If you consider no vacation to be complete without some time spent on the water, then be sure to dip your toes into Lake Blue Ridge. Boat ramps, marinas, and lots of public swimming areas will delight everyone in your traveling party, as will the inherent peacefulness of watching the sun glint from the aqua surface. Get some exercise by waterskiing, pump up your adrenaline by hopping on a tube, or paddle away to another state of mind within the cozy confines of a canoe.

If you like your water-time a bit more nontraditional, then take note of the fact that there are five distinctive waterfalls near Blue Ridge. By hiking the most popular trails, you'll easily come across the hidden gems that will thrill you with the unfamiliar and exhilarating sounds of crashing and splashing. Long Creek, Falls Branch, and the other falls will plunge and cascade their way into your memory, and will certainly end up being standout pleasures of this trip.

And while we're on the subject of thrills, don't miss the opportunity to weave your way through the Blue Ridge Mountains by means of a raft equipped to speed through whitewater rapids. The Ocoee River makes a great venue for rafters and kayakers to test their skill and feel the exciting sensation of gut-wrenching drops and the spray of the world-class waves. March to October marks the perfect time to join the fun, so strap on a helmet and prepare to ignite your trip with this pulse-pounding diversion.