Of Ridge Soaring, Chilhowee, and Blairstown, I would recommend the
first two over the latter for an initial ridge "classroom" even though
I've flown out of Blairstown for years. It's not a textbook site. You
can't go north safely. Going south more than a few miles requires
traversing some dodgy terrain with limited outlanding potential.
That's mostly an issue when the ridge is weak but it adds to the
stress when learning to fly such conditions. And on most days (i.e.,
when the wind is from the NW), the airport is on the wrong (i.e., back
side) of the ridge. Therefore when the wind is marginal, one must
commit to turning downwind over the top of the ridge before falling
below it, then gliding a few miles back to Blairstown (no problem) or
else incur the risk of landing on the far side of the Delware River,
involving a retrieve and likely fine from the police. Not unsafe; it
just requires more discipline.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
USA