An ancient mountain landscape, varied topography, and a temperate climate have given rise to a wonderland of natural heritage in Western North Carolina.

In the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area you will find:

• Some of the oldest mountains in the world
• The highest mountain peak in the eastern United States (Mount Mitchell)
• The oldest river in North America (New River)
• The deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon (Linville Gorge)
• The highest waterfall east of the Rockies (Whitewater Falls)
• Some of the greatest biodiversity on the continent