Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway: From Georgia to Maine.

Gary Thatcher
6 min readJul 8, 2024

Hiking is a passion that brings one closer to nature, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. One of the most beautiful and scenic trails in the United States is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spanning from Georgia to Maine, this long trail offers a diverse range of landscapes, flora, and fauna, making it a hiker’s paradise. In this article, we will explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, its highlights, and what you need to know to embark on this unforgettable adventure.

The Blue Ridge Parkway: An Overview

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that stretches for 469 miles, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. While the parkway itself is a drive, it is surrounded by numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views and a variety of hiking experiences. This article will focus on the hiking opportunities along the Blue Ridge Parkway, rather than the drive itself.

Starting Point: Georgia

Though the Blue Ridge Parkway officially begins in North Carolina, many hikers start their journey in Georgia, at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. This adds an additional 78.6 miles to the hike, starting from Springer Mountain. This section of the trail is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and beautiful vistas.

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Gary Thatcher

Army vet 63, likes to write. Sugar Defender: Natural formula for balanced glucose, energy, and cravings.https://shorturl.at/816iF