Awesome Scenery
Deep valleys, waterfalls cascading over vertiginous granite cliffs, lush meadows, ancient giant sequoia groves… Yosemite will take your breath away.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Abundant Wildlife
Blue Ridge Mountains Wildlife: The area is host to many animals, including: Many species of amphibians and reptiles, A large diversity of fish species, many of which are endemic, American black bear, Songbirds and other bird species, Bobcat, Coyote, Red fox, and Gray fox.
Birdwatching
Birdwatchers are sometimes surprised by the number of species that live permanently or part-time in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, and even more so when they spot a species not normally found this far south.
Outdoor Activities
The North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains abound in outdoor activity fun. Popular outdoor activities in the North Carolina mountains and foothills Enjoy Mountain Biking, Motorcycling, Art, Waterfalls, Shopping and an Antique Trail.
Getting There
If you live anywhere in the southeast, you're within driving distance of Blue Ridge, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 on the Georgia-Tennessee-North Carolina line. With 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest.
A Vast Edifice of Stone and Space
An ancient mountain landscape, varied topography, and a temperate climate have given rise to a wonderland of natural heritage in Western North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains have been a place of inspiration for Native Americans, artists, musicians, writers, doctors, entrepreneurs and many others throughout history.
As a part of Appalachian history, the rich biodiversity makes the forests, rivers, plants, and wildlife here unique in many ways. It is the reason many people visit the Blue Ridge Mountains in NC and never leave. The natural beauty and heritage in the area make the NC mountains unforgettable for visitors and residents alike.
Half Dome
If you live anywhere in the southeast, you're within driving distance of Blue Ridge, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 on the Georgia-Tennessee-North Carolina line. With 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, 300 miles of hiking trails and 100 miles of trout streams.
Blue Ridge is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, family vacation, mountain vacation home, retirement or new location for your business.
For the less energetic, viewing and other vantage points in the park remains an unforgettable sight.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge contains the highest mountains in eastern North America south of Baffin Island. About 125 peaks exceed 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in elevation.[6] The highest peak in the Blue Ridge (and in the entire Appalachian chain) is Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina at 6,684 feet (2,037 m). There are 39 peaks in North Carolina and Tennessee higher than 6,000 feet (1,800 m); by comparison, in the northern portion of the Appalachian chain only New Hampshire's Mt. Washington rises above 6,000 feet. Southern Sixers is a term used by peak baggers for this group of mountains.
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles (755 km) along crests of the Southern Appalachians and links two national parks: Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains. In many places along the parkway, there are metamorphic rocks (gneiss) with folded bands of light-and dark-colored minerals, which sometimes look like the folds and swirls in a marble cake.
Climate
Because of its high elevation (ranging from 4,000 to 9,945 feet / 1,219–3,031 m), you can find yourself literally with your head in the clouds, one day bathed in brilliant sunshine, the next in swirling mist and drizzle. Summers are hot in Yosemite Valley, but cold in Winter.
You will fall in love with the mountain towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville. Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. It was established as a railroad town, with the depot at its heart. Visitors would ride the train to town, eat dinner and take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner.
When the snow starts to melt in spring, creeks and rivers are rushing with water. Small, unnamed waterfalls and cascades appear all along the valley rim. The major waterfalls reach the peak runoff in May or June.