Mountains are some of the world’s most magnificent features, stretching across seas and land and everything in between. Most ranges are the aftermath of what we know as plate tectonics, but they also feature various other unique, fascinating characteristics. Here are five enchanting facts about the Blue Ridge Mountains that everyone should know.
The Blue Fog
A delicate blue fog drenches the Blue Ridge Mountains, hence their name. The southernmost section of the Appalachian chain, the ridge extends from North Carolina and Virginia, expanding into Georgia for about 100 miles. The edges and peaks cast a blue haze visible to the naked eye onto any point on the ridge.
Continental Divide
The US has multiple continental divides, but the Blue Ridge Mountains mark one of the major divisions, known as the Eastern Continental Divide. It separates the waterways of the Atlantic Ocean from those that stream to the west near the Gulf of Mexico.
Most-Visited State Parks
A good portion of Georgia’s most-visited state parks resides along the ridge, making the northern part of Georgia a must on any vacation list. This area is home to most of the state’s untouched wild regions and possesses some of the most scenic views. A few must-visit parks include:
- Black Rock Mountain State Park
- Tallulah Gorge State Park
- Amicalola Falls State Park
Mineral-Rich Ridges
One of the most interesting facts about the Blue Ridge Mountains is that they contain many valuable minerals and compounds. Geological assets such as copper, marble, and gold stretch through the area. In the mid-1800s, many gold coins came out of Dahlonega in Lumpkin County.
Hernando de Soto
One of the first travelers to the ridge was Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto. He visited sites close to Carters Lake and the Nacoochee Valley. In the 1530s, he assisted in conquering Peru for Spain and discovering the Mississippi River. He traveled roughly 4,000 miles across what is now the southeastern United States in search of riches, which lead to most of his discoveries.
For more information about Blue Ridge log cabin rentals, contact Nevaeh Cabin Rentals. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to rest in one of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer.
