Thinking about booking a trip to ride the BRP over the 3 day M.D. weekend. Never been. Reading through some threads I don't see any feedback on parkway traffic specifically over the weekend. Maybe its a non-starter? Thanks for feedback on any experience.

 

Just assume the traffic can get heavy at times when the weather is good. Watch the pot holes and your speed. Tickets are 500 dollars. Saerch for this site for most all things bike related , ( carolinamcevents). Good for campgrounds, motels some restraunts, events and just general bike related area info.

 

You need to know that there are parts of the parkway that still may be closed because of all the winter damage. There were several thousand trees down all up and down the area. Plus like mentioned the road damage that was done. With closings comes detours and that can add time to the trip also and sometimes confusing directions. Read up all you can on all the BRP sites you can find. For a good area to stay in check out Maggie Valley NC

 

Also heard that there is a HOG related ride slated for the BRP. Don't know if it is that weekend or not. Go to www.blueridgeparkway.com for some good information.

 

I meant www.blueridgeparkway.org. There is a link in the middle of the page for maps. I found them quite helpful.

 

It looks like the BP will not be completely open till atleast the first of July as of this morning . Only 6 areas closed right now .

 

Thanks everyone for all of this feedback.
FYI, I found this site for reports on closures and detours: http://www.romanticasheville.com/Blu...arkwayNews.htm

 

There are some areas on and around the parkway that are closed due to rock slides and washouts. Here is a link to the closures on the parkway http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm

Also remember that some stretches are pretty isolated so watch your fuel as there are no gas stations on the parkway but they are just off so watch your fuel.

There are some great riding roads just off the parkway like Hwy 80 in McDowell County, NC and the Little Switzerland loop ad the Grandfather Mountain loop. Here are some links to those roads

http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail...lid=XMP002-016

http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail...lid=XMP002-020

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/route.../NC/NC_2.shtml

http://members.***.net/ncroads/nc080.html

Here is a good place to stay in NC that is motorcycle friendly http://www.skylinevillageinn.com/

Here is another place that is a local riding spot and is a biker friendly hotel but gets booked fast http://www.stationsinn.com/

 

Awesome. Thanks!

 

The Parkway is a great ride just watch your speed and enjoy it. Like I said we ride it at least 3-4 times a month and always take many side roads that are fantastic. I grew up around the parkway and still find many new riding roads every time I ride there.

Traffic is a bit heavier on the weekends then during the week. But for the most part it is a good enjoyable ride with many turnouts and over look spots to take a break at and there are passing zones for those times when you just want to break away.....lol