BRP in August
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 13,982
From: Northern New Jersey
BRP in August
I have an opportunity for a Blue Ridge Pwy run in mid August starting out of NJ.
I've done it in May and June but how is it in August?
Weather, traffic or any other stuff that could make it less desirable than earlier in the year..
I've done it in May and June but how is it in August?
Weather, traffic or any other stuff that could make it less desirable than earlier in the year..
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
Depends on what section. I usually am on the west side by Cherokee. I have been going (10 years) at various times, august or september seem the best weather wise. I am going at the same time this year. Hot and humid when you are in lower areas like Asheville, and cool in the am at altitude like Mnt. Mitchell. You will more than likely hit rain but August is a drier than most months when I have been down there.
Traffic is an issue in some spots. During the week it's dead but you also have the oddball gawker. Weekends can get congested in spots. Being from the north and driving in large city traffic daily I don't see it as an issue but you gotta watch the tourists and allot time for it.
There are so many other great roads all over the western section close to the parkway you can't go wrong.
Traffic is an issue in some spots. During the week it's dead but you also have the oddball gawker. Weekends can get congested in spots. Being from the north and driving in large city traffic daily I don't see it as an issue but you gotta watch the tourists and allot time for it.
There are so many other great roads all over the western section close to the parkway you can't go wrong.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 13,982
From: Northern New Jersey
Depends on what section. I usually am on the west side by Cherokee. I have been going (10 years) at various times, august or september seem the best weather wise. I am going at the same time this year. Hot and humid when you are in lower areas like Asheville, and cool in the am at altitude like Mnt. Mitchell. You will more than likely hit rain but August is a drier than most months when I have been down there.
Traffic is an issue in some spots. During the week it's dead but you also have the oddball gawker. Weekends can get congested in spots. Being from the north and driving in large city traffic daily I don't see it as an issue but you gotta watch the tourists and allot time for it.
There are so many other great roads all over the western section close to the parkway you can't go wrong.
Traffic is an issue in some spots. During the week it's dead but you also have the oddball gawker. Weekends can get congested in spots. Being from the north and driving in large city traffic daily I don't see it as an issue but you gotta watch the tourists and allot time for it.
There are so many other great roads all over the western section close to the parkway you can't go wrong.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,590
From: South Florida
I would think closer to when the colors changes would be best.
But honesty my friend, I never, never, never understood what I can't take that road more than maybe 10 - 15 miles or so. I don't get it.
Another guy I met said the same thing. YES it is BEAUTIFUL for sure and I love nature. But only that road bugs me. Maybe becasue it is "same same" for a VERY long distance.
I am trying it again but this time around MM 310 where the Linville Via Duct is. So I am giving it another try.
Have a GREAT ride my friend. OH, if u can't make it around when the trees change colors which would be AWESOME then the cooler months the better of the times u have available.
Come back and let us know what time u decided and why aye?
BuzzCap7
But honesty my friend, I never, never, never understood what I can't take that road more than maybe 10 - 15 miles or so. I don't get it.
Another guy I met said the same thing. YES it is BEAUTIFUL for sure and I love nature. But only that road bugs me. Maybe becasue it is "same same" for a VERY long distance.
I am trying it again but this time around MM 310 where the Linville Via Duct is. So I am giving it another try.
Have a GREAT ride my friend. OH, if u can't make it around when the trees change colors which would be AWESOME then the cooler months the better of the times u have available.
Come back and let us know what time u decided and why aye?
BuzzCap7
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 13,982
From: Northern New Jersey
Ok thanks. I will..
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Raleigh NC
check on conditions, at the BRP, before heading out...check again, just before you leave,
https://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm
If you are on the BRP.... expect it to rain...regardless of the time of year. Sadly... you may be on the leeside, enjoying warm sunshine, and a turn of the road, puts you on the windward side, and a rain storm.
Higher elevations may be cooler than the valley below, and then again, you could be facing record heat..
As noted.... there are plenty of miles, that offer vistas of the same valley.... and you don't need to stop at each one.... a little pre-ride planning can do wonders.
Depending on YOUR interests.... there are many attractions along the way. Stop at places YOU would normally ride past.... open your horizons a little.
If you get bored.... the D-Day memorial in Bedford VA, is a good place for a side trip... as are hundreds of other places... and there are hundreds of great roads, assuming you LIKE curvy-assed roads
https://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm
If you are on the BRP.... expect it to rain...regardless of the time of year. Sadly... you may be on the leeside, enjoying warm sunshine, and a turn of the road, puts you on the windward side, and a rain storm.
Higher elevations may be cooler than the valley below, and then again, you could be facing record heat..
As noted.... there are plenty of miles, that offer vistas of the same valley.... and you don't need to stop at each one.... a little pre-ride planning can do wonders.
Depending on YOUR interests.... there are many attractions along the way. Stop at places YOU would normally ride past.... open your horizons a little.
If you get bored.... the D-Day memorial in Bedford VA, is a good place for a side trip... as are hundreds of other places... and there are hundreds of great roads, assuming you LIKE curvy-assed roads
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 559
Likes: 113
From: VA-Nelson Cty
I think it is much better just after the leaves have fallen. Weather is cooler, air seems clearer, less afternoon Tstorms, less traffic,etc. I also think that there are much better rides (at least in VA) than the BRP. A little of SLD/BRP goes a long way for me. Of course, I have an Afton, VA address. Lots of better places to leaf peep, too.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 14
From: Baltimore
Rode the BRP two weeks ago from mile 180 to around 350. They had started repaving at that point. It was tar with the blue or gray stones, not asphalt for the next 20 miles. We chose to get off and follow the GPS to get to our motel at Maggie Valley. Saw 5 deer on the BRP this time, with one running parallel to the road with me as I was blowing my horn. One day we put our rain gear on four times but in 1500 miles only rode in the rain for about 20 miles. I've ridden it 4-5 times and the next time like BuzzCap7 I will get on around MM 300. The last day we rode in the fog or clouds for over an hour. Went to Clingsmans Dome and couldn't see anything but clouds.