Doing some research…haven’t pinned down the date yet. I have done the rattler…2nd favorite after Devil’s Triangle which is west. Probably mid august if I had to pin a window down. Again, thanks so far. May be a few more bits of information to follow.
Wife and I did Skyline and BRP last week. Stayed at Big Lynn Lodge in Little Switzerland. Nice place, will go back. Pay attention to the road closures. Very lengthy detour mm276 to mm217. https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm
Don’t try to pack too much into a day. Some of the places mentioned would be an all day ride at 45 mph and adding a few stops along the way. Stop and smell the roses.
An easy ride allowing plenty of stops and sight seeing along the way is Pisgah Inn. The Carolina Girl and I like this place. Amazing views and they have a nice restaurant.
You could make it to Little Switzerland pretty easy if you wanted to travel farther. We like Little Switzerland Inn. It is pricey but worth it. Another great restaurant on sight and a wonderful view. Near by is Big Lynn Lodge. Very popular by bikers. We have not stayed there but have friends that really like it.
An option to consider is jumping off the BRP before Asheville and riding over to Chimney Rock. A cool little town with good lodging and restaurants as well as a HD t-shirt shop. Easy to get back on the BRP. Nice twisty two lane roads.
I would not shoot for anything beyond (north) Little Switzerland in one day unless you are in a hurry.
What’s the tent camping along the route like, Mark?
Hey Rocky,
Not being a camper myself I may miss some, but from what I have seen there are many options.
Julian Price is very popular and a beautiful area with a lake to paddle. You have Mt. Pisgah Campgrounds, Crabtree Falls Campground, and one crazy spot at Wild Woody’s Campground at Laurel Springs. It is next to Freebornes and Stations Inn. This place gets crazy! There are many just off the BRP like at Stone Mt. State Park north of Elkin, NC. I know there are probably at least a dozen more. Anything specific you are looking for?
I keep thinking about all the places I haven’t ridden, and then I remind myself that I have lived within 3.5 hours, or less, of the BRP since 1956.
There are MANY places I have never been, but crossing the Lynn Cove Viaduct in mid to late October just does it for me. Between Linville and Blowing Rock, NC.
This is between where I get off of 421 and take a break before riding 16 miles into Blowing Rock. I’ve been 6 times since this time last year.
I think this was late afternoon on Memorial Day.
We usually hold it to 150 miles of the BRP per day. this gives ample time to gawk, and/or visit sites.
google fuel stops, and plan your day around them. I prefer to re-fuel every 100 miles or so, giving me maximum rand should the next planned stop not have fuel.
I HAVE been on the parkway at the same time fuel was not available at every station.
There is a BRP visitor's guide available for free, https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
and the national park site has an up-to-date list of closures and detours.
Camping? I can't help you with.
Side trips?
VA-16 from Marion VA to Taswell Va (AKA Backbone of the dragon") expect a full day of riding)
VA-43 from Peaks of Otter on the BRP to Bedford VA and the D-Day Memorial) Tours last about 1 hour, plus time to visit, expect 2 hours riding back and forth, plus 2 hours at the memorial
Little Switzerland/ diamondback just off te BRP 1 hour +/- riding as long as you take visiting
07-22-2024 | 02:27 PM
