Virginia's Ridge and Valley Region contains the Blue Ridge mountain ridge, which begins in Pennsylvania and ends in Georgia. Historically, people had to look for ways to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains. Most of the early streets and railroads went through the gaps in the Blue Ridge. The Allegheny Mountains are also part of Virginia's Ridge and Valley Region. This line of mountains is west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Several valleys exist between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains.
The largest valley in this area is the Shenendoah Valley. Many of the large cities in the Ridge and Valley Region are located in the valley areas. Roanoke is the largest city in this region. Now populated with over 90,000 people, Roanoke served as a railroad center 100 years ago. Another important city in Virginia's Ridge and Valley Region is Winchester.