The Blue Ridge runs from northern Virginia through the Carolinas into north Georgia. Pick a region below to see what is there, then find a rental close by.
Leaves usually turn first on the highest ridges in early October and move down to the valleys by late October or early November. The timing shifts every year.
Shenandoah National Park, VA · Shenandoah and Central Virginia
Skyline Drive is a slow road along the ridge of Shenandoah National Park, with overlooks every few miles and trailheads along the way. It is especially popular in October when the leaves turn. An entrance fee applies, and the road can close in winter weather.
No rentals here yet.
Catawba, VA · Roanoke and Southwest Virginia
A rock ledge on the Appalachian Trail above the Catawba Valley, among the most photographed spots on the trail. The hike is long enough that you should plan most of a day. Parking has been changing, so check with the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club before you drive out.
No rentals here yet.
Bedford, VA · Roanoke and Southwest Virginia
A recreation area on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a small lake at the base of Sharp Top and trails to summit views. There is a lodge and a visitor center, with seasonal hours. Phone shown is the Parkway's main number.
No rentals here yet.
Meadows of Dan, VA · Roanoke and Southwest Virginia
An old water-powered gristmill beside the Blue Ridge Parkway near Meadows of Dan, with a mill pond and a trail past other historic buildings. A restaurant serves meals in season. Phone shown is the Parkway's main number.
No rentals here yet.
Mouth of Wilson, VA · Roanoke and Southwest Virginia
High open balds near Mount Rogers where wild ponies graze, with trails that cross the Appalachian Trail. The ponies are wild, so keep your distance and do not feed them.
No rentals here yet.
Linville, NC · NC High Country
A nonprofit nature park with the Mile High Swinging Bridge, hiking trails and wildlife habitats. The summit area is often windy and cooler than the valleys. Admission is charged at the entrance.
Linville, NC · NC High Country
A curving concrete bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway that winds around the side of Grandfather Mountain. A short paved path from the visitor center gets you underneath for views of the bridge. Phone shown is the Parkway's main number.
Blowing Rock, NC · NC High Country
A rock outcrop high above the Johns River gorge, known for a local legend and wide valley views. It sits just outside the town of Blowing Rock, which has shops and restaurants on its main street.
Linville Falls, NC · NC High Country
A multi-tiered waterfall at the head of Linville Gorge, with short trails to several overlooks. The visitor center and trailhead are off a spur road from the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 316. Phone shown is the Parkway's main number.
Linville Falls, NC · NC High Country
A deep, rugged gorge in Pisgah National Forest, often called the Grand Canyon of the East. Wiseman's View is a short walk from a road and gives a broad look into the gorge. Trails inside the gorge are steep and demanding. Contact details are for the Forest Service's Grandfather Ranger District.
Todd, NC · NC High Country
A state park with a trail to a high summit and open views across the High Country and into Tennessee. The summit trail is steady but not technical. Check the park's website for trail closures.
Asheville, NC · Asheville and Southern NC Mountains
A large historic mansion in Asheville set on landscaped grounds, with gardens, a winery and a village of shops. Admission is charged and tickets are usually bought in advance.
No rentals here yet.
Burnsville, NC · Asheville and Southern NC Mountains
The park around the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, with an observation platform near the summit. The road reaches close to the top, and the weather is often cold and cloudy. Check the park's website for current status.
No rentals here yet.
Asheville, NC · Asheville and Southern NC Mountains
A high, open area on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville with short trails, a visitor center and views. Rhododendrons bloom here in June. Phone shown is the Parkway's main number.
No rentals here yet.
Pisgah Forest, NC · Asheville and Southern NC Mountains
A granite dome in Pisgah National Forest that shines when water runs down its face in cold weather. The trail to the top is a steady climb of several miles round trip. The parking area fills quickly on weekends.
No rentals here yet.
Waynesville, NC · Asheville and Southern NC Mountains
A high-elevation valley off the Blue Ridge Parkway with waterfalls, open meadows and blueberry bushes. It is popular in all seasons, so expect a full parking lot on nice days. Phone shown is the Parkway's main number.
No rentals here yet.
Townsend, TN · Great Smoky Mountains
A broad valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an 11-mile one-way loop road past old cabins, churches and farms. Deer and other wildlife are often seen. The loop can be crowded, and the road is closed to cars on some mornings in season. Phone shown is the park's main number.
No rentals here yet.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Great Smoky Mountains
The highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a paved, uphill walk to an observation tower. The access road is closed in winter, usually from December through March. Phone shown is the park's main number.
No rentals here yet.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Great Smoky Mountains
A mountain pass on the main road across Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. The overlook has long views and the Appalachian Trail crosses here. Phone shown is the park's main number.
No rentals here yet.
Gatlinburg, TN · Great Smoky Mountains
A high Smokies peak reached by several long, steep trails, with a rustic lodge at the top that you can only reach on foot. Even a day hike on one of its trails is strenuous. Website and phone here are for LeConte Lodge.
No rentals here yet.
Roan Mountain, TN · NC High Country
A high ridge on the Tennessee and North Carolina line known for grassy balds and a large stand of Catawba rhododendron that blooms in mid-to-late June. The Rhododendron Gardens are managed by the Forest Service, and Roan Mountain State Park is nearby in the valley.
Blue Ridge, GA · North Georgia Mountains
Excursion trains leave the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge for rides along the Toccoa River toward the Tennessee line. Fall color trips are especially popular, so book ahead.
No rentals here yet.
Dawsonville, GA · North Georgia Mountains
A state park centered on a tall waterfall, among the highest in the eastern United States, with an overlook near the top and stairs along the falls. The Appalachian Trail's approach trail starts here.
No rentals here yet.
Hiawassee, GA · North Georgia Mountains
The highest point in Georgia, with a visitor center, an exhibit hall and an observation deck at the top. A paved trail climbs from the parking area, and a shuttle may run in busy seasons. It is operated by the Forest Service and charges a fee.
No rentals here yet.
Tallulah Falls, GA · North Georgia Mountains
A deep gorge with a suspension bridge across it, rim trails and overlooks. Permits are needed to hike to the floor, and are limited on many days.
No rentals here yet.
Blairsville, GA · North Georgia Mountains
One of Georgia's oldest state parks, set in the mountains near Blairsville with a small lake, hiking trails and camping. The lake has been drained for dam repairs at times, so check conditions before planning a swim or a lakeside walk.
No rentals here yet.