Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

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Quick Facts

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

North Carolina

(828) 298-5330

Map

Things To Do

Overview

For visitors in search of novelty and adventure, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area provides an unparalleled diversity of experiences. There's so much to see and do that no two visits are ever the same. Nature lovers will find majestic mountain vistas and scenic drives, outstanding hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, world-class whitewater and waterfalls, excellent campsites and fishing streams, and an incredible diversity of plant and animal life in the region's abundant protected forests and parks. Those searching for cultural experiences and historical connections will discover a land rich in living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. These come to life at many fine and distinctive museums, historic sites, outdoor dramas, and cultural centers throughout the region. The North Carolina mountains still ring with the sounds of the fiddle and banjo, bluegrass bands, and cloggers, which can be heard everywhere from front porches to festival stages and town squares.

Map of Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

Latitude, Longitude: 35.562390, -82.493590

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Activities

  • Bird Watching

    Over 200 species of birds call the North Carolina mountains home, including those that migrate between lower and higher elevations. Familiar to residents are colorful species such as the eastern bluebird, which is often spotted in open meadows, the northern cardinal (North Carolina's state bird), and the American goldfinch, as well as the dove, crow, chickadee, Carolina wren, towhee, sparrow, and titmouse.

  • Bicycling

    Many miles of scenic roads in the North Carolina mountains and foothills are designated bike routes and are popular for both day outings and competitive riding events.

  • Auto/Motorcycle

    The Blue Ridge Parkway provides 252 miles of scenic roadway winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

  • Camping

    Camping opportunities abound in the North Carolina mountains and foothills, whether you want to hike to a primitive campsite or park your RV near a mountain stream.

  • Fishing

    The 4,000 miles of cool, clear mountain streams and the many lakes in the mountains of North Carolina offer anglers more fishing opportunities than can be found in any other state in the Southeast. In fact, the region supports one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world.

  • Hiking

    Opportunities for great hikes in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina are limited only by the imagination. From a gentle stroll over the grassy meadows of the New River State Park to the steep climbs of Mount Mitchell, hiking trails in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area offer intimate contact with an ancient and biodiverse mountain landscape. Numerous hiking clubs and other organizations sponsor guided hikes for those who like company and interpretation along the way.

  • Historic Sites

    Those searching for cultural experiences and historical connections will discover a land rich in living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. These come to life at many fine and distinctive museums, historic sites, outdoor dramas, and cultural centers throughout the region.

  • Water Sports

    Rivers in the North Carolina mountains provide some of the most popular whitewater rafting in the country. Some claim the sport was pioneered on the Nantahala River, which tumbles through the nine-mile scenic Nantahala Gorge. Rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing are popular pursuits on many of the region's rivers.

  • Winter Sports

    When portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway close for ice and snow, hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers claim the scenic roadway for themselves.

Seasonality/Weather

The mountains of Western North Carolina enjoy a mild climate throughout the four seasons. Winters bring occasional snow in the lower elevations, while high country snows support numerous ski resorts. Spring is wet and mild, lush with wildflowers, dogwoods, azaleas and rhododendrons that bloom at intervals between late March and June. Summer heat rarely reaches the 90s and extends usually from late June through August. The crisp, cool days of autumn bring brilliant blue skies that frame blazing fall colors as the trees turn. No matter what season, layering of clothing is recommended, as is keeping a sweater at hand, even in the summer (at higher elevations).

Park Partners

Phone Numbers

Primary

(828) 298-5330

Links