Man, thanks to all the great replies to my trip-planning posts my trip is really going to be amazing!

NEXT QUESTION: After arriving Thursday, July 13 at Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge, we will depart on the following Sunday and ride NE along the Blue Ridge Parkway about 3.5 hrs to Little Switzerland and check in to the Switzerland Inn (Diamond Back Lodge). After checking in we will head out for the day and ride the Lake James Diamond Back Loop - taking our time.

FROM HERE IS WHERE I NEED ADVICE: Next day we will head out and continue traveling North on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Now, I will have 5 days left of the trip to get back home to Minneapolis - so, how far should I plan on traveling up BRP? I notice that taking it to the end and then continuing through Skyline Drive will bring me to Front Royal, NC - from here I would have about 1100 miles to home - I would like to take 2 or 3 days to ride home that distance. Can I make it to Front Royal from Little Switzerland (320 miles) in 2 days via the BRP? Is it worth the drive or should I turn North-West at some point and head in to West Virginia and explore that state (which would shorten the distance of my ride home)?

Thanks for any advice..........like I said, thanks to this forum this trip is really turning out great.

 

Many times, I've ridden from Roanoke (mm 120) to Asheville (mm 390) in one day (270 miles). It's a full day's ride...you're limited to 45 mph and you're wanting to stop from time to time to check out the overlooks and other attractions. Little Switzerland is at mm 335. You could do a leisurely ride from there to Roanoke and spend the night. Then, the next day, you could finish the remainder of the Parkway.

One thing to keep in mind...the section of the Parkway from Cherokee (mm 469) to Asheville is, by far, the most scenic and interesting. As you travel farther north, the elevation gradually decreases. Asheville to Roanoke is still pretty nice. Then, from Roanoke to Front Royal, it gets less interesting.

On Sunday, your route from the Iron Horse will probably take you on Hwy 28 south to Hwy 19. You can take Hwy 19 to Cherokee and then, pick up the south end of the BRP. Then, ride the BRP to Little Switzerland. Mapsource shows that to be 168 miles with a 4-hour drive time. I know from experience that it will take you several hours longer to make that ride but it would be a nice and scenic day's ride.

 

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.

 

As Guitar has pointed out you definatly want to start out in Cherokee NC from (MM 469) The most beutiful section of the BRP IMHO is the North Carolina section. Be aware that Little Switzerland roads to the BPR were under construction in Mid May, however the work may be complete by now.

The BRP in N/C also has had construction with drain work and resufacing. There could definatly be a couple of "Stops" to allow alternating traffic. If my memory serves me right there were 2 that lasted about 15-30 minutes. 45MPH is plenty on the BRP and allows you to "eye" wander at the wonderful scenes.

Take a nice ride and enjoy.

 

Thw BRP is 5 miles from my house be careful of the fog and storms this time of year we ride it often. Get you some dinner at the Chalet in Little Switzerland real good.

 

stop at wheels tru time motorcycle museum in maggie valley. which is only a few miles from cherokee n.c.i did the brp in 2 days if i was going to doit again i would figure 3 day and include skyline drive

 

I would get off the BRP at around Fancy gap and find back roads that lead you in to WV like 52 then enjoy the mountains. Stay in the HILLS Son....You will see when you get the that i Ain't lyin....LOL...

 

Sounds like your time line is stretched while you're planning on riding what is arguably the slowest stretch of road that long in the whole country. That doesn't even factor in the construction or the weather. Last time I rode on the parkway, we made roughly 50 miles in two hours due to weather.

I don't think you want to be stretched so tight. It can ruin your whole trip if you're worried about racing back home.

 

Look at 52 North off the BRP thru Va to 460 East to 219 North thru WV. Some of the best riding around.

 

We went last year after dropping son off Scout camp in S.C. we did 900 miles in 4 days on the back roads and BRP. 1 day of rain rest of the trip was great had no plans, but it did take longer then we thought to go from point A to B. Would of liked to cover more of the parkway. Just take it a day at a time . And enjoy