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Top 28 Mountain Town / State Park Trips In The Blue Ridge

Outdoor days and downtown stays: our readers pick the best trips to mountain towns with a nearby state park.

Top Town/Park Pairs: Population 50,000+

Our readers pick the top 4 trips to mountain towns with a nearby state park and populations of over 50,000.

Guest Column: The Magic of these Mountains

Rosey Santerre is the Pendleton County Service Forester with the West Virginia Division of Forestry. While not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, growing food and playing in the woods.

From The Editor – Outdoors: Go Big, Go Long

Or go small and go short! That’s one of the many beauties of the Appalachian Trail through the Southern mountains—you can walk as little or as much as you like.

COVID Comeback: One Old Town’s Rebirth

The COVID year was hard in Fries, Virginia, as it was everywhere, but the green shoots have been surprising and substantial.

Current Issue

The rugged upper reaches of Grandfather Mountain State Park make a great pairing with Blowing Rock or Banner Elk, North Carolina.

Top 28 Mountain Town / State Park Trips In The Blue Ridge

Outdoor days and downtown stays: our readers pick the best trips to mountain towns with a nearby state park.
What’s a visit to Asheville, North Carolina without a stop at the Biltmore Estate?

Top Town/Park Pairs: Population 50,000+

Our readers pick the top 4 trips to mountain towns with a nearby state park and populations of over 50,000.
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Guest Column: The Magic of these Mountains

Rosey Santerre is the Pendleton County Service Forester with the West Virginia Division of Forestry. While not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, growing food and playing in the woods.
5d74ea58-e329-11eb-9106-1244d5f7c7c6-AdobeStock_24279175

From The Editor – Outdoors: Go Big, Go Long

Or go small and go short! That’s one of the many beauties of the Appalachian Trail through the Southern mountains—you can walk as little or as much as you like.
After a storm, a dramatic cloud-scape wreaths the town of Fries. Each season has its own distinct beauty. INSET: Spring is a good time for visiting along Chestnut Creek, part of the 57-mile New River Trail State Park. Numerous access points dot the trail.

COVID Comeback: One Old Town’s Rebirth

The COVID year was hard in Fries, Virginia, as it was everywhere, but the green shoots have been surprising and substantial.
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Coyote (Canis latrans) wandering out from the forest into the loop road on a summer late morning.
Country Roads

Critters Crossing! 

States across the Blue Ridge are investing in wildlife crossings to protect animals and improve roadway safety.

September 1, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS