15 Best Things to do in The Blue Ridge Mountains

Stretching across the eastern United States, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a breathtaking escape into rolling peaks, scenic drives, and colorful forests. Known for their signature blue haze and peaceful charm, this mountain range offers everything from hidden hiking trails to charming small towns, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and road-trippers alike.

Overview

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a scenic subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, stretching from Pennsylvania to Georgia. Famous for their hazy blue appearance, they offer stunning landscapes, vibrant fall foliage, and rich biodiversity.

This region is home to the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Along the way, travelers can explore charming mountain towns, hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful escape, the Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the most beautiful and accessible mountain regions in the eastern U.S.

Blue Ridge Mountains Map:

The Blue Ridge Mountains are basically the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains. I have included a Blue Ridge Mountains map to show you the overall Appalachian Mountain range plus where the Blue Ridge section of them is. To be clear, all of this is part of the same Appalachian Mountain ranges.

15 Best Things to do in The Blue Ridge Mountains

15) Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drive:

The Blue Ridge Parkway is basically the main road that takes you through the entire Blue Ridge Mountains Range. The best way to explain why this road is so famous is that it’s basically a VIP look into the most popular parts of this whole Blue Ridge Mountain range.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is also in my opinion one of the best scenic drives in North America (based on the ones I’ve done so far) and it’s ideal to travel through it anytime but winter (you’ll see many more beautiful sights throughout the other 3 seasons there).

The great news about this drive is that there’s countless access points within the Blue Ridge Mountains, between Georgia and Virginia that will put you on that drive and from there you can elect to drive however long on it that you want, including the entire road that spans for over 400 miles! In addition to that the Blue Ridge Parkway also has countless scenic stops you can make which take you to amazing overlooks (photos below)

There’s a stop every few minutes or so on this road that will usually allow you to park your car and take a look at the views. The bottom line is that if you wish to enjoy the most beautiful areas in the Blue Ridge Mountains, hope into the road there, and let it take you to those spots (you won’t be able to miss them).

14) Great Smoky Mountain National Park:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is actually the most popular place to visit in all of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s located in Georgia and the southern section of the mountain range. Within it there are so many beautiful overlooks, hikes and things to do. 

It’s also worth noting that within the entire range, the highest peaks are located in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. However if you keep following the Appalachian Mountains further northeast, you will eventually come across even larger regions known as the White Mountains in New Hampshire (that’s not part of the Blue Ridge Mountains though).

13) Gatlinburg Tennessee:

Gatlinburg Tennessee is arguably the most popular city to visit and stay at if you’re visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains and it’s located right by Smoky Mountains National Park. I’ve stayed in Gatlinburg twice and there is so much to do in this city that I will soon be writing up an entire article on that. Overall it has many amenities such as hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment areas to check out such as extension bridges overlooking the national park, amusment parks, ski lifts to check out, even a “space needle” type area and much more! 

12) Falling Spring Falls:

This is one of the most amazing waterfalls and hiking trails I’ve seen in the entire region. This particular one is located in the Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While there’s plenty of trails and waterfalls to explore all across the Blue Ridge Mountains, I’m going to recommend this one because it’s one of the largest waterfalls in the area, mixed in with beautiful swimming holes and hiking trails around it. You can hike to the top of the waterfall but the best trail to see it is from the bottom and you will see signs to check that out on the parking lot to this place.

11) Linn Cove Viaduct:

The Linn Cove Viaduct is the most iconic bridge in the entire Blue Ridge Mountains region! It’s also located in the North Carolina section of the area. In fact, if you ever look up images for Blue Ridge Parkway, mountains or similar terms, you will often see pictures of this famous bridge. 

This was actually one of the sights I sought to explore on my Blue Ridge Mountains road trip but again because of a lack of proper research and/or knowing where to look for it, I missed it. I am happy to say that I did drive over it the second time I visited this place. Besides driving over it, there is a parking lot and hiking trail on the southern end of it that takes you parralel to it to get great photos from. That same trail continues further to another great overlook I’ll be talking about shortly in this post!

10) Natural Bridge State Park:

Natural Bridge State Park is located in Virginia and is slightly outside the Blue Ridge Parkway (maybe a 1 hour drive), but if you are starting your road trip from the south, around the Virginia area is where things may get a little repetitive in terms of views, so a good way to stray a little of course but stay within the confines of the Appalachian Mountains is to visit this incredible park. It’s very scenic, is easy to walk around and of course the main natural bridge there is stunning to check out.

9) Cabins and lodging:

As amazing as it is to do a road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, another thing to consider doing here is renting a cabin near one of the most popular spots in the region. This is another highly popular thing many people do when they travel here which is why there are a plethora of cabin availability there. For example:

Most people who check out Blue Ridge Mountains generally check out Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the nearest town to it (Gatlinburg) has a lot of awesome cabins you can rent. By staying there, not only are you close to this park thereby letting you explore more of it but the cabins here are awesome too, offering a lot of amenities and this doesn’t just apply to the cabins near Great Smoky Mountains, but all throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Explore top cabins across the Blue Ridge Mountains.

