These Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals Are Begging to Be Booked for Your First Fall Getaway

Wake up to mountain views at these cozy Airbnbs, all within 45 minutes of the Blue Ridge Parkway.AirbnbAs a Virginia transplant who relocated to the state 36 years ago, one of the biggest things that enticed me to make the move was the topography of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My current town of Lynchburg sits in the foothills of the scenic stretch, and I almost take for granted that I can see the blue-hued range from some of the most mundane places—my favorite view is on the way to the grocery store. Of course, living this close also means the mountains are ripe for exploration, whether that leads to a springtime drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking up the Peaks of Otter in the fall.​While most of my experience has been in Virginia and North Carolina, which contain the majority of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the range itself spans approximately 550 miles from southern Pennsylvania to northern Georgia. Whether you plan to visit Shenandoah National Park or immerse yourself in the creativity of Asheville, North Carolina, there are plenty of places to call your temporary home along this iconic stretch. From an apartment above a working bakery to a tree house retreat in the branches, these stays prove there's no shortage of memorable places to book in the Blue Ridge region.Below, my favorite Blue Ridge Mountain cabins and vacation rentals, each one within 45 minutes of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic thoroughfare that connects the mountains from northern Virginia to southern North Carolina and brings you to countless trailheads, overlooks, and waterfalls.We've vetted these listings based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.Our top picksAirbnbs in Virginia near the Blue Ridge ParkwayAirbnbs in North Carolina near the Blue Ridge ParkwayTop picks:Best for families: Two-bedroom barnBest for groups: Unique four-bedroom for large groupsBest for views: Spot with impressive views of Pisgah National ForestStudio on a flower farmNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathWhy we love it: Flower farm location, patio space, saunaNature lovers will find a haven both inside and out of this charming Airbnb located on a working flower farm. From spring roses to fall dahlias, the land is welcoming and colorful in the warmer months, and the sauna can help you keep warm during the winter chill. While the location is private, it’s just minutes away from Boonsboro and downtown Lynchburg, where there are locally owned restaurants and boutiques to enrich your stay. Old City Cemetery and Sandusky are nearby stops for history lovers.City: Lynchburg, VirginiaThings to do nearby: Point of Honor, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Peaks View ParkUnique four-bedroom for large groupsNumber of guests: 12Bed and bath: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathsWhy we love it: Newly renovated, office space, unique art pieces throughoutNatural light pours through all 50 windows in this home, which was originally built as the personal house of the inventor of the hot dog conveyor machine. Friends and family can sit around the firepit, have conversations on the balcony, and make meals together in the well-stocked kitchen. There are also several areas to unplug, such as the library and loft, where you can read a book or take a nap in a cozy spot.The first floor is ideal for those with mobility issues, featuring both a king and queen bedroom as well as an office space with a sleeper sofa, making it a smart choice for generational travel. Two additional queen bedrooms can be found on the upper level.City: Afton, VirginiaThings to do nearby: Nelson 151 Beverage Trail, Wintergreen Resort, Lower Shamokin Falls TrailTree house for twoNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathWhy we love it: Creek views, three decks, gas grillWhen a home-away-from-home is a tree house over a babbling creek, it’s hard to say no. This romantic retreat is meant for a couple’s getaway, although no one will complain if you book it for a solo staycation to start your next creative project. Located just three miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the lighted boardwalk that leads to a wooden tree house cottage to find your new home. Cook dinner in the compact but powerful kitchen and enjoy a meal on one of the three decks. Then, end the evening with a soak in the hot tub before heading into the ultra-comfy bed.City: Bedford, VirginiaThings to do nearby: Sharp Top Trail, Peaks of Otter Winery, National D-Day MemorialWoodsy cabin pulled straight from a movieNumber of guests: 3Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Boho vibes, exposed wood beams, creekside atmosphereAlthough this cabin is tucked away, it’s surprisingly close to all you need while still feeling secluded. Built in 1939, the structure was formerly a fishing cabin with box cars integrated as beams and rafters, making it a uniquely crafted place. Earthy decor, such as nature prints and neutral, textured pieces, adds to the interior's woodsy vibe. If you’re a birdwatcher, bring your binoculars, as various species frequent the site. This small but mighty space feels magical and is the perfect place to decompress.City: Roanoke, VirginiaThings to do nearby: Mill Mountain Zoo, Grandin Road Village, Black Dog SalvageCreekside farmhouseNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Location on 20 acres, farm stay, fly fishing on siteCyclists and fishermen, take note: This Airbnb is for you. It has access to both half a