Blue Ridge Parkway Trip

[Thomkm]

The wife and I are planning our first extended trip with our trike. Around 1,500 miles. We are planning on going to the Blue Ridge Parkway (south to north) and then taking the Skyline drive. I have read all the post on the BRP and have found them very helpful. Here is our tentative schedule...

Leave Fremont Ohio Saturday morning May 19th... head south on I 75 super slab... stop someplace short of Knoxville (300 mile range)

Sunday Morning travel thru Knoxville and enter the Southern entrance to the Parkway stopping someplace around Asheville NC (300 mile range)

Monday morning leave Asheville heading north on the Parkway stopping around the Blue Ridge Music Center MP 210 (travel approx. 170 miles)

Tuesday travel north stopping around the 80MP (travel approx. 130 miles) around the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center.

Wednesday finish the BRP and travel thru Skyline Drive (190 miles) stopping somewhere in the direction of home.

Some of the questions I have for this experienced body of knowledge is:

Does 300 miles a day seem reasonable? Wifey and I are not spring chickens any more.

Should we make lodging reservations in advance?

Any "must see places" we should know about?

Any ideas on the average temperature ranges in the middle of May?

Any other suggestions/warnings would be appreciated.

I know a lot of these questions have been talked about, just wanted to see if there were anymore.

This place has been invaluable in planning this trip. We thank you all !!!!

 

[skuuter]

Visit Little Switzerland, Grandfather Mountain off the BRP, turn onto Hwy 276 down to Brevard, NC off the BRP, eat at Hawg Wild Bar-B-Q when 276 meets 64....try to eat at the Pisgah Inn on the BRP......in May, watch for early morning heavy fog on the BRP......300 miles should be accomodating and reasonable...BRP, for the most part, has a 45mph Speed Limit...from the Hwy 19/Maggie Valley exit to the Hwy 215 exit, don't exceed this by "much"...heaviest patrolled section......ThumbUp

 

[Thomkm]

Thanks Skuuter... that is exactly the kind of info I was looking for... ThumbUp

 

[skuuter]

Thanks Skuuter... that is exactly the kind of info I was looking for... ThumbUp

You're Very Welcome......Anytime.....ThumbUp

 

[TNTriker]

Thanks Skuuter... that is exactly the kind of info I was looking for... ThumbUp

Agree with Skuuter, can also add, it does get very cool, and also rain. I have never been on the BRP that I didn't get rained on. It seems it always happens around The Devil's Courthouse area. The ride down the mtn from Little Switzerland is awesome! Be sure to top off the gas tank when near a gas station. Skuuter can probably give you hwy numbers, I'm not good at writing down info, but once at the bottom of the mtn from Little Switzerland, the road that goes north toward the falls, can't remember the name of them, but bet Skuuter will I'm sure. Then you can get back on the BRP from the falls. I will look for my map if Skuuter doesn't come back with the answer. I can give you better info with the map in my hand. You can also order a map on line if you don't already have one. It's really helpful. I also recommend riding the speed limit. The roads are bumpy and inside most of the tunnels the roads are worse. Ride safe and enjoy. Your time frame looks pretty good.

 

[Thomkm]

Thanks TNTriker, I have gotten a package from BRP and info from the AAA... Any idea how busy the area is during the week? I have heard that it is a zoo on the weekends. Once again thanks for the good info...

 

[Boom]

+1 on Grandfather Mountain stop. Sometimes it's only open to car traffic because of high winds. I think Pisgah mountain pull-over is highest point on BRP---over 6000 ft.---a great stop for pictures. Entrance to Skyline Drive is at Afton, Va. and exit is Front Royal, Va. Beware, they hit you with a $5.00 park fee when you exit (I may be wrong. It could be south-bound only). Too bad since the BRP is free. Enjoy, take your time. Don't be on too tight a schedule. Just make sure you can get off at certain points to get gas!
The only annoyance I've found is the cagers like to tailgate and there aren't many places to pass. Just pull off at an over-pass and let them speed on.

