We did the End-to end in 2010
We stayed at creekwood cabins off MP13, on Saturday, and Sunday nights https://www.cabincreekwood.com/
Sunday we rode the Skyline, then returned via Shenandoah valley... Luray caverns the whole deal.
Monday we rode to Woodberry Inn, just short of Meadows of the Dan (Fuel available on US-58)
http://www.woodberryinn.com
Tuesday we rode to Little Switzerland stayed at skylinevillageinn.com Fuel available in Spruce Pine
Wednesday we finished the BRP and rode to Bryson City stayed at
tworiverslodgenc.com From there we did all of the bucket list rides...
Fuel available in Cherokee, Bryson and all over
These segments were all about 150 miles, or 5 hours riding, with a LOT of stopping and site seeing

 

I have made the trip many times and Peaks of Otter and Pisgah Inn are 2 great places to stay right on the BRP. Your post said you plan on only going as far south as Asheville. If this is the case, I would skip Skyline Dr to provide time to ride the southern portion of the BRP below Asheville. Try to time riding south of Asheville in the afternoon so you avoid the morning fog. The views are too good to miss.

https://www.peaksofotter.com/?msclkid=832ede7ede9912cb12b884e58af70a9c&utm_sour ce=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Peaks%20-%20Brand&utm_term=peaks%20of%20otter&utm_content=P eaks%20Of%20Otter%20%7BLodge%7D

http://www.pisgahinn.com/

 

Bad traffic in Boone, well there was when I was there. I got bored with the Skyline and the first section of the BRP but they are nice for a little while. I prefer to go through small towns.

 

If you leave the BRP at Asheville you will miss some of the best riding on the whole length from Front Royal on down. My advice would be to go all the way to Cherokee.

 

Have ridden BRP 7 times in last 11 years. I would hustle to Cherokee and ride it north, best part is the lower 200 miles but it is all good including Skyline. Nice not having anyone pulling out in front of you. Just relax and enjoy. Little Switzerland is our favorite stop, then Peaks of Otter. You should book ahead....like now.

 

 

JJPMACH1 is correct. Rt 220 is an awesome ride. A buddy and I did that one 2 years ago. However I've done the Cherohola, BRP, Skyline and it's a very enjoyable ride if you like to just motor along and enjoy the ride and the sights. Last year we were riding north from Franklin, NC and ran into heavy fog. It took us 4 hours to go the last 60 miles into Roanoke. So, if you're on the BRP in the evening watch out for the fog. It can get really heavy and there's no lights. We left Franklin at 8 a.m. and finally pulled into Roanoke at 10 that night.

 

Be aware also that all the gas stations on the Blue Ridge have closed, you have to get off the parkway to buy gas now.

 

 

I learned on another thread posted a while ago the there is going to be construction on the BRP this year but not usually that big of a detour deal. I live very close by so ride the area regularly.

For a weekend stop recommendation be sure to get off at Laurel Springs where they have The Stations Inn and Freebournes, both biker joints where you can get good food and the beverage of your choice. If you make arrangements far enough in advance you can rent a hotel room at Stations Inn but I wouldn't expect to happen by and get one. Usually quite a crowd and one or the other place almost always has a band on the weekends.

Oh yeah. Pretty sure this is at mile marker 248. About 3 miles north on Rt 8 past these 2 places is a gas station on the left that sells non ethanol 93 octane. Cash only old style station.