Economic Producers in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains (spanning VA, WV, MD, PA, NC, SC, GA, TN) host diverse primary producers:

• Farmers: Apples, peaches, corn, soybeans, tobacco, Christmas trees.
• Loggers/Lumber Industry: Sustainable hardwood and pine harvesting.
• Miners: Historical coal, iron, copper; now mainly crushed stone, gemstones.
• Tourism Operators: Lodging, dining, guiding, crafts—driven by Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, parks.

The region's economy blends traditional resource extraction with a growing nature-based tourism sector.