A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a overlooked, underrated, and vast park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular with visitors, Blue Ridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Blue Ridge is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Chattahoochee National Forest. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is popular for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Blue Ridge different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Blue Ridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Spend time exploring the decent sights and museums in either Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visit the Loomis Museum to learn about the park history and see historic photos of the park. The building was constructed in 1972 and is worth a stopover.


Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.

Is Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Blue Ridge is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Hiking trails can be found around both Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, and they are very good.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.


Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for shopping. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its shopping opportunities.

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

If you're looking to go shopping, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some nice offerings. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

Is Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a family-friendly town. While many of the hikes in the park are challenging for kids, there are still some great options for those with little legs. Manzanita Lake Trail is less than two miles and makes a great introductory hike. Bumpass Hell Trail is three miles, and it's a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park both very good destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Couples visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting makes a romantic backdrop for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures. You can go kayaking or river rafting during the day and then enjoy stargazing at night.


Is Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great town to visit for backpackers. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

Is Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Neither Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.

Is Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Blue Ridge is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its high level of walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Blue Ridge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Blue Ridge that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 2-3

One day in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With around the vast park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Blue Ridge, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With around the destination of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Blue Ridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, while the average daily cost in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is $126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $124
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Blue Ridge


Hotels in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Blue Ridge change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Blue Ridge $35
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $21

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $19


When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, we can see that Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 436 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Autumn?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is cooler than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 66°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 284 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.5 inches (37 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 66°F (19°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Winter?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 162 hours of full sun.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 329 hours of full sun in the spring.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.4 inches (35 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 60°F (16°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 83°F (29°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 76°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 66°F (19°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)


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