Few People Know That The Blue Ridge Mountains Start In This Small Town In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Published June 21, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
What is the first place that comes to mind when you hear the Blue Ridge Mountains? Most of us likely think of Virginia or North Carolina, through which the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders, providing breathtaking views of this majestic mountain. However, did you know that the Blue Ridge Mountains actually begin in the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania?
Depending on how you look at it, the Blue Ridge Mountains either start or end in Pennsylvania. The 615-mile mountain range travels from Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Mt. Oglethorpe, Georgia.
A segment of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains meander through several states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Nestled at the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardeners is just 14 miles from Carlisle. Along with two mountain lakes, the Pennsylvania state park is known for its hiking.
The Appalachian Trail runs through the park. Perhaps one of the most famous hiking trails in the United States, the Appalachian Trail stretches from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine, and spans 2,190 miles.
If you travel 14 miles south of Pine Furnace State Park, you’ll arrive at Michaux State Forest, which is also in the northern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is best explored on one of its scenic hiking trails.
Did you know that the Blue Ridge Mountains start in the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania? Have you been? Let us know in the comments! When you’re looking for the perfect day trip, consider making it to the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
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