mile of creek shoreline for stellar fly fishing, according to the hosts, and fronts Bicycle Route 76, a part of the TransAmerica Trail, a 4,000-mile route that connects Astoria, Oregon, to Yorktown, Virginia. (Don't want to travel with your bike? Four mountain bikes are available for guests to use during their stay.) As for the home itself, it's an unfussy, two-bedroom, dog-friendly cottage with a bright, airy interior. Be sure to explore the surrounding 20-acre farm—the hosts live in the main house on the property—and stop by the chicken coop.City: Lexington, VirginiaThings to do nearby: Brushy Hills Trailhead, Natural Bridge, Shenandoah Beerwerks TrailTwo-bedroom barnNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Location on top of a bakery, made-to-order coffee delivery, swimming pondThis is not your average cabin—in fact, this Airbnb is built into a barn directly above a working wood-fired bakery. (Get a peek at what carbs you'll surely be snacking on for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.) With two bedrooms, one of which is a bunk room, the home has space for a small family or group of friends. Spread out in the open boho kitchen and living area or outdoors on the surrounding farm, which includes a spacious seating area and firepit.City: Raphine, VirginiaThings to do nearby: Wade’s Mill, Big Spy Mountain Overlook, Cellar Mountain TrailheadCozy log cabin with mountain viewsNumber of guests: 10Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathsWhy we love it: Hot tub, reading nook, arcade gamesOne of the prettiest log cabin Airbnbs in the US, this three-bedroom is filled with retro-inspired touches, like a Smeg fridge and rattan cocoon chairs. The front porch overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains, while a glassed-in back patio with a hot tub and stellar views gives you a place to relax after long days hiking (or eating your way through nearby Asheville). If you're staying in, know you'll have plenty to keep you entertained, from the living room with a record player and cozy gas fireplace to the game room's pool table and the chef's kitchen.City: Black Mountain, North CarolinaThings to do nearby: Catawba Falls, Graybeard Trail, Andrews GeyserCozy cottage in AshevilleNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Swimming pool, horses on property, colorful detailsWhile a home with a single bath and bedroom may sound small, when coupled with the sprawling outdoor space, this property truly shines. Located just outside of Asheville’s main hub—it’s a must-see if you’ve never been—you’ll be greeted by wooded surroundings that open to lovely mountain views once on site. Outdoor gathering spaces, such as an idyllic pool surrounded by stones and a quaint firepit, make the most of the exterior, while the interior features antiques mixed with new finds set against vibrant pops of color.City: Asheville, North CarolinaThings to do nearby: Biltmore Estate, Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, 381 TrailheadMagical oasis with a gardenNumber of guests: 5Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Peaceful garden views, island pond, covered front porchSpend your days exploring the idyllic small town of Boone with its neighborhood stores and cafés (don’t sleep on getting a freshly baked treat at Appalachian Cookie Company). Then, linger on the naturally beautiful grounds of this tranquil property. Whether you take a peek at the lush arborvitae collection or fall asleep listening to the sounds of frogs, you’ll find a weekend here will rejuvenate your mind. There’s also a selection of books to help whisk your thoughts to a land far, far away.City: Boone, North CarolinaThings to do nearby: Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, Grandview Overlook, Tweetsie RailroadSecluded stay for fourNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Covered balcony, sweeping views, firepitJust a few minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway's starting point in western North Carolina, this two-bedroom log cabin has views over the surrounding forests, thanks to its position some 3,000 feet above sea level. Inside, you'll find traditional log cabin fix-ins, like dark leather furniture; a modern, sage green kitchen; and rustic quilts. But it's the outside amenities (and location near tons of hiking trails) that draw guests in. You'll find a firepit, hot tub, and picnic table (complete with bistro lights) for evenings under the Carolina sky.City: Sylva, North CarolinaThings to do nearby: Pinnacle Park, Tuckasegee River, Waterrock KnobSpot with impressive views of Pisgah National ForestNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 4 bathsWhy we love it: Modern design, floor-to-ceiling windows, dog-friendlyYou don't even have to leave this home to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains and forested hills of Pisgah National Forest, thanks to impressive floor-to-ceiling windows that let light stream into the living room. There are similar picture windows in each of the home's three bedrooms (two of which open out onto a private deck) and even in the bathroom, where a soaking tub is perfectly placed with views that seem to extend on forever. The interiors are minimal and white to let the great outdoors speak for themselves.City: Candler, North CarolinaThings to do nearby: Stony Fork Park, Pisgah National Forest, Beaver Dam Gap OverlookThis gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey.Jennifer Prince is a freelance writer based in Virginia. Besides writing and travel, Jennifer enjoys spending time by the water, '80s music, being with family, and obsessing over her latest vintage finds. ... Read More