Blue Ridge or Natchez Trace Parkway?

[michael2480]

For those of you that have ridden both which did you enjoy more and why? The wife and I will be in the Nashville area next Sept and are planning on riding one or the other while we are that close. I understand they are different types of rides but would appreciate hearing what any of you have to share.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Rod69]

Liked both rides. Natchez is more laid back to me, take your time. Take in history and just enjoy the ride.
Blue Ridge, we road when we first got the trike. Beautiful scenery, bears,deer, and thousands of Turkey. Was tenitive riding the new trike. Lots of curves and drop offs, you have to be careful. Friends we were riding with both dumped their bikes on Grandfather Mountain. Want to go back again. It still was a beautiful ride. You have to get off to get food lodging and gas on both. Enjoy your ride. Be sure and stop in Maggie Valley and go to the Wheels thru Time Meusum.ThumbUp

 

[Lucky]

I like both,but if I were in Nashville I would probably choose the Trace. Maybe a little warmer this time of year. Try to get a meal at the Loveless Restaurant. It was good the last time I had breakfast there. RIDE SAFE

 

[2006gold]

Haven't been on either one, but we had planned on riding the Blue Ridge on our way back from Delaware picking up the Stallion. If you're looking for twists and curves, it would probably be OK, but we were told the foliage would prevent us seeing much in the way of vistas, and that a late fall or early winter ride would be a better time for sightseeing.

We'll do the ride sometime in the next five years as the grandson, currently on recruiting duty in Kerrville, will be getting transferred to Norfolk next year.

 

[michael2480]

One of the reasons we thought about going over to the BRP was to see the wheels through time museum. We won't be going until next Sept., wonder what the weather is usually like in Sept? Never thought about the foliage cutting down on the views from the road. That is something to think about too.

 

[kybigmac]

Definitely go see wheels thru time its my all time favorite museum ! Ive only ridden part of the blueridge, but what I rode was great.

 

[5x40]

I too have ridden both...very different, both great rides. since you live in Mo, for time, convenience, and more riding opportunities; I'd choose the Natchez. you have the opportunities to also make it a round trip by going a little further west and riding Ark Hiway 7 to get back to Mo, or to come back north after the Trace and riding The Trace through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, from there a short ride to Sikeston, Mo and a great meal at Lamberts. One of our favorite ride to eat places.

 

[michael2480]

I too have ridden both...very different, both great rides. since you live in Mo, for time, convenience, and more riding opportunities; I'd choose the Natchez. you have the opportunities to also make it a round trip by going a little further west and riding Ark Hiway 7 to get back to Mo, or to come back north after the Trace and riding The Trace through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, from there a short ride to Sikeston, Mo and a great meal at Lamberts. One of our favorite ride to eat places.

Thanks 5x40, both ideas are good and I will look at them more. We have ridden highway 7 several times and it's a good ride for sure. We are planning on passing through Sikeston on the way over to Nashville so will try to eat at Lamberts on our way down. We have eaten at the one they have in Springfield several times and there has always been a wait to get in, sometimes a very long wait! Have never been through the Land Between the Lakes area so will investigate that option more.

 

[TouringOn2]

I've also ridden both of them. If I could only ride one my choice would be the Blue Ridge Parkway. It worked for me. Be safe and enjoy the ride. Larry

 

[michael2480]

I've also ridden both of them. If I could only ride one my choice would be the Blue Ridge Parkway. It worked for me. Be safe and enjoy the ride. Larry

I thought I might hear from you Larry, thanks for your input.

 

[bmwininger]

We have rode both by far think the BRP is better the Natchez gets a little boring at times to me.

But are both great rides, not all of the traffic of other roads

 

[DK Custom Products]

For us, the BRP is a much better ride. Depending on the time of the year, BRP may be too foggy to fully enjoy it.

We live near the Trace, and I can never stay on it very long...it can get a bit boring...never felt that way on the BRP.

Kevin

 

[michael2480]

For us, the BRP is a much better ride. Depending on the time of the year, BRP may be too foggy to fully enjoy it.

