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.
Train rides, theme parks, caves and easy walks work well with children. These are places where a whole group can find something to do.
Luray, VA · Shenandoah and Central Virginia
A large cave system near Luray with tall formations that visitors see on a guided walk. It is a good rainy-day stop and is close to Shenandoah National Park.
No rentals here yet.
Shenandoah National Park, VA · Shenandoah and Central Virginia
A short, steep trail near Big Meadows leads down to a cascading waterfall. The walk back up takes more effort than the walk down. The trailhead is on Skyline Drive near milepost 50.7, and contact details here are for the park.
No rentals here yet.
McGaheysville, VA · Shenandoah and Central Virginia
A mountain resort in the Shenandoah Valley with ski slopes and snow tubing in winter. In warmer months it is also a base for a water park and other resort activities.
No rentals here yet.
Roanoke, VA · Roanoke and Southwest Virginia
A large lighted star on Mill Mountain above Roanoke that can be seen from much of the valley. The park around it has an overlook with views of the city. The star is lit every night.
No rentals here yet.
Natural Bridge, VA · Roanoke and Southwest Virginia
A stone arch more than 200 feet high carved by a creek, with a trail beneath it and walks to a small waterfall. Thomas Jefferson once owned the land. It is now a Virginia state park.
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.
Abingdon, VA · Roanoke and Southwest Virginia
A converted railroad grade that runs from Abingdon toward the North Carolina line, popular for biking, especially downhill from Whitetop. The trail crosses old trestles and runs beside a creek. Phone shown is for Abingdon's visitor center.
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.
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.
Blowing Rock, NC · NC High Country
A family theme park built around a coal-fired steam train ride through the woods. It also has rides, shows and seasonal events. Hours and operating seasons change, so check the website.
Sugar Mountain, NC · NC High Country
The tallest ski mountain in North Carolina, with a wide range of slopes and a tubing park in winter. Many of the rentals in the area are close to its slopes.
Beech Mountain, NC · NC High Country
A ski resort on the highest town in the eastern United States, with slopes and snow tubing in winter. The area also has mountain biking and views in warmer months.
Blowing Rock, NC · NC High Country
A small, family-friendly ski area near Blowing Rock with night skiing and a ski school. It has beginner terrain and is often a good choice for people learning.
Laurel Springs, NC · NC High Country
A long stretch of one of the oldest rivers in North America, with canoe and tube access and camping. The park has several access points along the river. Navigation apps often misplace the main address, so use the park's directions.
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.
Chimney Rock, NC · Asheville and Southern NC Mountains
A tall granite spire above Lake Lure with a walk and stairs to the top and a trail to a waterfall. Entry may require a timed ticket in busy periods, so check the park's website.
No rentals here yet.
Cedar Mountain, NC · Asheville and Southern NC Mountains
A state forest with several waterfalls, lakes and miles of trails for walking, biking and horseback riding. Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls are the best known. The forest is managed by the N.C. Forest Service, and a mailing address is listed rather than a street address.
No rentals here yet.
Hendersonville, NC · Asheville and Southern NC Mountains
Henderson County grows most of North Carolina's apples. Orchards sell fruit, cider and baked goods in the fall, and the area hosts the N.C. Apple Festival each year. Contact details here are for the Henderson County visitor center, which has a self-guided orchard map.
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.
Gatlinburg, TN · Great Smoky Mountains
A busy tourist town at the main entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with shops, restaurants and attractions along its main street. It is a short drive from many trailheads. Contact details here are for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
No rentals here yet.
Pigeon Forge, TN · Great Smoky Mountains
A theme park in Pigeon Forge with roller coasters, live music shows and craft demonstrations. It holds seasonal events through the year. Hours and ticket prices change, so check the website.
No rentals here yet.
Gatlinburg, TN · Great Smoky Mountains
A mountaintop attraction above downtown Gatlinburg, reached by a lift, with a treetop walk, a suspension bridge and shops. It offers broad views of the surrounding mountains.
No rentals here yet.
Cherokee, NC · Great Smoky Mountains
The town at the heart of the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, at the North Carolina entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park's Oconaluftee Visitor Center and a pioneer farmstead are just north of town. Address shown is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
No rentals here yet.
Bryson City, NC · Great Smoky Mountains
Excursion trains leave from the depot in Bryson City for trips along the Tuckasegee River and through the Nantahala Gorge. Bryson City itself has shops and restaurants.
No rentals here yet.
Bryson City, NC · Great Smoky Mountains
An outfitter on the Nantahala River offering guided whitewater rafting, kayak lessons and other outdoor activities. The river runs through a forested gorge, with rafting in season.
No rentals here yet.
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.
Blue Ridge, GA · North Georgia Mountains
A reservoir surrounded by national forest land, used for swimming, boating and fishing. There is a Forest Service recreation area on its shore. Contact details are for the Forest Service's Blue Ridge Ranger District.
No rentals here yet.
Blue Ridge, GA · North Georgia Mountains
A cold, clear river known for tubing, paddling and trout fishing, with a long swinging footbridge on the Benton MacKaye Trail. Sandy Bottoms is a Forest Service area on its banks. Phone shown is the Forest Service's Blue Ridge Ranger District.
No rentals here yet.
Blue Ridge, GA · North Georgia Mountains
A large orchard just north of Blue Ridge with a farm market, bakery and pick-your-own fruit in season. Fall brings apples, cider and donuts. Hours vary through the year, so check before you go.
No rentals here yet.
Helen, GA · North Georgia Mountains
A village styled after a Bavarian town, with shops, restaurants and tubing on the Chattahoochee River in summer. It holds an Oktoberfest each fall. Contact details here are for the Helen Welcome Center.
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.
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.