blue ridge parkway
Ah, so the short way around :-) That is quite a ride, I have done most of those roads but not 11 in PA or Route 6. Have to take a look. When I come/go I will come down from 9 or via 101 in NH to Route 9 VT to route 22 NY and then to 84 (use 311 or other to cut some of 84 off) I also use 2 in MA (the mohawk trail) from 101/202 in NH to go out to 22 etc.
I had a nice ride out on Long Island last year and rode the two ferries from Montauk to the North side of the Island. The Smokey Mountains is another area I try the pass through at least coming up or going back. Next time I go by the coast I would like to take the ferry to Okracok Island. Last year it was too crowded. I went down to Hatteras and came back up.
Last edited by ironheaddave; Nov 15, 2015 at 04:51 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 916
Likes: 12
From: NoVA
Overall the absolute best time is after Labor Day to the start of leaf season. In October the prices for motels go up at least 50% and very crowded.
Late May to early June would be #2. Yeah, that dark patch in the road might be a bear. Always allow an extra day of travel because of fog. This is no B/S, slam a white wall in your face, cut it with a knife fog.
And if you hit fog like that it can real interesting riding a small backroad off the mountain and down to Rt.11. Lines? Signs? That's candyass, we don't need no stinkin' lines.
Late May to early June would be #2. Yeah, that dark patch in the road might be a bear. Always allow an extra day of travel because of fog. This is no B/S, slam a white wall in your face, cut it with a knife fog.
And if you hit fog like that it can real interesting riding a small backroad off the mountain and down to Rt.11. Lines? Signs? That's candyass, we don't need no stinkin' lines.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 792
Likes: 258
From: N.E.Ohio
Wife and I have ridden the BRP 6 times in the past 10 seasons. Once- Gettysburg/York down to Front Royal and Skyline ($10) to the BRP. Five of those trips were first week of June, little traffic and decent weather most years but be prepared, it can change quickly the last 175 miles because of the elevation increase. Honest advice, take your time, stop at as many overlooks as you have time for. The beauty is stunning!!! Don't miss Water Rock ****, Devils' Courthouse and Grandfather's Mnt. Take the short hikes to the top to stretch your legs, it's so worth it. If you ride it just to go fast, you miss alot. This year we rode it in August. Not a drop of rain or fog--got lucky. Also, this year we spent a nite at Little Switzerland. It's on top of a mountain at milepost 334(?). Biker friendly, even has a lodge with cover for groups of bikes. Pool on the edge of the cliff with incredible view !! long winded, but we love the ride
Stage I
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: usa
west virgina state rally
I'm starting to plan my 2016 ride from Wisconsin to the Blue Ridge Parkway. My bucket list is not getting any shorter and I'm not getting any younger. This could possibly be a solo trip.
Is early spring, like May, a good time to avoid the big crowds?
Looking for any advise.....best time of the year for crowds...and of course weather is a huge factor......best route...places to stay..etc
thanks in advance
Is early spring, like May, a good time to avoid the big crowds?
Looking for any advise.....best time of the year for crowds...and of course weather is a huge factor......best route...places to stay..etc
thanks in advance
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 497
Likes: 187
From: Dallas area
If you make it south to the Asheville, NC area it's worth the trip over to Maggie Valley and the Wheels Through Time museum. Very cool place.
http://s471.photobucket.com/user/gtm...0museum?sort=9
http://s471.photobucket.com/user/gtm...0museum?sort=9
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 7
From: Corning, Ohio
Our first and second trip to the BRP had some destination roads and places. The last time there we turned left at the third intersection, right at the next and got totally lost on some of the best roads I've ever been on while riding. The wife and other bikes in the group really thought that I knew where I was going, not! Finally the wife caught on and asked if I was lost. My reply, "who me, never lost, only on an adventure." There are no bad roads, just the ones less traveled. My motto, you're only one wrong turn away from your next greatest adventure.
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Joe Kucinski
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 145
From: SE Louisiana
Some of those little county roads from BRP down to the lowlands are at least as challenging as the Dragon's Tail! <g>
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 531
Likes: 4
From: Chile Flats, AZ
Wheels Through Time -- Not to Miss!!
If you make it south to the Asheville, NC area it's worth the trip over to Maggie Valley and the Wheels Through Time museum. Very cool place.
http://s471.photobucket.com/user/gtm...0museum?sort=9
http://s471.photobucket.com/user/gtm...0museum?sort=9
!!! Convinced the group of 22 we were riding with to stop here (none of them had heard of it--I had visited with both Dale and Matt a few times over the years) and the group consented to give it a half hour....three hours later and we had to literally peel ourselves away... so much to see and experience.
We did the BR in July; some early morning fog; a few light showers--and as mentioned previously, watch out for dirt pull-offs after rain... our bike tipped over with us coming off when we pulled off the asphalt and the edges of the asphalt 'sunk' into the very soft dirt.... be aware...
Great ride from south to north; did 129 on a Tuesday and next two days to Boone where we headed back west... beautiful scenery.