10 Amazing Facts About The Blue Ridge Mountains

In North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of the most popular destinations for both nature and culture. From the uncharted beauties to natural wonders to hidden traditions, the Blue Ridge has much to offer.

However, there are other hidden gems in this wondrous landscape of North Carolina. Here are 10 amazing facts about the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Check them out!

1. The Blue Ridge Range Was Most Likely Created 1.1 billion To 250 Million Years Ago

Did you know that the Blue Ridge range may have been created 1.1 billion to 250 million years ago? True!

“Due to the uplifting of the Earth’s tectonic plates some time ago, the Blue Ridge Range stands as the second oldest mountain range in the world,” says Matthew Kacey, a travel blogger at Writinity and Draft Beyond. “With a long lifetime, the Blue Ridge Range stands as testament of a natural beauty that has lasted for centuries, alongside South Africa’s Barberton greenstone belt, the current oldest mountain on the planet.”

2. There’s A Backstory Behind The Blue Fog

The cinematic Blue Fog of the Blue Ridge has an interest origin behind it. It’s named as such because of its pinnacles and edges that are enclosed by delicate blue cloudiness. This cloudiness creates an illusion of there almost being a whole chain of mountains extending from Virginia and North Carolina, and also expanding about 100 miles into Georgia. And, it makes up the southernmost piece of the Appalachian Mountains, which extends from north Georgia through New England.

3. There’s A Rich Social Legacy With The Southern Appalachians

The Blue Ridge makes for a rich social legacy that associates with the Southern Appalachians. In that legacy, there was societal music and craftsmanship. Of this legendary music came country music, which can be played with acoustic instruments, and is reminiscent of both conventional Scottish and Irish society music.

4. This Is Home To Various Charming Towns

Believe it or not, the Blue Ridge comes with a variety of charming towns for people to visit. If you’re looking for small-town environments surrounded by forestry and amazing summits, then these mountains are the places to be for extravagant restaurants, shopping, traditions, and many outdoor activities. And, if you want to learn more about Appalachian culture, then the towns in the Blue Ridge have you covered!

5. You Can Locate The Eastern Continental Divide Here

Ever wondered where the Eastern Continental Divide is? Then look no further than the Blue Ridge Mountains!

When you visit the mountains’ peak, you’ll come across a line known as the Eastern Continental Divide. This line isolates waterways streaming toward the east into the Atlantic Ocean, while those stream the other way to the Gulf of Mexico.

6. The Blue Ridge Parkway Took 52+ Years To Complete

Now, the Parkway in the Blue Ridge Mountains was in production for a good while. Why? Because the construction was controversial for the following reasons:

• The funding was questionable.
• The location was almost conflicting, due to the landscape. AND,
• Progress was prolonging, in conjunction with funding and location issues.

Construction started in 1935, and finished on September 11, 1987. During these 52 years in production, 26 tunnels were created through mountain ridges, along with many bridges.

7. The Blue Ridge Parkway Is Home To The Biltmore Estate

If you’re into real estate, then you might be interested in the Biltmore Estate. Did you know that the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest house in America? It is!

8. The Galax Plant Is Endangered At The Blue Ridge

“The Blue Ridge is a wondrous place for agriculture,” says Chris Johnson, a writer at Research papers UK and Last minute writing. “Its most predominant plant is the Galax Plant, which is one of the most endangered plant species in the world. Therefore, the Parkway has made it illegal to collect leaves of the Galax Plant, because of its long-time medicinal purposes in the Southern Appalachia.”

9. The Blue Ridge Is Home To Beautiful Spring Wildflowers

The Blue Ridge is also home to various spring wildflowers, with over 1,600 plant species – 80% of them wildflowers! Here are some of the best flowers to view at the Blue Ridge:

• Violets
• Lady’s slippers
• Trillium
• Black-eyed Susans
• Bloodroot
• Bee balm
• Bluets, AND
• Spring beauty

10. Great Smoky Mountains NP Protects Black Bears In The U.S.

Finally, if you love animals, then you’ll be glad to know that the Blue Ridge cares for American black bears, one of the most endangered animals in the world. As such, Great Smoky Mountains NP is the largest protected habitat for Black Bears in the country, with over 1,500 to date.

Conclusion

So, there you have it!

These 10 facts sound amazing, right? So, what are you waiting for? Take a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and see for yourself!

Ashley Halsey is a writer and editor at Business assignments and Gum Essays. As a professional writer, she has been involved in many projects throughout the country.