Consider purchase of MADMAPS for Virginia in order to learn of known scenic routes.
It will point out some common area's of interest.
Study the known routes.
You can then connect multiple loops in a way that you do not repeat roads upon return.
If you look at the route on google earth you can also pick-out more areas of interest to you.
Then after reviewing map return to clarify area on the forum.
For hotels it depends on budget but the big chains have representation in larger towns.
For trailer parking some folks call a camp ground for a parking space.
Since you do not need a camp area some places are able to work a price for you.

 

I rode both Skyline Drive and BRP last year. We stayed in the Super 8 in Front Royal but I don't know if they would let you park a truck and trailer for a week. I think calling the HD dealer in Winchester is a good idea. It's just up the road from the start of Skyline Drive. If they say OK it's a no brainer.

Go here to download a BRP Directory and Trip Planner. http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=73

We rode to Front Royal on first day and stayed first night there, in the second night we stayed in Roanoke, and the third night in Asheville. We picked "economical" places near the exits of the BRP. I live in Knoxville so we finished the trip in Cherokee and then road over the Smokies home. Those are all comfortable legs around 300 miles so you're not rushing. Use the planner and your map to pick out lunch spots before you start in the morning. There is nothing on the BRP and in some cases the nearest store\restaurant\gas station can be a ways from the exit. Gas up in the AM and at lunch and you'll be good for the day.

At the south end of the BRP I would recommend a couple nights in Cherokee or Maggie Valley. Gatlinburg is close also but it's touristy and the traffic is bad. All the best riding is on the south side of the Smokies. Riding the Cherohala is a must. You could plan a loop going from Maggie or Cherokee to Deals Gap, ride the Dragon, ride down to Tellico Plains and ride the Cherohala to Robinsville and then back to where you started.

Getting back to Front Royal from the south end of the BRP is around 500 miles on the interstate so it is doable in one day.

Have fun, it's a great ride.

 

Thanks for all the helpful responses. One thing I did take away from the responses was that I was trying to take in too much in too short a time. There’s lots to see. The original plan included going from Massachusetts and doing skyline drive and the entire BRP and return in a week. Based on speed limits we were riding over 7 hours a day and that didn’t include traffic and stops. We decided that we may drive farther south and do just the southern section of the BRP and stop at many of the sites that you all suggested. A good suggestion to contact a local HD dealer to find out about where we can leave the truck and trailer. I plan to do that and purchase some detailed maps of the region. Also appreciate recommendations on places to stay.

 

Wheels through time motorcycle museum in Maggie Valley a must see. Grandfather mountain and the swinging bridge is pretty cool. Mount Mitchel for a good view if not foggy. Be prepared for a pretty big temperature swing from the mountain tops to the valleys. Don't be afraid to get off and travel some of the other roads. We lost for 2 days and didn't find a bad road. The music center was nice. A couple of older fellows were playing music and they were great. Pick up a park booklet. It will show you the turn outs, the visitor centers and other points of interest along the BRP. Skyline Drive may cost a little to travel. Watch you speed. Keep an eye out for wildlife stepping into traffic. Enjoy.

 

I just wanted to follow up after the completion of my Blue Ridge Parkway trip and thank everyone for all the great suggestions. Due to a family illness we were unable to go in 2016 as planned, but we did the trip in June of 2017. As I mentioned we shortened our trip from doing Skyline drive and the BRP to just the BRP as we didn’t have enough time and that would be too much riding each day.

So, we trailered from Mass to Peaks of Otter, VA where we stayed at the Peaks of Otter lodge which is right on the BRP. Besides being a great facility in a scenic setting, we were able to leave our truck and trailer there for the entire week. They have a special parking area for trailers and RV’s and they were happy to accommodate us. Also, excellent restaurant serving 3 meals a day. Climbing route 43 from I-81 was a real challenge with a trailer, but great fun later on the bikes.

