I did Skyline last September, Labor Day, and found it boring. Basically lots of 35MPH riding on a nice road with a view every once in a while. Found the Virginia roads around Fredericksberg (sp) and such much better.

But I'm probably spoiled by too many miles in SouthWest Colorado.

 

Rode the southern part of BRP last year. Stayed at Jonathon Creek Inn in Maggie Valley. On the backside is a creek and they have put sitting areas close to it. The only noise you hear on that side is from the creek.
Best breakfast in town is across the street.
Wheels Through Time Museum a few miles or so up the road.
Mingo Falls north of Cherokee is worth the 159 steps up to it. Got that from the visitor center in Cherokee.
We took 276 to Waynesville off of BRP. Winding until we got to lower elevation.
Stopped by Little Switzerland Cafe (last week of August) and that day they were closed. Went back up up on 226 to the Mountain View Motel/Inn and Cafe. Outside seating had a great view while we were eating.
Enjoy... Lots of great roads.

 

Of course the best riding is the farthest away from you. Given your criteria I would choose, south of Roanoke BRP 1st, North of Roanoke BRP 2nd, and Skyline last. That said, it's all good. Skyline has the 35 MPH speed limit mentioned. Other than that it's very much like the northern portion of the BRP - lots of twists, turns, climbs and descents with overlooks here and there. The southern portion of the BRP, especially by Little Switzerland and south, simply takes it to the next level.

And of course just off the southern portion (Smokey Mtn region) is some pretty amazing riding as well. Names you've heard like Tail of the Dragon, The Rattler, The Snake, The Moonshiner, etc. Then there's the roads not named which might even be better.

 

Check out the Peaks of Otter Inn , which is right on the parkway. Great place to stay and a great little bar to sit back and relax in.
Also check out the Pine Tavern Inn if you make it to Floyd Va. great lodging and great restaurant next door.

 

Not sure if it was mentioned, but check out Grandfather Mountain and Chimney Rock

 

I've got family in te waynesboro area also. Thanks for the info everybody.

 

I live North of Harrisonburg in a small town. I've only driven Skyline Drive a few times(5-7), and I've only been on a SHORT section of BRP one day last year with a buddy. But from that alone and a good friend of mine who rides a LOT and goes South quite a bit to a lakehouse he owns, I vote Parkway. 1) It's free. 2) higher speed limit. 3) more turns=more fun. Plus it ends right there in Waynesboro so after seeing family you can hop on it at the top of the mountain and head South.

 

Great points. I've read a lot about many of these stops and I'll finally have the opportunity to ride from Wisconsin to Front Royal, VA to Cherokee to Wisconsin. There are so many places listed to visit in all the reading, that it's diffucult to wade through the noise and find the gems to visit. Those listed here will be on the top on my list.

Thanks fellas.