States the Blue Ridge Mountains Pass Through

Seven-State Range

The Blue Ridge Mountains form a continuous chain from Pennsylvania to Georgia, passing through these states in order:

1. Pennsylvania – South Mountain (northern terminus)
2. Maryland – Catoctin Mountain (brief crossing)
3. West Virginia – Eastern panhandle (Harpers Ferry area)
4. Virginia – Core section (Shenandoah NP, highest concentration of peaks)
5. North Carolina – Highest elevations (Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain)
6. South Carolina – Northwestern corner only (escarpment & foothills)
7. Georgia – Southern terminus (Springer Mountain, start of Appalachian Trail)

Quick Facts

• Length: ~550 miles (885 km)
• Width: 5–80 miles (varies)
• Highest peak: Mount Mitchell, NC (6,684 ft)
• Geology: Precambrian granulites, gneisses, granites; thrust westward over Paleozoic sedimentary rocks
• Protected lands: 2 National Parks, 8 National Forests, 1 National Parkway, numerous state parks