Then 3 days of fabulous riding on the BRP. For those who haven’t experienced the BRP it’s a magnificent 470 mile road of sweeping curves, hills and tunnels in a breathtaking scenic setting. We rode an average of about 150 miles a day with many stops along the scenic overlooks of the parkway. The first night we stayed at a Comfort Inn in Mt. Airy, NC. The road from the parkway into Mt Airy was all downhill but incredibly curvy for a 4 lane road (Fancy Gap Parkway). Very enjoyable. Mt Airy is known for it being the fictional location of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith show. There’s a Mayberry museum there and Aunt Bea’s restaurant and Goobers, but we passed on all that.

The next day’s destination was Marion, NC, but on the way we decided to do Grandfather Mountain. Wow! It’s just a short distance off the parkway. The road up the mountain was a bikers delight. Basically a series of switchbacks to 5000 ft elevation. Fortunately the road is in excellent condition and well banked. At the top the attraction is the Swinging bridge which is a pedestrian bridge over a gap a mile high. There is a charge of $20 per bike.

The next day on the parkway took us from Marion, NC to Cherokee, NC. The end of the parkway. However we took route 226A in getting to the parkway from Marion. Another Wow! If this road is not as good as the Tail of the Dragon it’s sure a close second. If you’re ever in the area be sure to ride Route 226A. While the entire parkway is great, I thought this last leg was the best. More challenging curves and higher elevation and that’s where most of the tunnels are located.

Regarding Cherokee, it’s generally a dry community with the exception of the Casino, in case you’re looking for a refreshing beer after a day of riding as we were.

The next leg took us from Cherokee to Sweetwater, TN. We detoured a little to ensure we checked one item off my bucket list: the tail of the dragon. We got to Deals Gap from Route 28 (another excellent road). I thought there was some kind of bike rally going on, but it was just the normal gathering of cyclists hanging out, getting ready to ride or having ridden the tail. I’d guess around 200 or so bikers we’re hanging out there. We rode the tail (318 curves in 11 miles) up and back and it was incredible and all it was hyped up to be. Nicely challenging. No time for sight seeing, just watching the road ahead. Not recommended for novice riders, or your bike parts could end up in the “tree of shame.”

From the tail we did the entire Cherahola Skyway up to Sweetwater. Nice road, good views though not as good as the BRP in my opinion. Still a great ride.

Sweetwater back to Peaks of Otter on I-75, 81, broken up by a nights stay in Abingdon, TN. We decided that the highway was boring from Abingdon, so we got off and back on the BRP for about 80 miles back of Peaks of Otter. Great decision.

On our way back we stopped in Bedford, VA at the National D Day Memorial. A must see if you’re in that area. It’s a fascinating tribute to those who served our country. It represents the sacrifice made by the Allied Armed forces during the invasion of Normandy. It was placed in Bedford VA because Bedford represents the community that lost more soldiers per capital than any other national community during the invasion. Tours are available on the half hour.

All in all it was an extraordinary experience. Thanks again for all the great information.

 

Sounds like you had a great trip. 226A is also known as the "Diamond Back" if I am not mistaken. I rode it last year. I just finished up riding the entire BRP about a month ago. Andy Griffith was from Mt Airy. I got my picture taken in Otis's cell. Incredible story about Bedford, VA and D Day. Nice Memorial.

 

We did the parkway several years ago from Cherokee NC to Front Royal; then did the skyline last year on our way to Frederiscksburg and Williamsburg.

The first night we stayed near Linville Falls at Linville Falls Lodge. Very comfortable. Restaurant on premises was convenient and had good food. Our next stop was in Mount Airy. We stayed at 'Aunt Beas Inn' (I think that's what it was called). We had the best breakfast the next day at a little diner just off the parkway across the stateline from Mount Airy. Great food, service, and prices. Another place is the inn in Switzerland; we took a break there and grabbed something to eat.

Like others, I would recommend Grandfather Mountain. One place we didn't get a chance to see was the Natural Bridge. We plan to take a weekend ride soon to see it.

Hope this helps. Be safe and Enjoy!