 

[skuuter]

Hwy 226 / 226A Loop at Little Switzerland off the BRP...if You have time run Hwy 421 from Boone, NC to Shady Valley in Tennessee ("The Snake")...221 from outside Boone, NC up to Independence, Virginia is a Great Ride also.....Lota' Great Riding in every direction off the BRP....here's a Great Loop also: Maggie Valley onto BRP, get off on 276, go left into Brevard, right on 64, right on 215, back onto the BRP (3 hours tops)......Scenic and Fun.....ThumbUp

 

[TNTriker]

Thanks TNTriker, I have gotten a package from BRP and info from the AAA... Any idea how busy the area is during the week? I have heard that it is a zoo on the weekends. Once again thanks for the good info...

You can also check the BRP webpage, sometimes they close sections of the parkway for one reason or another. I would suspect late May to be fairly busy as that is spring blooming season, but for the most part, most everyone there is for the scenic experience. There are numerous overlooks, etc., so just pull over and let them pass. If the crotch rockets are out, they will pass you anyway! You will love that area, so beautiful!!!

 

[Thomkm]

You can also check the BRP webpage, sometimes they close sections of the parkway for one reason or another. I would suspect late May to be fairly busy as that is spring blooming season, but for the most part, most everyone there is for the scenic experience. There are numerous overlooks, etc., so just pull over and let them pass. If the crotch rockets are out, they will pass you anyway! You will love that area, so beautiful!!!

We are really looking forward to the trip.... I thought it might be less busy during the week. Would it be advisable to make lodging reservations?

 

[hbrogan57]

The wife and I are planning our first extended trip with our trike. Around 1,500 miles. We are planning on going to the Blue Ridge Parkway (south to north) and then taking the Skyline drive. I have read all the post on the BRP and have found them very helpful. Here is our tentative schedule...

Leave Fremont Ohio Saturday morning May 19th... head south on I 75 super slab... stop someplace short of Knoxville (300 mile range)

Sunday Morning travel thru Knoxville and enter the Southern entrance to the Parkway stopping someplace around Asheville NC (300 mile range)

Monday morning leave Asheville heading north on the Parkway stopping around the Blue Ridge Music Center MP 210 (travel approx. 170 miles)

Tuesday travel north stopping around the 80MP (travel approx. 130 miles) around the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center.

Wednesday finish the BRP and travel thru Skyline Drive (190 miles) stopping somewhere in the direction of home.

Some of the questions I have for this experienced body of knowledge is:

Does 300 miles a day seem reasonable? Wifey and I are not spring chickens any more.

Should we make lodging reservations in advance?

Any "must see places" we should know about?

Any ideas on the average temperature ranges in the middle of May?

Any other suggestions/warnings would be appreciated.

I know a lot of these questions have been talked about, just wanted to see if there were anymore.

This place has been invaluable in planning this trip. We thank you all !!!!

Little Switzerland is a great stop. Take the time to look around and have lunch if you have the time.

In N.C. a nice area to visit is Cherokee. A bit on the "tourist" side but interesting nonetheless. Don't push yourself on the parkway for mileage. Stop often and enjoy the views. It's an amazing ride!!!!!:10:

 

[Paw Paw Willie]

We do the BRP almost every year. We do 150-175 miles a day. Take your time and enjoy the "pull offs". Being a South Florida boy I can't stress enough to bring warm clothes. It gets COLD in them thar mountains!!! Esp in May.

 

[Oldmsocko]

I would certainly take a ride up to the top of Mount Mitchell. Awsome sites up there. 300 mile days are certainly do able.I don't believe that lodging at time of year will be a problem. You will certainly enjoy your ride. I live in NE Ohio and I have gone down into that area for the last 7 years in a row. There is alot to see and do.

 

[Bagger]

Be sure to stop in linville falls it's a few hours on the parkway once you leave Cherokee, there is a great place to eat and sleep there plus the falls are something you don't want to miss.

 

[skuuter]

BRP in May: Finding Rooms shouldn't be a problem...Morning Fog possible...Rain is normal...Possible closings occasionally above Asheville for mud slides/happens frequently from March - May, but some of the DETOURS are Great Rides also.....Enjoy Your Trip, and post the Pics here at TRIKE TALK.com.....ThumbUp

 

[GARYD]

What a timely post. I'm also going that way on my way home to Chicago from Rolling Thunder at the end of May and beginning of June. I'm going north to south, starting at Front Royal. Doing the Skyline - BRP - and Cherahola. My delima is I also do the Harley ABC's each year so I'm trying to find all the county signs to take pictures of. I'm using Google street view to try and find them, but is not as easy as I thought it would be. I'll also be looking for National Park/Forest signs. If anyone has this kind of info handy - I would be forever grateful. ThumbUp

My other question was, and some have answered, about how many miles a day would be comfortable to ride. I'm 68 and need pit stops about every 1.5 to 2 hours. It's hell getting old.