We live near the Trace, and I can never stay on it very long...it can get a bit boring...never felt that way on the BRP.

Kevin

Appears you should have lots of knowledge about the Trace, thanks Kevin.

 

[TROUBLEMAKER_46]

In 2013 we rode the Natchez Trace from Waterloo, AL to Nashville, TN after we rode the Trail of Tears. This year we rode the Blue Ridge from Roanoke, VA to Cherokee, NC. Both of these ride were done on my 2009 Heritage Softail. (At that time I was not blessed to have a Tri-Glide)! Both rides were enjoyable. The Natchez was "flat" with nice "sweeping" curves. It was a beautiful ride but a bit boring after the first 50 miles. I think my wife was able to take a 20 minute nap occasionally! (just kidding)
The Blue Ridge was "mountainous" with every type of "twisties" that you could ever wish for! I have been on the BRP several times and I have never been disappointed. If you choose the BRP I can only advise you to be careful, ride slow and be aware of various temperature and weather changes. Especially this time of year because it is going to be cold in the mountains! Ride Safe and wear warm clothes!

 

[fred786]

Rode the Blue Ridge from top to bottom first week of Sept this year. It was the most scenic ride we have ever been on! Take at least 2 days to do it or you are cheating yourself. We stopped at several lookouts just to take it all in. We could not believe there were no bugs at all. Stayed in Boone NC night one and then on to Maggie Valley where we had a house rented at 3200ft overlooking the Valley for a week. Wheels of Time was awesome and so nice to go to a museum where nothing is behind glass. They even started a few up while we were there. You will not be disappointed with the BRP or Wheels of Time. Amazing!

 

[michael2480]

Rode the Blue Ridge from top to bottom first week of Sept this year. It was the most scenic ride we have ever been on! Take at least 2 days to do it or you are cheating yourself. We stopped at several lookouts just to take it all in. We could not believe there were no bugs at all. Stayed in Boone NC night one and then on to Maggie Valley where we had a house rented at 3200ft overlooking the Valley for a week. Wheels of Time was awesome and so nice to go to a museum where nothing is behind glass. They even started a few up while we were there. You will not be disappointed with the BRP or Wheels of Time. Amazing!

That was one of the things we were concerned with, if we would enjoy riding the full length of it. Sounds like it would be something we would enjoy. Just have to get an idea of where to stop for the night. We will probably do it from bottom to top.

 

[fred786]

That was one of the things we were concerned with, if we would enjoy riding the full length of it. Sounds like it would be something we would enjoy. Just have to get an idea of where to stop for the night. We will probably do it from bottom to top.

One other thing I should mention was the condition of the road itself. A long stretch of the north end was newly paved and generally I would grade its entirety at a 8-9/10. We were also amazed by temperature changes. Lower elevations to higher and some areas were like being in a air conditioned room on a 80 degree day because of the foliage over top of the road. Its like riding in a tunnel of trees. The road does stay damp in many areas as the sun just cannot get to it, almost like a rain forest. Check out the internet as there are tones of maps etc because route planning is important for fuel, food, and accommodation. Grandfather Mountain is a stop you may wish to put on your agenda and is just off the BRP. $20.00 to go up and you will be glad you are on 3 wheels not 2 as you make your way up on the switchbacks! I could go on and on. We hit 9 states and a majority of the scenery was gods county.

 

[michael2480]

One other thing I should mention was the condition of the road itself. A long stretch of the north end was newly paved and generally I would grade its entirety at a 8-9/10. We were also amazed by temperature changes. Lower elevations to higher and some areas were like being in a air conditioned room on a 80 degree day because of the foliage over top of the road. Its like riding in a tunnel of trees. The road does stay damp in many areas as the sun just cannot get to it, almost like a rain forest. Check out the internet as there are tones of maps etc because route planning is important for fuel, food, and accommodation. Grandfather Mountain is a stop you may wish to put on your agenda and is just off the BRP. $20.00 to go up and you will be glad you are on 3 wheels not 2 as you make your way up on the switchbacks! I could go on and on. We hit 9 states and a majority of the scenery was gods county.

