How much of the BRP is enough....when to turn off on other adventures?
#11
06-11-2011 | 05:10 AM
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From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Damn, I knew it! The ride always takes longer then planned - I was thinking it would take about 3.5 hours to get to Little Switzerland and then we would have time to take the Diamonback loop from there.............will have to adjust for a later arrival. I am glad you pointed out to start the BRP at Cherokee - I was gonna start it at Asheville.
Thanks for all the info.
Thanks for all the info.
The Best part, Cherokee to Ashville ..
#12
06-11-2011 | 05:19 AM
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From: Atlanta
Guitar4Him seems to always have some great advice and his counsel is good. But I would argue that although the southern part of the BRP may have the greatest natural beauty, it's the mid and upper portions that have the greatest cultural beauty and they are no slouch for natural beauty as well. Sure, you could argue that the southern end has the greatest elevation and that the roadway is more curvy down there, but what a shame to miss Linville Falls, the Linn Cove Viaduct, Mabry Mill, and the Music Museum on the northern end! And the Shenandoah Skyline is terrific all by itself! After you've endured the frantic pace of the Dragon, the BRP is just so relaxing, scenic, and unhurried. What a shame to miss that!
Last edited by Pastor John; 06-11-2011 at 05:21 AM.
#13
06-11-2011 | 05:58 AM
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From: Connecticut
#14
06-11-2011 | 08:13 AM
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From: Pluto
Thanks everyone again for all your great replies. Ralph - would you say I could go 1) from cherokee to little switzerland on the BRP in about 5-6 hours and 2) about how long from little switzerland to Roaneke? I've got the google maps estimates but I assume the actual is a little longer so I wanted to ask someone who has actualy traveled the road. If you are unsure of the destinations, maybe you could just give me an idea about how long it generally takes to travel per 100 miles along the BRP? Thanks.
Last edited by jacknthebox; 06-11-2011 at 08:34 AM.
#15
06-11-2011 | 09:03 PM
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From: SE Louisiana
Lots of great info(!)
#16
06-12-2011 | 07:03 AM
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Jack, Cherokee to Little Switzerland is about 135 miles and would be about three to four hours depending on stops. There is a lot to see along the way, so you can make that a leisurely drive that could take half a day or more or hammer it (at the speed limit of course) and be done in about three hours.
Little Switzerland to Roanoke is about 215 miles and probably a good six hours depending on stops. That stretch is my favorite on the Parkway, and I like to take most of the day because of the large number of "must see" stops.
With a speed limit of 45 mph, a hundred miles takes more than two hours if you don't stop, but you'll miss the beauty of the Parkway if you approach it that way. I've covered the entire 469 miles in two days, but always wish that I had stopped more, taken more pictures, and gotten off the bike for walks down mysterious trails.
A really great book you might find helpful is "Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway" by Nye Simmons - it's a great resource for planning your stops.
Little Switzerland to Roanoke is about 215 miles and probably a good six hours depending on stops. That stretch is my favorite on the Parkway, and I like to take most of the day because of the large number of "must see" stops.
With a speed limit of 45 mph, a hundred miles takes more than two hours if you don't stop, but you'll miss the beauty of the Parkway if you approach it that way. I've covered the entire 469 miles in two days, but always wish that I had stopped more, taken more pictures, and gotten off the bike for walks down mysterious trails.
A really great book you might find helpful is "Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway" by Nye Simmons - it's a great resource for planning your stops.
#17
06-12-2011 | 08:24 AM
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From: Pluto
Jack, Cherokee to Little Switzerland is about 135 miles and would be about three to four hours depending on stops. There is a lot to see along the way, so you can make that a leisurely drive that could take half a day or more or hammer it (at the speed limit of course) and be done in about three hours.
Little Switzerland to Roanoke is about 215 miles and probably a good six hours depending on stops. That stretch is my favorite on the Parkway, and I like to take most of the day because of the large number of "must see" stops.
With a speed limit of 45 mph, a hundred miles takes more than two hours if you don't stop, but you'll miss the beauty of the Parkway if you approach it that way. I've covered the entire 469 miles in two days, but always wish that I had stopped more, taken more pictures, and gotten off the bike for walks down mysterious trails.
A really great book you might find helpful is "Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway" by Nye Simmons - it's a great resource for planning your stops.
Little Switzerland to Roanoke is about 215 miles and probably a good six hours depending on stops. That stretch is my favorite on the Parkway, and I like to take most of the day because of the large number of "must see" stops.
With a speed limit of 45 mph, a hundred miles takes more than two hours if you don't stop, but you'll miss the beauty of the Parkway if you approach it that way. I've covered the entire 469 miles in two days, but always wish that I had stopped more, taken more pictures, and gotten off the bike for walks down mysterious trails.
A really great book you might find helpful is "Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway" by Nye Simmons - it's a great resource for planning your stops.
Hey Pastor, thanks a lot for that information - now I have a "real world" sense of the timing to expect. I will check out that book - I've got a few weeks before we leave so I will time to get some really great stuff out if it.
#18
06-12-2011 | 11:10 AM
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From: Central North Carolina
Excellent advice PJ about taking your time. The BRP is definitely something to be savored. Trying to "make time" on it totally defeats its purpose. I suspect that one could easily spend an entire week covering the entire route. I'm lucky...I've been going to the parkway for over 40 years so I've seen about everything on it. Some things I've seen multiple times and still enjoy visiting.
BTW...does everyone else enjoy going through those tunnels and listening to your bike rumble? There's nothing like going through those tunnels on a group ride.
BTW...does everyone else enjoy going through those tunnels and listening to your bike rumble? There's nothing like going through those tunnels on a group ride.
#19
06-12-2011 | 06:53 PM
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From: WNC
Pastor John and Guitar4Him have the best advice I've ever heard! I've lived here all my 56 years, spent 2 of the hardest years of my life building the last 4 bridges on the Parkway and rode the first Harley across the Viaduct during that time. I ride it at least once a week when it is open, hike it in the winter when it's closed. The old folks called it the Scenic, and the many overlooks are built for just that, The Scenery. Leave the city behind you, this is a different realm. "Savor" is the word to remember, see how slowly you can go, and how many overlooks you can take a photo of. I never ride it without seeing something very special, and am constantly reminded of a Creation that is beyond our hurried existence. Believe me, it is truly "all good", every mile of it.
Ride safe,
MM
Linville,NC
Ride safe,
MM
Linville,NC
Last edited by madmax54; 06-12-2011 at 06:55 PM. Reason: sig
#20
06-12-2011 | 08:08 PM
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From: huntersville nc
A good place to eat in Little Switzerland is mountain view restaurant, not cheap but great food try the sweet potatoe fries. www.mountainviewrest.com