Also what about making advance motel reservations or just pop in and see if they have a room. Are the motel prices reasonable?

Oldmsocko, you say you live in NE Ohio. Here's a question. Do you know of an entrance sign saying "Cuyahoga Valley National Park" off of I80 between Cleveland and Akron???

PawPawWillie, how cold? Will just a leather jacket/gloves be enough or will I need chaps also?? I'm from Canada/Chicago so your "cold" may be different from my "cold".

This is going to be my first vacation that I haven't planned out all my days riding agenda and motel stays. It kinda seems less stressful, wish I could do it all the time, but with only a week at a time vacation each year it's hard to not plan everything in advance so you can get as much stuff done as you have time for.

Really looking forward to this trip - not - looking forward to all the rain that was mentioned.

What's the attraction with Little Switzerland?

I'm not much of a "scenic overlook" kinda guy so I'll probably not stop too often for them. I love to just ride twisty roads. ThumbUp

Thomkn, don't forget to wave when we meet at the mid point. LOL :wave4:

 

[Thomkm]

What a timely post. I'm also going that way on my way home to Chicago from Rolling Thunder at the end of May and beginning of June. I'm going north to south, starting at Front Royal. Doing the Skyline - BRP - and Cherahola. My delima is I also do the Harley ABC's each year so I'm trying to find all the county signs to take pictures of. I'm using Google street view to try and find them, but is not as easy as I thought it would be. I'll also be looking for National Park/Forest signs. If anyone has this kind of info handy - I would be forever grateful. ThumbUp

My other question was, and some have answered, about how many miles a day would be comfortable to ride. I'm 68 and need pit stops about every 1.5 to 2 hours. It's hell getting old.

Also what about making advance motel reservations or just pop in and see if they have a room. Are the motel prices reasonable?

Oldmsocko, you say you live in NE Ohio. Here's a question. Do you know of an entrance sign saying "Cuyahoga Valley National Park" off of I80 between Cleveland and Akron???

PawPawWillie, how cold? Will just a leather jacket/gloves be enough or will I need chaps also?? I'm from Canada/Chicago so your "cold" may be different from my "cold".

This is going to be my first vacation that I haven't planned out all my days riding agenda and motel stays. It kinda seems less stressful, wish I could do it all the time, but with only a week at a time vacation each year it's hard to not plan everything in advance so you can get as much stuff done as you have time for.

Really looking forward to this trip - not - looking forward to all the rain that was mentioned.

What's the attraction with Little Switzerland?

I'm not much of a "scenic overlook" kinda guy so I'll probably not stop too often for them. I love to just ride twisty roads. ThumbUp

Thomkn, don't forget to wave when we meet at the mid point. LOL :wave4:

Great questions, Gary... I will definitely be waving... Just look for the overweight old man with a grin from ear to ear....:wave4::wave4::wave4:ThumbUpThumbUpThumbUp

 

[TNTriker]

Be sure to stop in linville falls it's a few hours on the parkway once you leave Cherokee, there is a great place to eat and sleep there plus the falls are something you don't want to miss.

Linville Falls, that is the falls I was speaking about in my first post. When you get to the bottom of the mtn from Little Switzerland, you can go north to Linville Falls and after the falls, you can go back up to the BRP. That would be a good circle from one point of the parkway with some scenic riding and then back up onto the parkway. Once you get your map, you can route it out and you will be able to get the hwy numbers. Sorry I couldn't find my map. There is only one place on the parkway for lodging and if you wanted to stay there you would need reservations (Mount Pisgah Inn), sits right on the bluff, would be a nice place to spend one night, but off the parkway you wont have any problems. Yes, it will be more busy on the weekend and hopefully you won't be there on Memorial Day weekend! OOPS! I forgot about Peaks of Otter in VA. They also have lodging.