8) Grandfather Mountain State Park:

Grandfather Mountain State Park is easily a top 5 place you have to explore when you travel through the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s located in North Carolina and is also really close to the Linn Cove Viaduct bridge I mentioned earlier. Although you do need to pay to enter the park, the sights and attractions on it are worth it. Aside from seeing the Blue Ridge Mountains from this area, this place also has an amazing extension bridge you can across and get amazing photos and experiences from.

7) Sliding Rock:

Sliding Rock is an awesome attraction to add to your Blue Ridge Mountains road trip in my opinion as it is right by the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s one of the longest natural rock formations which is incredibly fun to water slide on and it’s also easy to find. There are also additional places right by it worth hiking to including another waterfall called Moore Cove Falls. One thing to know before going there is that you will have to slightly deviate from the Blue Ridge Parkway to get to the parking area of this attraction, but it’s only about a 5-10 minute drive from it.

6) Cheaha State Park:

Cheaha State Park is located in the southernmost section of the Blue Ridge Mountains (it’s actually in Alabama) and within this park is also the highest point in the state. I had visited Cheaha State Park in 2023 and at the time had no idea that is was actually part of the same Blue Ridge region, but when I saw the mountains there, it made total sense why that would be the case.

Although my visit to Cheaha State Park I got to do a few hikes, see some nice overlooks and check out a few attractions in the park that really made me appreciate and recommend this place for you as well. Now I would only come here if you’re actually planning to do a Blue Ridge Mountains road trip from Alabama, because otherwise it’s better to just start in Georgia or Virginia. 

5) Moses H. Cone Memorial Park:

This is another iconic spot in the North Carolina section of the range where you can explore a beautiful mansion and resort. The Moses Memorial Park area is great for people looking to check out more historical types of activities on the Blue Ridge Mountains. Aside from the area, you can explore the popular Cone Manor, do horseback riding, explore the hiking trails and some small lakes in the area. I would say this is one of the top family spots to check out on your trip to this area.

4) Rough Ridge Lookout:

The Rough Ridge Lookout is a few miles north of the Linn Cove Viaduct (you may be able to see it from the photo above) and the same trail which takes you to the Rough Ridge Lookout does intersect with the same hiking trail from the Viaduct I talked about earlier, but if you’re more looking to explore beautiful spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains vs doing long hikes, then I’d do that hike separately from this one. In this overlook’s case, you will stop by the Rough Ridge trailhead, and head south for about 1/4 miles to the lookout. On the same lookout, you will have a boardwalk that gets you amazing views.

3) Stone Mountain State Park:

Stone Mountain is one of the most unique mountains in the entire region because it’s basically a “bald” mountain you can hike on and in addition to that there are also several other sights within the park you should see too including:

• Stone Mountain Falls (it’s a very tall waterfall, cascading too).
• There are campgrounds across Stone Mountain.
• Another beautiful waterfall hike there worth checking out is Widow Creek Falls.
• Now if for whatever reason you can’t go into the park because of timing, you can actually see the Stone Mountain Overlook right from the Blue Ridge Parkway which I linked to.

2) Blue Ridge scenic railway:

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is one of the most unique ways to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains because it is entirely by train and a loop ride meaning you can continue exploring the rest of the activities above (or before). The attraction is 20+ miles, several hours long, very affordable, highly rated and I would personally recommend you try to do this train ride in the fall if you can.

1) Little Switzerland:

Little Switzerland is a small town located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway (within North Carolina). I came across this place on my last trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a seasonal place to stay in but it’s basically a very small village with a lot of sights, attractions (not just the Blue Ridge Mountains but within the town) that you can enjoy. In addition to that, there’s also lodging within Little Switzerland worth checking out that is also right on water (it’s very scenic).

Best Times to Visit

• Fall (Late September to Early November): This is the most popular time, with vibrant fall foliage drawing leaf-peepers from all over. Scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway are especially stunning during peak color.
• Spring (April to June): Wildflowers bloom across the region, waterfalls are full from spring rains, and the weather is mild—ideal for hiking and photography.
• Summer (July to August): Warm temperatures and lush greenery make it a great time for family trips, mountain getaways, and swimming in natural rivers and lakes. It’s also when many small towns host festivals.
• Winter (December to February): Quieter and less crowded, winter offers peaceful mountain views, occasional snow, and cozy cabin stays, especially in southern sections like Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Where to Stay

View Blue Ridge Mountains hotels

5-Day Blue Ridge Mountains Itinerary

Day 1: Virginia Highlights & Natural Wonders

• Start in Natural Bridge, VA
  Explore Natural Bridge State Park, one of Virginia’s most iconic landmarks with a 215-foot natural limestone arch.
• Stop at Falling Spring Falls
  Take a short walk to this 80-foot roadside waterfall near Covington, VA.
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
  Begin your journey on the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy scenic overlooks and picnic spots.
• Visit Stone Mountain State Park (NC border)
  Hike the trails and enjoy sweeping mountain views at this quiet North Carolina gem.
• Overnight in or near Little Switzerland, NC.

