Appalachian Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains sit on the North Carolina–Tennessee border with misty ridges and old growth forests; vibrant town gateways like Gatlinburg and Cherokee put you near the park’s best hikes and overlooks. From Clingmans Dome to Cades Cove, you can hike, wildlife-watch, and use backcountry access from traditional lodging ranging from budget motels to premium cabins.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, offering dramatic ridgeline views and access to countless trailheads and waterfalls. Stay in gateway towns or a riverside lodge and ride the parkway for iconic overlooks like Mabry Mill and the Linn Cove Viaduct.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park sits along the Blue Ridge just west of Washington, D.C., with Skyline Drive framing dramatic valley views and a web of trails. Highlights include Old Rag and Dark Hollow Falls, and when visiting the Old Rag area you may need an Old Rag day-use ticket during peak season.

White Mountains

White Mountains stretch across northern New Hampshire with rugged spikes, alpine meadows, and classic New England towns. Mount Washington and the Presidential Range draw hikers in every season, while the White Mountain National Forest offers year-round access to scenic drives and winter sports.

Catskills

Catskills rise in southeastern New York with rolling ridges, waterfalls and historic fire towers; you can pair epic hikes with Hudson Valley culture and farm-to-table towns. Notable highlights include Kaaterskill Falls and the dense Catskill Park, plus camping at Bear Spring Mountain Campground.