plenty of other things to do in Lexington, even if you’re not a history buff. You’ll find cute coffee shops, antique stores, tasteful art galleries, and some fantastic downtown Lexington restaurants

Designated as one of four International Dark Sky Parks in Virginia, the Natural Bridge State Park features the geological formation it’s named for and excellent stargazing, hiking trails, and a disc golf course.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA

Luray Singing Tower in Luray VA
Luray Singing Tower in Luray VA 

29. Luray VA

Located in the Shenandoah Valley 13 miles east of I-81, Luray’s prime location makes it one of the most popular gateways to Shenandoah National Park.

There are lots of fun things to do in Luray, from visiting Luray Caverns (the largest in the eastern US) and the Luray Hawksbill Greenway to kayaking the Shenandoah River and picnicking at Lake Arrowhead

History buffs will enjoy attractions like the Car & Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Luray Valley Museum.

You can also take a self-guided walking tour to see the 75 historic buildings that make up Downtown Luray’s National Historic District.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Luray VA (Gateway to Shenandoah)

South River Greenway Picnic Area in Constitution Park, Waynesboro VA
Constitution Park in Waynesboro VA

30. Waynesboro VA

There’s an impressive array of things to do in Waynesboro VA, with its location at the crossroads of the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Waynesboro is a great place for fly-fishing, hiking, camping, or kayaking on the South River. You can also visit the aptly-named Grand Caverns, or walk the South River Greenway Trail.

Waynesboro has a great cultural scene, including the Wayne Theatre and the Waynesboro Street Art Trail, as well as historic attractions like Swannanoa Palace and the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel

The town is close to one of the best ski resorts in Virginia, Wintergreen Resort. After a long day on the slopes, you can grab a bite at Heritage On Main, the Green Leaf Grill, or Stella, Bella & Lucy’s.  –by Jonathon Engels, Emma Gallagher & Bret Love; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted 

Leave No Trace logo

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. Born and raised in North Georgia, Editor-In-Chief Bret Love grew up hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family. A professional writer/editor since 1995, he's covered travel and culture for 100+ publications, including American Way, Destination Marriott, Georgia Travel Guide, National Geographic, and Southbound. In 2010 he co-founded the award-winning website, Green Global Travel, which is ranked among the world's top travel blogs. Since launching BRMTG in 2020, he and Mary Gabbett have visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns together. Though she lived in NYC for 14 years, photographer/Business Manager Mary Gabbett's family has Georgia roots dating back 200+ years. Her great-grandfather was President of the Western Railroad of Alabama. Before moving to Atlanta in 1989, she fell in love with the North GA mountains, where her aunt owned a cabin. In 2010 she co-founded Green Global Travel, and has since traveled to more than 40 countries on six continents. Her photos have appeared in numerous travel publications (including National Geographic and Southbound) and various textbooks.