The Majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Mountains, a strand of the Appalachian Mountains, contain the highest mountain elevations in the eastern United States and sometimes called the "Rocky Mountains of the East."

Through major changes, each generation has cherished their Blue Ridge Mountain culture and kept their mountain traditions alive through their music, story telling, folk art, and way of life.

Ashe County, North Carolina

On your travels through the Blue Ridge Mountains, one area to consider visiting is Ashe County. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge and the most northwestern county of North Carolina, a paradise for nature lovers, Ashe contains hundreds of acres of preserved state and federal parks. Here you will find one of the world's oldest rivers, the New River, great for canoeing, the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, many hiking trails, native trout streams, and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, backcountry roads to explore, barn art throughout the county, small family farms and some of the friendliest people in the world.

Within Ashe County, there are three small towns. West Jefferson, a thriving small mountain town, being the largest and most active of Ashe County's three is a favorite High Country destination. The town lies in a valley, with the mountains surrounding the town. Mount Jefferson State Park, with 539 acres of natural area and elevations up to 5,000 feet rise high above the town. Magnificent from a distance, the mountain it is best appreciated from the top offering fantastic long-range views into Virginia and Tennessee. There you will find hiking trails, picnic areas and bird watching venues.

The charm and character of downtown West Jefferson include an arts district, with art galleries and outside murals, unique shops, a town park and excellent restaurants.

Summer Weekends

During summer weekends, you will find mountain music in the park, street dancing, gallery crawls, festivals and people gathering to watch cheese made at the Ashe County Cheese Factory, partaking a glass of New River Winery's famous blueberry wine, or shopping at the back street farmers market. There is something for everyone in downtown West Jefferson.

Take a short drive to the community of Glendale Springs, to the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church where world-renowned Ben Long, painted his first frescos. At Glendale Springs, an exit from the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will find the famous Glendale Springs Inn, Silver Designs, The Northwest Trading Post, Blue Ridge Bakery and Café, and The Paul and Florence Thomas Memorial Art School.

North Carolina High Country

During your travels through the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will find many interesting things to do and see in the North Carolina High Country. Some of these attractions include a visit to Grandfather Mountain, the Biltmore House in Asheville, the Mast General Store, Tweetsie Railroad, Emerald Village, and Lineville Caverns. These attractions along with the splendor of the Blue Ridge make the North Carolina High Country a great place to visit or to spend a lifetime.

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