Where Are the Blue Ridge Mountains?

“Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains?” is a question we hear often, and it's a completely valid one! People refer to them by many names: the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and even Shaconage, or “Land of the Blue Mist.” Within this mountain range, there are different regions, national parks, famous trails and rivers, and multiple states. No wonder it gets confusing!

The historical origin of the name came from the Cherokee Native Americans due to the blue haze that blankets the mountains that are part of the Appalachian Highlands.

In this guide, we’ll share what makes the Georgia portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains so special. Who knows? You might learn a few fun facts to share with your group when you stay at our Blue Sky Cabin rentals!
 

Getting to Know the Blue Ridge Mountains

Photo Credit: Kent Weakley

The Blue Ridge Mountains is a mountain range in the Eastern United States. It extends 550 miles, starting in southern Pennsylvania through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and finally Georgia.

The southernmost tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains is found in Georgia at Mount Oglethorpe.

So, where do the Appalachian Mountains come in? The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain range. All of the Blue Ridge Mountains are the Appalachians, but not all of the Appalachians are part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You might hear the two names used synonymously, but now you know that they are slightly different!

The Blue Ridge Mountains include the Great Smoky Mountains, the Great Balsams, the Roan Mountains, the Black Mountains, and the Brushy Mountains. Grandfather Mountain, located near Asheville, North Carolina, is the highest peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
 

The National Parks and Forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway

Photo Credit: Anton Ermachkov

The Skyline Drive connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs south to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This well-loved national park straddles Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, with entrances in both states.
 

National Parks

Photo Credit: Jon Bilous

The Blue Ridge Mountain region includes two national parks, the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, with the Skyline Drive running through it, offering visitors the ultimate scenic drive.
 

National Forests

Photo Credit: Oneniner

The Blue Ridge Mountains are also home to eight national forests, including the Chattahoochee, Nantahala, Pisgah, George Washington, and Jefferson National Forests. The Chattahoochee National Forest is located in North Georgia, providing the picturesque landscape and outdoor adventures that the region is known for.
 

Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Now that you know a little bit about the Blue Ridge Mountains, we get to brag on the part we love the most: the Georgia portion!

The Georgia Blue Ridge mountains are located at the northern tip of the state, just before crossing over to Tennessee and North Carolina. This portion of the Blue Ridge mountains includes numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, state parks, national forests, and rivers. Brasstown Bald is the highest point of the Blue Ridge mountains in Georgia, with its peak elevation reaching 4,784 feet.

With our vacation rentals sprinkled throughout the small towns of these mountains, it’s easy to take advantage of the adventures they provide.
 

The Chattahoochee National Forest

The Chattahoochee National Forest spans over 750,000 acres of protected land in North Georgia. The national forest is home to over 500 wildlife species, thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and over 800 miles of hiking trails.

There are plenty of recreational areas throughout the national forest along lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and more. They even include picnic spots, beach areas, and historic sites to explore. Entrance to the recreational areas is $5/day.

If you’re looking for a scenic drive through the Chattahoochee National Forest, head to the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Highway. This 40-mile stretch gives you an up-close look at the wonders of the national forest from every angle. While it is beautiful during any season, we recommend driving this scenic route during Autumn to experience the beautiful fall colors.
 

Georgia’s Appalachian Trail

Photo Credit: Jonathan A. Mauer

Perhaps the most famous North American hiking trail is the Appalachian Trail, which runs the length of the Appalachian Mountains. Lucky for our guests, the trail begins in North Georgia, giving visitors access to 78 miles of this infamous trail.
 

Springer Mountain

Photo Credit: Kelly vanDellen

The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is Springer Mountain, just a short drive from Ellijay and surrounding towns. At its summit, take in the beautiful views of the Chattahoochee National Forest before making your way to the Benton Mackaye Trail until you reach Ball Mountain. This track takes 5 miles roundtrip.

If you prefer a longer day hike, start the trailhead at Amicalola Falls State Park, where you’ll witness the largest natural waterfall in Georgia on your ten-mile journey.
 

Rocky Mountain

Rocky Mountain might not be the highest mountain in Georgia, but it sure is one of the steepest. If you’re looking for a challenge along the Appalachian Trail, this hike is for you.

Starting at the trailhead to Unicoi Gap, you’ll hike up a steep staircase before you summit Rocky Mountain and catch views of the neighboring Yonah Mountain. To get back down, you’ll hike through tunnels before reaching the Indian Grave Gap. This 5-mile hike is challenging but well worth it.

P.S. Check out this complete guide to the Appalachian Trail in Georgia for plenty of hiking trails near our vacation rentals.
 

Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountain Rivers

Photo Credit: M Vilaret

If you’re hoping for water activities on your mountain getaway, there are plenty of opportunities! The Blue Ridge Mountain rivers that wind through Northern Georgia are perfect for fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and more.

Head to the nearby Toccoa River for whitewater rapids, kayaking, canoeing, and fly fishing adventures. The Toccoa River Canoe Trail is a 14-mile trail for people of all ages to enjoy views of the mountains as they canoe. The Toccoa River flows into Lake Blue Ridge, a popular North Georgia spot known for its endless water activities.
 

Stay and Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains

As you can see, the Blue Ridge Mountains are one-of-a-kind. The North Georgia portion of the mountains is home to countless rivers and streams, lush forests, rich wildlife, and incredible mountain peaks just waiting for you to experience.

The small towns burrowed in the mountains are the perfect landing spot to explore the great outdoors. Between Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, and more, you have easy access to the incredible landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What are you waiting for? Book your Blue Sky Cabin rental and see for yourself what makes this mountain range so special!