Day 2: Parkway Drive & Grandfather Mountain

• Morning: Drive through Linn Cove Viaduct
  One of the most famous stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, hugging the edge of Grandfather Mountain.
• Hike to Rough Ridge Lookout
  Short but steep hike with panoramic views of the viaduct and mountains—especially stunning in fall.
• Explore Grandfather Mountain State Park
  Cross the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, visit the nature center, and explore alpine trails.
• End at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
  Take a peaceful walk around Bass Lake or visit the Cone Manor House.
• Overnight in Blowing Rock or Boone, NC.

Day 3: Sliding Rock, Waterfalls & Charming Towns

• Morning: Visit Sliding Rock (Pisgah National Forest)
  A natural waterslide that’s fun for kids and adults—especially refreshing in summer.
• Scenic Drive through Little Switzerland & Parkway Stops
  Take your time through Little Switzerland, a charming mountain town along the Parkway.
• Optional Stop at Biltmore Estate in Asheville (if time allows)
• Drive to Gatlinburg via Blue Ridge Parkway > Cherokee > US-441
• Overnight in Gatlinburg, TN.

Day 4: Smoky Mountains & Gatlinburg

• Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  Hike a short trail like Clingmans Dome, Laurel Falls, or Alum Cave Trail.
• Stroll through Gatlinburg
  Shop, ride the Skylift, or visit the aquarium. Great spot for evening relaxation.
• Optional: Ride the Ober Mountain Tramway or try a moonshine tasting.
• Overnight in Gatlinburg or nearby.

Day 5: Blue Ridge, GA to Cheaha State Park (AL)

• Morning: Drive to Blue Ridge, Georgia
  Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or explore downtown’s shops and cafés.
• Afternoon: Relax in a Mountain Cabin
  Many cabin rentals offer hot tubs, mountain views, and forest surroundings.
• Evening: Drive to Cheaha State Park, Alabama
  Alabama’s highest point, with scenic drives, overlooks, and rustic accommodations.
• Overnight in or near Cheaha State Park.

Optional Adjustments:

• Want more hiking? Spend extra time at Grandfather Mountain or the Smokies.
• Want to stretch it to 6–7 days? Add Asheville, Biltmore Estate, or the Blue Ridge Music Center.

9 Hidden Gems of the Blue Ridge Mountains

1. Rough Ridge Lookout (NC) – A short hike with epic views of the Linn Cove Viaduct, especially beautiful in fall.
2. Wiseman’s View (NC) – A quiet overlook above Linville Gorge with jaw-dropping views and minimal crowds.
3. Otter Creek Trail (VA) – Peaceful trail along the Parkway, great for riverside walks and spotting wildlife.
4. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (TN) – A scenic loop near Gatlinburg with historic cabins and quiet waterfalls.
5. Cradle of Forestry (NC) – Hidden history meets nature in Pisgah Forest; great for kids, light hikes, and cool weather shelter.
6. Bearwallow Mountain (NC) – Open summit with panoramic views, wildflowers, and grazing cows—not many know about it.
7. Mineral Bluff (GA) – A quiet mountain town with riverside charm and close proximity to forest trails and train rides.
8. Yonah Mountain (GA) – A challenging hike to sweeping summit views—perfect for solitude seekers.
9. Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail (NC) – Short hike with surreal views and blooming rhododendrons in spring.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Cell Service is Spotty: Expect limited reception in remote areas, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Download offline maps and trail info ahead of time.
• Weather Changes Quickly: Mountain weather can shift fast, bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection, especially if you’re hiking or camping.
• Peak Seasons Get Crowded: Fall weekends can be especially busy. Visit midweek or early in the morning to avoid crowds at overlooks and trails.
• Parkway Closures Happen: Parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway may close due to weather or maintenance. Check official NPS websites for real-time updates.
• Wildlife is Abundant: You may encounter bears, deer, or even elk in some areas. Always keep a safe distance and secure your food when camping.
• Leave No Trace: Help preserve the natural beauty by packing out all trash, staying on marked trails, and respecting local wildlife and plants.
• Book hotels early. These fill up very quickly, especially when fall comes around.

Blue Ridge Mountains Photos

Related

• Daniel Boone National Forest
• Red River Gorge
• Providence Canyon State Park

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing fall colors, exploring misty mountaintops, or simply escaping into nature, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer an unforgettable experience year-round. With scenic drives, hidden trails, and charming towns around every bend, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. Pack smart, plan ahead, and let the peaceful rhythm of the mountains guide your journey.

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