Visiting the Appalachian Mountains means journeying into some of America's heartlands. This impressive mountain range extends from northern Georgia all the way into Maine, covering parts of Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and many other Atlantic states along the way. There are thousands of miles of trails and dozens of state parks encompassed within the mountains, offering hiking, camping, museums, history and much more.
While hiking and camping are the obvious activities for visitors to the Appalachian Mountains, there are many other ways to enjoy these beautiful outdoors. Visitors to Grandfather Mountain in Tennessee, for example, can bike along twelve miles of maintained trails, picnic at the Summit, take a stroll along the Mile High Bridge or look for fresh berry patches and wildlife. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, you can take a dip in beautiful Rainbow Falls or Linville Falls. You can also head north to West Virginia for cave exploration in Seneca Caverns or some rock climbing along the Shawangunk Ridge in New York state.
If you're looking for something different, the Appalachian Mountains are full to bursting with history and culture to soak up. In West Virginia and northwestern Maryland, check out Harper's Ferry and Antietam, both of which played pivotal roles in the American Civil War. In northern Georgia is Blood Mountain, a sacred spot to the Cherokee Indians, and also the beginning point of the Trail of Tears that resulted in the removal of the Cherokee in the 1830s. You can also head north to Maine's Mount Katahdin, an important spot for writer Henry David Thoreau as well as numerous other poets and artists.
When you've had your fill of the great outdoors, you can seek out some new thrills in the midst of the Appalachian Mountains. Near Charlottesville, Virginia is the Blue Mountain Brewery and Afton Mountain Vineyards, where you can enjoy excellent hand-crafted vintages, great food and stunning landscapes. You can also head north and take a spin through Hershey Park near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania or detour a bit into New York City for some sightseeing. In addition, there are amusement parks throughout the mountains, including Tweetsie Railroad in western North Carolina, King's Dominion in Virginia, the National Zoo in D.C., Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey and Storyland in New Hampshire.
Whether you want to see the great outdoors, tour the cities or delve into the local life, the Appalachian Mountains offer something for everyone. Visit anytime of the year or come back again and again for weeks of fun.
