Your source for exploring the heritage treasures
of the North Carolina mountains and foothills.
Discover Our Heritage Treasures
Waterfalls
The mountains and foothills of Western North Carolina are laced with beautiful w...
Cherokee Heritage
The Cherokee have called these mountains home for more than 10,000 years.
National Parks & Public Lands
The two most visited National Park units in the nation are in the NC Blue Ridge ...
Historic Sites
Visitors experience NC Blue Ridge history in over 400 historic sites throughout ...
Historic Small Towns and Cities
For small town, old-time charm, visit the many historic communities in NC's Blue...
The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, NC features an award-winning film and exhibits on natural and cultural heritage.
Welcome to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
a place unlike any other on earth, where ancient landscapes enchant the eye and age-old traditions warm the heart. Congress designated the mountains of North Carolina the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural abundance and richly varied cultural history. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area nonprofit organization works to preserve, interpret and celebrate this heritage for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area includes the Cherokee Qualla Boundary and 25 Western North Carolina counties.
For Friends & Partners
Featured Grant
"Stories from These Stones" Exhibit of Cherokee Artifacts
A Blue Ridge National Heritage Area grant supported the creation of the "Stories...
Featured Artist
Andy Edmonds
Oldtime musician, Surry County
Raised in the heart of Surry County, Andy Edm...
Traditional Artist Directory
Featured Destination
Banner House Museum
One of Banner Elk’s founding families, Samuel Henry B...
Attractions Directory
