Hiking Around Blue Ridge

Question

Hello, My husband and I will be visiting the Blue Ridge area later this week and are interested in doing a few hikes. I use the AllTrails app, so I know where the trails are located, but I’m wondering if they will be busy this time of year, and do the parking areas fill up fast? We are used to visiting Great Smoky Mountains NP, where the parking lots can fill up fast during the summer.

Answer

The Blue Ridge area is a beautiful place for hiking, with its stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and scenic trails. As for your question about how busy the trails and parking areas will be, here's what you can expect:

Blue Ridge, especially during the fall and early spring, can be a bit busy on weekends, but it's generally less crowded than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the week, especially on weekdays, the trails tend to be quieter, giving you a more peaceful experience. However, certain popular trails and scenic areas can still see more foot traffic, particularly as people come to enjoy the changing leaves in the fall or spring wildflowers.

Trails and Crowds: Some of the more popular hikes near Blue Ridge, like the Aska Trails or the Appalachian Trail sections in the area, may see a steady number of hikers, especially on weekends. However, there are also many less trafficked trails where you can have a more secluded experience.
Parking Areas: The parking areas for the more popular trails, such as those near Fall Branch Falls or Blue Ridge Lake, can fill up quickly on weekends, especially in the afternoon. If you plan to hike these more popular spots, it's best to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot before the crowds arrive.
Less Crowded Options: If you want to avoid the crowds, consider checking out some lesser-known trails, such as the Green Mountain Trail or Rich Mountain Wilderness. These spots are generally quieter, offering a more tranquil experience.

Since you're familiar with the Great Smoky Mountains NP and know how parking lots can fill up quickly during peak times, the same principle applies in Blue Ridge but with slightly fewer crowds. If you plan to hike on weekends or during peak tourist seasons, arriving early in the day will help you find parking easily. If you're visiting during the week, you’ll likely find the trails much less crowded and the parking lots more spacious.

Enjoy your hike and the beautiful scenery in Blue Ridge! It’s a fantastic place to experience the outdoors, and with a little planning, you can enjoy the trails without too much hustle and bustle.