Vacation In Appalachian Mountains
Appalachia means ‘mountains’, and there are plenty of them in the region. The highest Appalachian Mountain called Clingman’s Dome is at 6643ft=2024m. The region has numerous mountain ridges, peaks, and valleys to explore, but there are also different kinds of other vacation activities that might interest you.
The number of tourism in Appalachian Mountains is increasing year by year, and this popularity is the reason why more and more people are trying to visit this place.
Vacation In Appalachian Mountains
There are a lot of small towns in America to love, and if you’re planning to hike the Appalachian Trail, you’ll soon get a front-row seat to some of the best. Hopping on and off the trail to visit a few of these quaint communities can add time to your expedition, but trust us, it will make the trip all the more worthwhile. Keep reading to discover 10 of our favorite small towns along the 2,190-mile trail, perfect for both “thru-hikers” or those just visiting the AT for a day hike.
Blue Ridge, Georgia
This bucolic hamlet seems straight out of a country song, complete with mountain vistas, lakefront cabins, and a population of 1,157 people who are waiting to welcome you.
Despite its small town stature, there is no shortage of accommodation options. The recently opened Hampton Inn Blue Ridge is for you if soaking up views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from a rooftop bar and restaurant sounds like your dream day off the trail. For entertainment, venture to Swan Drive-In, one of only three remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia. If you’ve got more time, hop aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a 26-mile train ride through the verdant landscape, starting at the town’s historic depot. We’d be remiss not to direct you to Mercier Orchards for the juiciest apples and restaurants like Black Sheep and Harvest on Main for delectable eats.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
This town of 285 inhabitants has four miles of the AT passing through it and is the headquarters of the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy, where you can swing by to grab guides and maps, learn about the trail from staffers, and shop for souvenirs.
The town has some historical importance as well. In 1859, John Brown’s raid took place here in an attempt to orchestrate a slave revolt, widely considered to be the “dress rehearsal” to the Civil War. During your stay here, you can visit Brown’s fort and other historic sites like St. Peter’s Catholic Church (the only church in town that wasn’t ransacked during the Civil War) and the location of 1861’s The Battle of Bolivar Heights, an early face-off during the Civil War. Another local draw is Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, a restored 19th-century industrial village and its surrounding natural environs. With adequately rested feet, venture to the park’s Jefferson Rock lookout or The Point to see where the Potomac River meets the Shenandoah River.
If you’re up for some thrills during your stopover, hit the Potomac River for whitewater rafting or tubing with River Riders, or explore their aerial adventure park or zip-lining course, home to a 1,000-foot zip line over the river. When your belly starts to rumble, grab a bite at The Anvil Restaurant (the jumbo lump crab cakes and hot crab dip are both sensational) or The Rabbit Hole for American classics and terrace hangout sessions. As night falls, retreat to the homey Town’s Inn or equally cozy Stonehouse B&B, a “doily-free environment” built in 1839.
North Conway, New Hampshire
The fine people of North Conway, a town situated 28 miles south of New Hampshire’s flagship Mount Washington, are used to welcoming AT hikers. As one of the most popular stops along the route, the residents will make you feel right at home whether you seek out a post-hike massage at Sacred Circle Wellness or celebratory brews and burgers at Delaney’s Hole in the Wall.
Post up at North Conway Grand Hotel, a White Mountains retreat that shines in the fall when peak foliage is on view. And, if you happen to fall in love with the town, make sure to make your way back in winter for a ski vacation. The town is home to Wildcat Mountain, one of the few ski areas in the state that was hand-cut by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a federal program created during the 1930s. (It’s also a mountain you pass on your way off of Mount Washington on the AT.)
The Greenbrier hotel is a magnificent asset of the United States. It’s been operating as a hotel since 1778. That makes it one of the oldest hotels in America. It’s even been used by presidents for secret meetings. The property has survived civil war, reconstruction and hurricanes. At one point it was also thought to be haunted because of its rich history and spooky location. If you are looking for a vacation, this is the place for you.