Alternatively, plan on a lake excursion while in Walhalla, South Carolina's 'Garden of the Gods' Blue Ridge Mountain trail ... enjoy some of the best trout fishing the state has to offer here.

Best Public Lands Blue Ridge Parkway, Va. Best Lake Smith Mountain Lake – Va. Best Fishing Spot South River – Waynesboro, Va. Best Overlook ...

More than double the size of Lake Blue Ridge but with half the fanfare, Lake Chatuge outside Hiawassee is Georgia’s best-kept secret (with nearby fishing hotspot Lake Nottely a close second).

Asheville, the Blue Ridge, and Lake Lure offer quick escapes from Charlotte’s bustle.