Headed out next week for an entire week on Skyline Drive and the BRP. Looking for some input on must see/stop while out there.

Looks like Grandfather Mountain and the Swinging Bridge will be one of them.

So from those who've been or frequent what else shall we do that has to be done?

 

If you have never been to the Biltmore House, it is worth the trip and expense. Tickets now are sold with a time frame on them. It is in Asheville, NC.

 

If you are in to hiking, Dark Hollow Falls on the upper end of Skyline is nice (although they may be dried up since we have had no rain). If you don't mind venturing off of the parkway for a few hours, you should ride over to Bedford, VA to check out the D-Day Memorial. The Blowing Rock and Linville Falls is down around Grandfather Mountain, and you could see all three of those in a single day. Have to second the Biltmore recommendation as well.

 

D-Day Memorial In Bedford VA, head south on VA-43 (fun filled road, if you like to DRIVE a motorcycle) to Bedford, then out VA-122
Be prepared to spend a few hours there.... it's a trip that's worth the effort...no one I've met has gone there, and NOT be moved.....

 

Mt Mitchell is a cool place to check out. You ride right past it.
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php

 

I was about to post the same question, Im thinking of heading out after work friday from Pennsylvania to Front Royal Virginia, then jump on skyline and brp the next morning.

So has anyone been to the tail of the dragon, (rt129) is this worth the trip to ride on or just skip it and move onto some other riding. I have a few days off and going to ride out solo at this point.

Also anyone have some info about getting some awesome BBQ while out on this trip.

 

It would be a major mistake to miss the Tail. Just stay away from the center line, since the Crotch Rockets coming the opposite way love to misjudge their skill.

 

Was supposed to be down there aain this year but work got in the way. I was told the ride South of Deal's Gap was worthwhile, too. That was the plan. Maybe next year.

 

Currently, the Dragon, is closed just short of the Foothills Parkway. You can still run the dragon, you just have to turn around, and go back through it... not a big deal to most.....

The "bad part, is you can't do any of the "loop routes". but you can still do NC-28, and US-129, turn around, and then do US-129, to NC-143, and loop up the Chearahola, to Tellico...

"Awesome BBQ" is subjective...Carolina 'cue is pretty good... but (IMO) Memphis 'cue is better...

 

You must see Wheels Through Time while down . It is in Maggy Valley. There is a very good small BBQ place in Sprues Pine on hi-226 called BAMA-Q. But a western nc map and you can find many back roads that can offer some great rideing that can supase the dragon with out all the hoopla. dragon is mainly a flat curvy road many others are far from flat and they don't show on a regular map. Around Sprues Pine also you have 226A ,80 south between hi-70 and us19 double island . Farther west are 276 and 215 below Canton and 209 from lake Junaluska to Hot Springs. These road offer some of the best rideing and easy to find road with very low traffic. Many more but smaller ,and harder to find. Review some of madmax about a bad dip in the parkway that has sent several to the hospital lately and please don't site see while rideing the parkway to darn many killed .