Do you want a serene road trip experience? Nothing can be more relaxing or beautiful than touring the Blue Ridge Mountains. Extending 469 miles through 29 counties in North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a driving experience like no other. 252 miles of the parkway run through the Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills. When you visit Western NC, Asheville is the prime spot to start any track through the mountains. From Asheville, you have a pick of many destinations to stop for hiking, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.
The Ultimate Blue Ridge Mountain Tour
First, you’ll want to get out and about in the great outdoors. There are endless trails available for hiking. The beautiful mountain scenery will truly take your breath away. A few options include Pearson Falls, Little Bradley Falls, or Big Bradley Falls. Pearson Falls is the easiest out of the three. It is made up of 268-acres of spring-fed streams and has a 90-foot waterfall! Pearson is excellent for bird watching or wildflower spotting. Little Bradley Falls is a moderate, creek-side hike under a canopy of trees. If you’re looking for a challenge, go with Big Bradley! It is much more advanced, however, so we recommend going with a professional guide to ensure your safety.
View this post on Instagram
Biking, Kayaking, and Zip-Lining
You can also tour the Blue Ridge Mountains by road biking, kayaking, or zip-lining. There are 45 miles of gorgeous, scenic routes for road bikers to enjoy. There are also guided kayak tours for every skill and comfort level, but zip-lining is still one of our favorite ways to tour the Blue Ridge Mountains! Let the Green River Gorge cater to your adventurous side and experience North Carolina adventure at its best. This is truly a priceless perspective of the Gorge.
Stop to Pick Some Delicious Fruit
Another place to enjoy panoramic mountain views is Sky Top Orchard. “Pick your own” from a mountaintop of apple and fruit trees or sit by the orchard pond with ducks and geese. You can also check out these other places for apple picking near Asheville!
View this post on Instagram
Horseback Riding
The adventures in the great outdoors continue at Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) with six miles of hiking and riding trails. There is also a hard, paved trail available for the physically challenged. Take part in a nature study, outdoor recreation, or equestrian competition. There’s something for everyone at FENCE! If you can’t get enough time with the horses, you have plenty of choices with these horseback riding locations near Asheville.
Take in the Elevation at DuPont State Forest
For more adventures, DuPont State Forest contains 10,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, the elevations range from 2,240 feet at Cascade Lake to 3,620 feet at the peak of Stone Mountain. There are four major waterfalls throughout! The filming of both “The Last of the Mohicans” and “The Hunger Games” has made this a very popular site.
Relax at The Orchard Inn
After a long day spent touring the Blue Ridge Mountains, return to your room at the Orchard Inn. Our Asheville area bed and breakfast is the perfect destination for those looking for picturesque natural sights and comfortable hospitality. You can enjoy all the outdoor activities by day and then rejuvenate in our soothing inn by night. View our rooms and rates and book today!
