Visit Virginia’s Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains
Appalachian Trail - 5 Miles From Hotel
This famous, massive trail extends more than 2,000 miles, all the way from Georgia to Maine. With parking available just minutes from our lodge, you can enter the trail at the Wind Rock trailhead.
Wind Rock Trailhead - 5 Miles From Hotel
This moderate hike leads to an incredible view from a rocky outcrop that looms over the Mountain Lake region. A mesmerizing draw for photographers and nature lovers, this trail is just minutes away.
Horse Nettle Trailhead - 10 Miles From Hotel
With a canopy of pine and oak trees looming overhead, this trail is perfect for hot, sunny days, or for enjoying the fall foliage. Catch glimpses of birds, wildflowers, and other unique wildlife.
Cascade Falls Trailhead - 10 Miles From Hotel
If you're visiting the Blue Ride Mountains, Cascade Falls is a must-see. Hike along this moderate trail which culminates when you arrive to the falls themselves, which stand over 60 feet tall.
Peters Mountain Wilderness Trailhead - 20 Miles From Hotel
Explore the rugged Peters Mountain Wilderness near our lodge, a part of the Mountain Lake Wilderness, and stop by overlooks that offer impressive views of hills of West Virginia and beyond.
Where Are The Blue Ridge Mountains?
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a range of mountains located in the eastern United States, specifically in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Maryland. They are part of the larger Appalachian Mountain system, which runs from eastern Canada down to Alabama. The Blue Ridge Mountains are known for their scenic beauty and are a popular destination for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.What Wildlife Can I See In The Blue Ridge Mountains?
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:1. Black bears
2. White-tailed deer
3. Red and grey foxes
4. Coyotes
5. Bobcats
6. Raccoons
7. Opossums
8. Skunks
9. Eastern cottontail rabbits
10. Gray and red squirrels
Why Are The Blue Ridge Mountains Blue?
The Blue Ridge Mountains get their name from the blue haze that often surrounds them, giving them a distinctive blue appearance from a distance. The blue haze is caused by a combination of factors, including the release of volatile organic compounds by trees and other vegetation, as well as the scattering of sunlight by the water droplets and particles in the atmosphere.The volatile organic compounds released by the vegetation in the Blue Ridge Mountains include a type of hydrocarbon called isoprene, which is emitted in large quantities by trees such as oaks and poplars. When these compounds mix with the atmosphere and sunlight, they form particles that scatter blue light more than other colors, giving the mountains their characteristic blue hue.
In addition to the natural factors that contribute to the blue appearance of the Blue Ridge Mountains, human activities such as air pollution can also contribute to the haze and affect the visibility of the mountains.