We had figured on seeing Grandfather Mountain, from what I have read thought it would be well worth the price of admission. Also have been looking at maps online and have found some pretty interesting things we would like to stop at. Will have to get some options for lodging when it comes closer to time. Sounds like a ride we're going to enjoy.

 

[slick rick]

Ridden both , both are great rides this time of the year the Trace hands down . My favorite of any ride , no commercial vehicles , no red lights no stop signs just almost 500 miles of great riding . If you do plan the Trace watch for fuel stops .



http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...26kRUW5buMfiAKw&bvm=bv.79908130,d.aWw&cad=rja

 

[Ed Hobgood]

I have been on both and it all depends on what you like to see. If you are wanting to see mountains and great overlooks the BRP is the best. If you want mostly flat and sweeping curves then the Trace is for you. The Trace has several nice areas for pullovers and rest breaks. I liked both and you just need to make plans for each and you will not be sorry.

 

[michael2480]

I have been on both and it all depends on what you like to see. If you are wanting to see mountains and great overlooks the BRP is the best. If you want mostly flat and sweeping curves then the Trace is for you. The Trace has several nice areas for pullovers and rest breaks. I liked both and you just need to make plans for each and you will not be sorry.

Thanks Ed, that's part of the dilemma though! We enjoy both, mountains/great pullovers and long sweeping curves. Might have to take your advise and do both.

 

[Phill Griggs]

I have been on both and it all depends on what you like to see. If you are wanting to see mountains and great overlooks the BRP is the best. If you want mostly flat and sweeping curves then the Trace is for you. The Trace has several nice areas for pullovers and rest breaks. I liked both and you just need to make plans for each and you will not be sorry.[


The Blue Ridge. Lot more fun. We didn't get much out of the trace. But if you can do both!

 

[michael2480]

The Blue Ridge. Lot more fun. We didn't get much out of the trace. But if you can do both![/QUOTE] Thanks Phill, I'm sure you have a video out there if I just searched huh?

 

[dogman513]

Cant beat the BRP ThumbUp

 

[michael2480]

Anyone have a map suggestion that would include places to stop at along the way (trinket shops), lodging and historical things to see? Or do you just get on and ride till you see something that seems interesting? I know about the museum in Maggie Valley and Grandfather Mountain but I'm sure there has to be tons of other things to see and do.

 

[Lucky]

Anyone have a map suggestion that would include places to stop at along the way (trinket shops), lodging and historical things to see? Or do you just get on and ride till you see something that seems interesting? I know about the museum in Maggie Valley and Grandfather Mountain but I'm sure there has to be tons of other things to see and do.

If you are talking BRP there are books available that tells what is at every mile marker. Ton of free stuff. RIDE SAFE

 

[michael2480]

If you are talking BRP there are books available that tells what is at every mile marker. Ton of free stuff. RIDE SAFE

Thanks Lucky, I'll check out some of the books available and search for a map or two that might show me where to get off for gas or lodging.

 

[Tonto]

Riding "The Trace" is nice, but once you've done it there's not much reason to do it again. The Blue Ridge on the other hand...

Of course this is only my opinion .

 

[michael2480]

Riding "The Trace" is nice, but once you've done it there's not much reason to do it again. The Blue Ridge on the other hand...

Of course this is only my opinion .

That's been kind of the general consensus I think. That's why we're leaning pretty heavy towards riding the Blue Ridge unless something happens to change our minds.

What we have been discussing lately is what kind of weather swings we might expect to encounter in Sept? The closest we've been was one year we were in Gatlinburg and went over the mountain to Cherokee NC. It was very hot in Gatlinburg and as we went up and over the mountain it got much cooler, not cold but cooler. I am thinking that in the middle of Sept on the Blue Ridge we might expect over night temps in the 40's to be possible?

 

[FRR]

One nice thing about the Trace.......They keep the sides of the road cut back over a hundred feet or more in most cases so you have time to see those "little animals" that pop out in front of you. A guy I know went down on the Parkway in September and he is still messed up. Lots of animals with little warning.