9 Best Parks to Visit in The Blue Ridge Mountains

Arguably the most picturesque mountains on the East Coast, the Blue Ridge Mountains are filled with amazing parks just waiting to be explored. These preserved areas open their gates to a number of outdoor activities that bring you one step closer to the splendors of mountain life.

From countless hiking and mountain biking trails to camping and fishing, the outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains are as varied as its landscapes. Let’s discover nine of the best parks to visit on your next adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

1. Stone Mountain State Park 

Known for the massive 600-foot granite dome that characterizes the park, Stone Mountain State Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. With more than 18 miles of trails and 20 miles of trout waters, park visitors can take part in a number of activities from hiking, climbing, fishing and camping. For those who would rather explore the park on horseback, there is also a five-mile equestrian trail. Nearby, is the Hutchinson Homestead, a mid-19th century mountain farm that has been restored and includes picnic grounds that are perfect for gathering with friends and family.  

2. E.B. Jeffress Park & The Cascades

The E.B. Jeffress Park is named in honor of the man who worked tirelessly to convince the Federal Government to place the Blue Ridge Parkway on its current route. This area is home to stunning waterfalls known as The Cascades. Located near Boone, NC, this 600-acre park offers meandering hiking trails that take you to various viewpoints for a closer look at the falls, without being too strenuous on hikers. Onsite, there are also picnic tables available to enjoy a quick bite to eat. 

3. Mount Mitchell State Park

Home to the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains, Mount Mitchell State Park offers a bird’s eye view of the blue-toned mountain tops that distinguish the landscape. Known for being North Carolina’s first state park since 1915, this historic area is just 35 miles northeast of Asheville. 

Once inside the park, visitors can make their way to the summit and bask in the 85-mile views from an observation deck. Here, there is also a museum, shop and restaurant. The park also has a number of other hiking trails that make their way through the dense balsam forests, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to spot native wildlife and plants.

4. Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is another popular park in the Blue Ridge Mountains that boasts some of the most dramatic vistas in the area. There are six hiking trails within the park that range from beginner treks to moderately strenuous hikes. Once at the summit of the 315-foot spire, visitors will arrive at the overlook that provides views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The park is also a wonderful place to fish for trout in the Rocky Broad River.

Related: Top 7 Hiking Trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains 

5. Julian Price Memorial Park

Located at the base of Grandfather Mountain, the Julian Price Memorial Park is a 4,200-acre park that is home to the 47-acre Price Lake and one of the most popular picnic spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Because of the sizable lake, this park is ideal for those who enjoy taking part in water sports, such as boating, canoeing and fishing. There is also a challenging 13-mile trail that makes its way along the slopes of the state’s iconic Grandfather Mountain.

6. Grandfather Mountain State Park

Grandfather Mountain stands tall amongst the other mountain tops in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the beautiful state park is a family-friendly attraction with miles of hiking trail options for all experience levels. On the park grounds, visitors can explore a nature museum, various wildlife habitats and picnicking areas. For those who forgot to pack a snack, there is a restaurant and fudge shop. Be sure to cross the famous mile-high swinging bridge during your visit!

7.Pisgah National Forest 

Located minutes away from downtown Asheville, the Pisgah National Forest is one of the most well-known parks in the area. Made up of more than 500,000 acres of hardwood forests, this protected area has it all. From rushing whitewater rivers, cascading waterfalls, and miles of hiking and backpacking trails, it’s the perfect place for your next mountain adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

8. Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest parks and is located in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Within the park you can find a number of hiking trails, perfect for exploring North Georgia’s natural landscape. Visitors can make their way to Trahlyta Falls waterfall, go fishing or camping, and even rent one of the 35 cottages located on the park grounds.

9. Amicalola State Park

Also located in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia is Amicalola State Park, one of the most popular parks to visit in the South. This park is named after a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters” which refers to the 729-foot Amicalola falls that can be found on the park grounds. In fact, this is the highest waterfall East of the Mississippi River! There is also an 8-mile hiking trail that leads to Springer Mountain, located at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. 

Make the Mountains Your Home

When you choose to call the Carolina mountains home, these nine amazing parks are only the beginning of mountain living. At The Cliffs, we have created a premier community that embodies the spirit of mountains and makes it easy to live an active lifestyle, right within our private gates. 

With luxurious amenities around every corner, our seven private communities make living in the Blue Ridge Mountains feel like you’re on a never-ending vacation. 

Once you purchase a property at The Cliffs, you will have the opportunity to become a club member, which opens the door to seven world-class golfing opportunities, seven wellness centers, hundreds of private social clubs, and much more. 

Take the first step today and discover available homesites and estates, cottages, and townhomes at The Cliffs. If you have any questions along the way, contact our team to request additional information. We’re always happy to help guide you through our process!