Things To Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains as a Member at The Cliffs
The Blue Ridge Mountains are unmatched in their beauty. From Georgia to Pennsylvania, this mountain range offers a variety of recreational opportunities and breathtaking scenic views wrapped up in a magical blue haze.
Members of The Cliffs have the privilege of living in this natural wonder. As a result, they regularly enjoy playing in the mountains, from hiking to biking and horseback riding. Life is an adventure here in the foothills of Appalachia.
If you have yet to visit, or better yet are considering a move to the Blue Ridge Mountains, here are the best things to do in the blue ridge mountains to add to your bucket list.
1. Appreciate the World-Class Views
There is something beautiful about a mountain view, but the Blue Ridge Mountains in particular are known for their unique scenery. The layered peaks form a sea of mountains that sprawls for miles in every direction and at certain times of day a blue haze appears above the peaks, thus the name, the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you pull over and stop at a scenic point or decide to hit the trails, make sure you take a moment to soak in that glorious view.
Living at The Cliffs means becoming part of this breathtaking view. Within our private gates are miles upon miles of natural splendor surrounding the homes at each of our seven communities at The Cliffs. All you have to do is get out there and explore it!
2. See Some of the Country’s Best Fall Foliage
Fall foliage in the Western Carolinas is fiercely competitive with that of New England’s. As a result, the most popular thing to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains is “leaf peeping” to view the fall colors.
Against the haze of blue, the views are simply spectacular, defined by shades of vibrant yellow and orange. Keeping the landscape as natural and wild as possible is a main priority at The Cliffs, so being surrounded by these world-famous colors right in your own community is an unforgettable experience.
3. Explore Small Towns with Appalachian Culture
Visit one of the many small towns located tucked along these mountains to take in an authentic Appalachian experience. The mountain quaint towns of Marshall, Cherokee, Crossnore, Franklin, Rutherfordton, and Marion have picturesque main streets and tons of history. Learn about the Appalachian culture as you explore each one, just miles from different communities at The Cliffs.
Several charming towns and cities lie close to our communities teeming with historic culture. Some of our members’ favorite places to explore include Asheville, Greenville, and Clemson.
See Our List of Things To Do in The Charming Small Towns Surrounding The Cliffs.
4. Cross White Water Rafting off Your Bucket List
White water rafting is an exciting way to get your adrenaline pumping and to see the Blue Ridge Mountains from a new perspective. As you navigate through white foam rapids you’ll get a great view of the beautiful scenery. Trust us when we say it’s an adventure you don’t want to miss, as you can’t help but feel awestruck by the surrounding nature and the sounds of the water.
In the Carolinas, white water rafting consistently ranks among the best adventures to be had. At The Cliffs, you have two nationally-recognized rafting areas close by. The Nantahala River offers rapids from class I to III for a fun challenge with the family, while the Chattooga River offers some IV and V class rapids for a real thrill.
5. Mine for Gold and Gemstones
A kid-favorite activity that’s known as one of the best things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains is gold and gemstone mining. With many mining sites scattered throughout the Carolinas, you can find plenty of places to spend a few hours digging. Common varieties you can find around here include rubies, sapphires, emeralds, aquamarine, garnet, moonstone, rose quartz, topaz, and tourmaline. Use these stones for jewelry, decor, or as a simple memento to remind you of your time exploring the mountains.
6. Experience True Bluegrass Music
Bluegrass music is firmly rooted in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Five-string banjos and fiddles dominated the music scene in this area. Music venues are found throughout the many towns and cities around here, so be sure to attend at least one show for the full experience.
Popular Bluegrass venues to check out include Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, Jack of the Wood and Wicked Weed Funkatorium in Asheville, The Depot in Marshall, and the Historic Rickman Store in Franklin.
7. Pass Through Wine Country
Visit the Carolina wine country for a scenic and fun way to experience the many things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now you can take what you have learned from our wine consortium program and sommeliers and put it to use!
One of the best terrains for growing grapes can be found in our area. Most vineyards feature locally-grown grapes for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and Viognier. Also available are fruit wines made of muscadine grapes, excellent for sipping on a warm summer’s day.
Some beautiful vineyards within a short distance of roughly an hour or less from our communities include:
- Mountain Brook Vineyards, Tryon, North Carolina
- Point Lookout Vineyards, Hendersonville, North Carolina
- Victoria Valley Vineyards, Cleveland, South Carolina
- Eagle Mountain Vineyards and Winery, Travelers Rest, South Carolina
- Stone Ashe Vineyards, Hendersonville, North Carolina
- Currahee Vineyard and Winery, Toccoa, Georgia
8. Take in the View from the Passenger Seat
Traveling through the mountains of North Carolina is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. Perhaps the most popular thing to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains is to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go for a drive and take in the scenes as you come across landscapes filled with layered mountain views, blue haze, and beautiful blue skies.
Luxury Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are calling you home. Come home to one of our seven gorgeous mountain communities, three of which are also located right on the shores of Lake Keowee.
Seven exclusive communities with high-end amenities and even better views make for incredible living here at The Cliffs. Exceptional homes with fine details and high-end fixtures also enhance the lifestyle. Best of all, community memberships grant you access to the endless amenities, events, dining venues, and golf courses that can be found here.
To learn more about our seven mountain and lake communities, click the link below.
