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)
- Blairsville GA
- Blue Ridge GA
- Cartersville GA
- Clayton GA
- Dahlonega GA
- Ellijay GA
- Helen GA
- Hiawassee GA
- Lookout Mountain GA
- Sautee Nacoochee GA
- Asheville NC
- Banner Elk NC
- Blowing Rock NC
- Brevard NC
- Bryson City NC
- Burnsville NC
- Cherokee NC
- Hendersonville NC
- Sylva NC
- Waynesville NC
- Bristol TN/VA
- Chattanooga TN
- Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN
- Sevierville TN
- Townsend TN
- Bedford VA
- Galax VA
- Lexington VA
- Luray VA
- Waynesboro VA
READ MORE: Where Are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide
Georgia Mountain Towns
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
22. Chattanooga TN
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga TN
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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