The south has a wonderful jewel in it's midst, a road that is filled with
adventure, smooth roads, stunning scenery of mountains, sweeping curves,
valleys, lakes, and rolling fields, wildlife and many, many scenic stops along
the way, and it was as if it was made for motorcycles. And that jewel is the
Blue Ridge Parkway. Now I know that when it was first conceived in 1933 that the thought of
making it a motorcycle wonderland was not what they in mind. But a wonderland
for the motorcyclist it is. And boy is it ever!With 469 breathtaking miles, the road starts at Rockfish Gap in Virginia and continues on where it ends in Cherokee, NC.
As you motor up to the sign that says "Blue Ridge Parkway" then make that turn onto the road, a feeling of exhilaration and excitement overtakes you as you know that you are in for the adventure of a life time. We always like to start at the southernmost point at milepost 469 at Cherokee. The moment your tires hit the pavement you feel as though you have stepped into a different world. The speed limit is 45 mph but you don't want to go any faster than that anyway as you may miss something. Beautiful trees with their canopies above you envelope you and your senses are overtaken with the coolness of what surrounds you, the smell of the living greenery around you and the freshness of the air. Sweeping curves greet you and you cruise ever so easily around them. So many times after a curve you are greeted by a clearing and you are met with spectacular views of beautiful mountains and valleys. It is nature that has been unspoiled for millions of years and you feel like you are no longer in modern times, but back in time when all nature was unspoiled. Only the rumble of your motorcycle brings you back to the present.....and then a passing car or motorcycle. But there are never any passing commercial trucks as they are not allowed on the Parkway adding to the pleasure of your ride.
As you ride your motorcycle, you will come to many scenic stops along the way. You can stop and get off your bike and take in the breathtaking mountain vistas, take pictures that you will cherish for a life time or eat a snack that you brought along. More often than not, someone will ask you about your bike and your trip, bikers and nonbikers alike and you will be eager to tell them about your trip. Also there are many, many stops along the way that you can see wonders such the many waterfalls like Linville Falls, beautiful streams with rocks that you just know have the best trout in them. There's spectacular areas of nature such as Mt. Mitchell that is the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6684 feet. You have to take a short exit to get to this mountain, and then a curvy ride up to the parking lot, but the ride on a motorcycle to that point is not bad at all. The view at the top will be one you will never forget!
There are the many tunnels you ride through which are dark and cool. It's really fun to ride through them. Then there's the wonderful city of Asheville which is the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. What a great city this is and a wonderful spot for great meal or a room and just a nice city all the way around.
Also with the frequent scenic stops and exits along the way, as you ride the Parkway you are often met with rolling fields complete with split rail fences, old log cabins, and everything is kept as if it were in olden times. This is especially true in the North Carolina section. In Virginia there is more private land on the Parkway, but the land is still beautiful. You will see wildlife such as deer and bear, but be very careful and on the lookout for them.
During your ride you will be thrilled with the different levels of elevation, the subtle changes in temperature as you climb and descend, have your breath taken away at the scenery that meets your eyes around each and every curve, marvel of the vastness of the land, and thank your lucky stars that you have the opportunity to experience it like no one ever could in a car.....but in the saddle of your motorcycle.
There are so many more things to see on the Parkway that I do not have room to mention. If I mentioned them all we would have a book here. I leave it to you to discover the rest. I promise it will be your adventure of a lifetime.
My husband and I have ridden the Parkway many times on our motorcycle and it is like no other place in this world. Nothing could ever match it in it's wonder and majesty. It's the most exciting, exhilarating road we have ever ridden on our bike because it is filled with adventure around every curve. We have met so many wonderful people on this road and have talked with them about their bikes and experiences. Everyone you meet you will feel instant camaraderie.
I invite you to experience the true jewel of the south, our Blue Ridge Parkway.....a motorcyclist's paradise.