The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smoky Mountains are not the same, but they are related. The Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range, stretching from Georgia to Pennsylvania. The Great Smoky Mountains, often just called the Smokies, are located within the Blue Ridge Mountains, primarily in Tennessee and North Carolina. While the Blue Ridge Mountains cover a broader area, the Smoky Mountains are known for their unique biodiversity, mist-covered peaks, and rich cultural history. So, while they are connected, they are distinct in their characteristics and geographical scope.