We will be going in late June for the first time. Trailering the bikes from MA to Virginia.

1. Do you know of a decent place to stay (motel/B&B) at the northern edge of Skyline Drive (Front Royal) where we can leave the truck and trailer for our week excursion? Appears the area is Winchester VA to Front Royal VA. The place that was originally recommended, Long Hill B&B, closed up in 2013.

2. Other recommended places to stay. Seems that we will be completing our days in Vinton VA, Boone NC and Gatlinburg,TN.

3. Major attractions that we shouldn’t miss first time through.

4. Any other thoughts that we should consider.

I know that many of you have done this route or live in the area. Appreciate all the advise you can offer. Thanks.

 

I have stayed at the Holiday Inn in Front Royal, VA on three separate Harley trips. It is new, clean, and biker friendly. Not the cheapest lodging, but great value in my opinion. Plus, it has a decent Houlihan's onsite, so you can relax over drinks and dinner without having to ride after.

 

In Gatlinburg, the LeConte View is a great place to stay. Its across the street from the convention center, easy walking to different restaurants. Good prices too.

 

Gatlinburg is a Zoo ... Watch what day/time you go there.

 

Having ridden the parkway several times, the list of interesting stops along the way are endless, it all depends on how much time you want to spend and what you enjoy to do.


Since it looks like you are going North to South and then returning North, I would make one suggestion, get off the parkway on your return north. Though it sometimes gets a bad rap, West Virginia has some of the best riding roads on the east coast. As you head back North, Jump off the parkway around Fields of Dan and head NW along state Rt 8 connecting to 621 or any the smaller state roads onto WV220 which will parallel the parkway roughly until you get near Front Royal and then you can cut back East. There is no one best route, they are all beautiful through small rural towns and hollows. Its relaxed riding at its best, especially in the spring. The only warning is that WV likes to use pea gravel for its shoulders and as it gets twisty you have to watch for loose conditions on the roads.


I have always camped when I rode so I am not familiar with hotels or B&Bs along the route, but I am sure the world of Google could help you out.


Enjoy the ride!

 

Have stayed there twice, nice, clean and the Houlihan's is a bonus. If I read correctly the OP wants to leave his vehicles there and head South, I'm sure you can work something out, they have a big parking lot next to the hotel. We went to Staunton VA. last year and stayed at a Red Roof In there, not far from the BRH, also a nice place and reasonably priced. And as someone mentioned, West Va. is nice riding, we went to Seneca Falls, real pretty area.

 

We are up there all the time ...

Do Squirrel Spur and Tail of the Lizard/Tuggles Gap.

you will need this. Carry some cash.

http://www.blueridgeskyline.com/gas.php

Where to Buy Gas on the Parkway
Parkway Stations

Peaks of Otter Mile Post 86
Doughton Park Mile Post 241
Mount Pisgah Mile Post 408

Stations in Virginia

US 250 Mile Post 0
US 60 Mile Post45.6
US 501 Mile Post 63.9
US 460 Mile Post 95.9
US 220 Mile Post 121.4
US 58 Mile Post 177.7
US 52 Mile Post 199.4

Stations in North Carolina

US 21 Mile Post 229.7
US 421 Mile Post 276.6
US 321 Mile Post 291.9
US 221 Mile Post 317.5
US 70 Mile Post 382.4
US 74A Mile Post 384.7
US 25 Mile Post 388.1
US 276 Mile Post 411.9
US 19A Mile Post 443.1
US 19 Mile Post 455.7

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

Regards
Chris

 

A friend of mine lives in waynesboro va right next to the skyline and said there is a section closed off due to a forest fire. Thought I'd let you kow. Don't know if it is open yet or not.

 

+1 and Pigeon Forge is even worse