Home > Blog > Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains span 550 miles, stretching from southern Pennsylvania through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. These majestic mountains are intertwined with 106,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering more than 300 miles of picturesque hiking trails, including a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, and 100 miles of meandering streams overflowing with trout.
From rolling hills, steep slopes, and rugged cliffs to dense forests and open meadows, the Blue Ridge Mountains terrain is diverse, with elevations ranging from low valleys to peaks over 6,000 feet with narrow ridges. Before hiking the landscape, it’s important to read about and understand the terrain, familiarize yourself with the necessary equipment to pack, and learn about safety precautions to take.
Preparing for the hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains involves gathering appropriate hiking gear, outdoor equipment, and extra daily essentials. If you’re wondering where to buy hiking gear, try doing some quick online research first. Major chain outdoor equipment stores, like Academy Sports + Outdoors, DICK’s Sporting Goods, REI Co-Op, and Bass Pro Shops, sell a wide range of hiking equipment and gear. You can explore locally owned specialty stores in your area or opt for online shopping!
When you’re hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we recommend several essentials for your journey, such as:
Regularly check the forecast before leaving for your hike, as the Blue Ridge Mountains area is known for its unpredictable weather. The humid, subtropical climate creates pleasant, sunny, and warm conditions, often accompanied by occasional rain showers, making it perfect for outdoor activities. After checking the forecast, accommodate your items as necessary, depending on the temperature! We recommended:
Even if you’ve gone hiking a hundred times before, take necessary safety precautions before heading out to the trail. Always inform your friends and family about your hiking plans, including the location and timeframe, in case of an emergency.
While location sharing on your phone is great when connected to the internet, being in the Blue Ridge Mountains can cause the GPS to malfunction, displaying inaccurate information on the rocky terrain and causing cell phones to lose service. There are a few GPS apps that work offline, however, having physical navigation tools like a compass or paper map is always reliable.
Another tip is to familiarize yourself with the Blue Ridge Mountains’ wildlife so you won’t be surprised if you pass any. While the mountains are inhabited by fluffy red squirrels, timid white-tailed deer, rare Appalachian cottontails, and busy river otters, this earthly oasis is also home to numerous predators, big and small—American black bears, bobcats, and snakes, among other predators, prowl the lands in search of food and shelter.
If you do have a run-in with one of these creatures, make sure you have bear spray on hand, make loud noises by clapping and whistling, and make yourself look bigger by waving your arms.
After your treks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, keeping your hiking gear and other equipment organized is important for when you plan to get back out there and try a new trail. Self-storage units from Self Storage Plus provide a convenient place to store your gear without cluttering your garage or stacking everything in a pile in the living room. With extended access hours and electronic gate access, you can come by, grab your gear, and hit the trails on your schedule!
By using the vertical space inside your storage unit, you can maximize every inch of available space. Categorize similar smaller items in clear plastic containers labeled with their contents and place them on top of each other or on a metal rack. You can even suspend items from the walls using hooks or a pegboard for easy retrieval.
Climate-controlled storage units provide a consistent, stable environment for your hiking gear, shielding it from damage caused by outside humidity and temperature fluctuations. These specialized storage units come in a variety of sizes, whether you want to store your hiking equipment or even your kayak. Explore our storage unit size guide to help you find the perfect size.
Now that you’ve learned where the Blue Ridge Mountains are, the essential hiking gear and equipment you need for a successful trip, what to pack, and which safety and weather precautions to take, it’s time to enjoy your time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning on a daytime hike or one that lasts a week, Self Storage Plus is here to help keep your hiking gear organized after your trips. Find a nearby self-storage facility today, explore our available units online, and easily rent or reserve your ideal unit. You’re also welcome to visit our FAQ page and blog or call our team directly to learn more about storage with Self Storage Plus.
