Blue Ridge or Natchez Trace Parkway?

[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.

 

[dawingrider]

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.

 

[dawingrider]

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?

I looked at a few weather sites to check, and you seem to be on target with the lows, at least in the higher elevations. Planning for the unexpected is key as long as you have the room to pack what you may need.

 

[michael2480]

For anyone that has ridden the BRP more than once, do you have a preference on which end to start on? I am planning on starting on the south end and going north.

 

[dmccord]

Michael, One thing i haven't seen mentioned on here is the City of Natchez. My wife and I rode from Nashville all the way down to Natchez. We spent two days there and toured several of the antebellum homes there that was way worth the trip. Beautiful city beyond anything i have ever seen. If you go there, the first thing you need to do is to go downtown and rent a carriage ride to get introduced to the city. It's a very laidback city with lots to see. We carried a picnic lunch with us and ate at roadside parks along the trace. We have rode the BRP also. If you do take this route, be sure and stop at Ashvile, NC and tour the Biltmore, but plan for a whole day there. Whichever trip you take, you will not be disappointed.

We have ridden the BRP in Sept. many times, and tho it got a little cool at times, it was never a problem for us. Just pack some warm jackets and you will be fine. Ever get back toward Sikeston, contact me, we just live 25 miles west of there, and the throwed rolls are fantastic!!

 

[michael2480]

Thanks for the info dmcccord, we were planning on stopping in Asheville and seeing a couple of things there. We will probably be coming through Sikeston on our way over and will try to look you up on our way through. We have been to Natchez before and did really enjoy the city.

 

[michael2480]

Have any of you stopped to fish anywhere along the way while riding the BRP?

 

[dmccord]

Sorry for the late response. No, i have never stopped to fish. I have a 5 acre bass and crappie lake in my backyard. I do all my fishing at home. lol

 

[skuuter]

I've ridden both, and are on sections of both each year. Blue Ridge Parkway is the best of the Two, and mid Summer is the Best Time to miss "Mudslide Closures", Fog, Massive Temp Changes, etc. The Natchez Trace is Great on each end...The Start in Nashville/Franklin, Tennessee to Florence, Alabama, and the end at Natchez, Mississippi are both beautiful places with a really dull and boring middle. History along the way is interesting though....if You plan to do one though, "Mid-Summer BRP" and You won't be disappointed.....ThumbUp

 

[TUSK]

I've ridden both twice. The Blue Ridge is infinitely more scenic and offers more attractions near the Parkway. You might even encounter a bear as I did.

 

[michael2480]

Sorry for the late response. No, i have never stopped to fish. I have a 5 acre bass and crappie lake in my backyard. I do all my fishing at home. lol

Not a lot of trout in your lake though I bet! Was just thinking it might be fun to do while in the area.

 

[Cybyrd1]

I know that the town of Gatlinburg stocks the creek running through the middle of town on a weekly basis (I think on Thursdays). The creek running through the Cherokee reservation is stocked also, but I don't know how often. Gatlinburg will require a Tennessee fishing license, Cherokee a reservation fishing license. Also, the Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Cherokee. It is one of my favorite rides in the area.