In the Blue Ridge region, you would find the end of the Appalachian Mountains. It is the site of the first American gold rush and famed for its scenic views. The Appalachian Trail is tourism central and starts in the mountains. The Trail is a long trek through the mountains up into Maine. Hikers can visit Tallulah Gorge here and many waterfalls. The total trek is almost six months; but even if you don't take the hike, the views are just as great. The Mountains cuts off the interior plains from the eastern coast. They are the quivalent to Rocky Mountains in the west, although much less steep. The Appalachians are older and have suffered more erosion.