 

[TNTriker]

What a timely post. I'm also going that way on my way home to Chicago from Rolling Thunder at the end of May and beginning of June. I'm going north to south, starting at Front Royal. Doing the Skyline - BRP - and Cherahola. My delima is I also do the Harley ABC's each year so I'm trying to find all the county signs to take pictures of. I'm using Google street view to try and find them, but is not as easy as I thought it would be. I'll also be looking for National Park/Forest signs. If anyone has this kind of info handy - I would be forever grateful. ThumbUp

My other question was, and some have answered, about how many miles a day would be comfortable to ride. I'm 68 and need pit stops about every 1.5 to 2 hours. It's hell getting old.

Also what about making advance motel reservations or just pop in and see if they have a room. Are the motel prices reasonable?

Oldmsocko, you say you live in NE Ohio. Here's a question. Do you know of an entrance sign saying "Cuyahoga Valley National Park" off of I80 between Cleveland and Akron???

PawPawWillie, how cold? Will just a leather jacket/gloves be enough or will I need chaps also?? I'm from Canada/Chicago so your "cold" may be different from my "cold".

This is going to be my first vacation that I haven't planned out all my days riding agenda and motel stays. It kinda seems less stressful, wish I could do it all the time, but with only a week at a time vacation each year it's hard to not plan everything in advance so you can get as much stuff done as you have time for.

Really looking forward to this trip - not - looking forward to all the rain that was mentioned.

What's the attraction with Little Switzerland?

I'm not much of a "scenic overlook" kinda guy so I'll probably not stop too often for them. I love to just ride twisty roads. ThumbUp

Thomkn, don't forget to wave when we meet at the mid point. LOL :wave4:

GaryD, to me the attraction of LIttle Switzerland is the ride down the mountain, totally awesome. The BRP does have it's share of curves, but the road is bumpy and you will want to stay close to the speed limit. One of my girl friends and her husband were riding it last year, on two wheels, and he totaled his bike due to a dip in the curve, along with several bumps, coming out of a tunnel. They are from Texas and are iron butt members..they ride all over the USA. He was speeding and lost control. Luckily he is an experienced rider and was able to lay his bike down and slid into the car coming at him instead of T-boning it. He escaped with some scraps and scratchs, sore muscles etc., but handled it well. They get a costly tow home. All of our roads in this area are twisty, hilly and some mtns. I hear Canada is very beautiful and would love to ride there some time, but I think you will be drawn to some scenic overlooks as you are traveling in our area. Once in our area, you will be in National Forest and Parks in each state. Their are plenty of signage and you won't be able to miss them. The cold up there is worthy of chaps, leather and late in the afternoon/early morning a heated jacket. We actually ran into hail last year in July, but was able to turn tail and backtrack to miss it. Enjoy your trip!

 

[GARYD]

Oldmsocko, this is the type of sign I need. It has to have the name of the National Park and the words National Park. Hope you know of one.


Also for anyone else that knows of a sign like this for any of the other parks/forests along the Skylive/BRP/Cherahola. I would appreciate any info/locations.

Thanks

 

[jtrissel]

Personally, 300 miles on the Parkway is a huge day, at least for me. Reservations are a must if you are staying on the Parkway. Peaks of Otter is a great place to stay, hike, and eat. Mabry Mill is a super place to explore. Lots of old history there, as well as a good place to eat. Enjoy it, I live 5 miles from the Parkway, Skyline Drive intersection. If you are 62 or older, get a Senior Pass. It costs $10.00 and is a lifetime pass to National Parks. The entrance fee to Skyline Drive is $15.00. You can buy it at the gate if you don't have it already.

 

[GARYD]

TNTriker, sounds like I will need to pack the electric jacket liner and chaps. I was hoping I wouldn't have to pack such large objects, but if I wear them that will not be a problem. I remember last year at Rolling Thunder it was in the 80's so I didn't need anything really warm.
I still think the trunk holds less then the 2 saddlebags, but I'll find out for sure in another month.
Guess I'll have to see Little Switzerland. ThumbUp

Great tip jtrissel. Thanks, I guess being old has some privleges after all.

 

[Cybyrd1]

The Biltmore House in Asheville is a cool stop, huge mansion owned by the Vanderbilt family and open for tours. They also have a winery with some award winning wines. The Daniel Boone Inn in Boone, NC is a great place to eat, but be hungry. The Mast General Store has a location in Boone, and the original Mast General Store is in nearby Valle Cruces. Very nice riding in the area. Cherokee has a Harrah's Casino with a Paula Deen's restaurant inside, and also a very nice visitors center at the edge of the park. Maggie Valley has the Wheels Through Time museum with a huge display of bikes from the early 1900s up, mostly Harleys, but a lot of others. All of the bikes on display run and if you ask, they will start them up and let you hear them run. For trikers, they have some really cool old HD Servicars and an Indian version. Across the mountain from Cherokee (a nice twisty 30 mile ride) is Gatlinburg. At the park entrance on that side you can take the 11 mile loop through Cades Cove with some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Watch for deer and bears, though.

 

[TNTriker]

Personally, 300 miles on the Parkway is a huge day, at least for me. Reservations are a must if you are staying on the Parkway. Peaks of Otter is a great place to stay, hike, and eat. Mabry Mill is a super place to explore. Lots of old history there, as well as a good place to eat. Enjoy it, I live 5 miles from the Parkway, Skyline Drive intersection. If you are 62 or older, get a Senior Pass. It costs $10.00 and is a lifetime pass to National Parks. The entrance fee to Skyline Drive is $15.00. You can buy it at the gate if you don't have it already.

Great advice about the senior pass! Last year Ron and I purchaed one at the entrance to Petrified Forest. It cost us $10. The fee to get in was $15.00, so saved $5 there on the spot. Used it at the Grand Canyon, the fee for the GC $25.00. Our pass got us in free, saved another $25,00. Used it at a place near Hoover Dam, $10.00 entrance fee, saved another $10.00. We have used it at several places. It's a no brainer!

 

[TNTriker]

GARYD, here is one sign at the highest peak on the BRP. All of our National Parks have to nice signs, there is also a great one going over the Smokiey Mtns coming out of Gatlinburge. I don't have a pic of it, there are always people there getting pictures when you come by.

 

[skuuter]

GARYD, here is one sign at the highest peak on the BRP. All of our National Parks have to nice signs, there is also a great one going over the Smokiey Mtns coming out of Gatlinburge. I don't have a pic of it, there are always people there getting pictures when you come by.

Have they replaced this Sign yet...??? Vandals tore it off early last year......... Last 3 times we passed, it was still missing....!!!

 

[GARYD]

TNTriker, sorry I couldn't make out what the sign says. Does it say National Park or is it just a BRP sign? The only other requirement for an ABC picture is that your bike also has to be in it with a copy of this years HOG Touring Handbook and at least 6 pictures with you in it. Sometimes getting the bike in the picture presents a problem, especially if there is no shoulder on the road.

 

[TNTriker]

Have they replaced this Sign yet...??? Vandals tore it off early last year......... Last 3 times we passed, it was still missing....!!!

Oh no, I think the last time we were there is during TTR. Didn't get back because we were out west and in FL. I didn't realize the sign was missing. That type of thing makes me boiling mad. It wouldn't pay for me to find someone doing that type of thing. If those jerks are ever back up there, I hope they have 4 flat tires!

 

[TNTriker]

TNTriker, sorry I couldn't make out what the sign says. Does it say National Park or is it just a BRP sign? The only other requirement for an ABC picture is that your bike also has to be in it with a copy of this years HOG Touring Handbook and at least 6 pictures with you in it. Sometimes getting the bike in the picture presents a problem, especially if there is no shoulder on the road.

I think it did, plus gave the elevation. Doesn't really matter now, some "pos" torn it down.

 

[skuuter]

Oh no, I think the last time we were there is during TTR. Didn't get back because we were out west and in FL. I didn't realize the sign was missing. That type of thing makes me boiling mad. It wouldn't pay for me to find someone doing that type of thing. If those jerks are ever back up there, I hope they have 4 flat tires!

My feelings exactly when we saw it......apparently hooked a Truck to it and yanked it off the steel brackets....really sad to see...... In late October a Ranger said the money was getting appropriated to get a new one...last time we rode that far on the BRP, so not sure if it's replaced yet....