The BRP crosses NC 80 just north of Mt. Mitchell State Park. NC 80 east for five or ten miles is a very good break from the BRP. I like to ride the switchbacks down the mountain to the lake at the bottom.


Dennis

 

When you get to the south end, try the Hell Bender 28 along Fontana Lake, The tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap and don't forget the Cherahola Skyway.

 

The Parkway is a great trip. Just take is slow and enjoy. Sometimes the rangers our out in force running radar. Fuel and restaurants is not a problem as there is plenty of food and fuel just off parkway. Peaks of Otter has a very good lunch with a nice atmosphere and view at a reasonable price for right on parkway. So many great places to stop and see the views it will take longer than you think. Watch out for small and large wildlife on the parkway. another hazard are the bicyclists as you may round a corner or just over a hill and find 1 or a dozen bicycles doing 5 mph. Spruce Pine NC has several good restaurants and fuel if you are there around meal time.

Grandfather Mountain is a good detour as well as Cherohola Parkway.

We think Maggie Valley is great to stay as it is close to everything. Best Western there is clean and reasonably priced, biker friendly with a decent bar/restaurant next door. Maggie Valley restauraunt is decent for lunch or breakfast. Don't miss Wheels through Time museum, it is worth the small fee and you will spend hours in there. Too much to see.

 

What is the helmet law on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

 

Friend of mine lived in London for a while. Hails from St. Thomas. That's gonna be a dream ride! Keep telling myself I'm gonna ride up there. Smuggle some Sparta Candles and Cubans back with me.

 

Dew Me, got a box of Cubans sitting here. If you're up this way stop in and enjoy one (it goes well with the scotch in the cupboard).

 

Unless it has changed, both VA and NC have helmet laws.

THe last moving violation that I (we) got was in Boone, NC in '99 for not wearing a helmet. My fault for listening to my wife when she said NC had no helmet law. She confused NC with SC.
No points, $25 fine (per head)!

 

What about Ashville? Is it worth the detour?

 

biltmore house is worth a look if ya like that sorta thing.....nice tour of the house and grounds.....they make some fair wine there also....

 

Do you know how far off the BRP Mt. Mitchell is? As well as whether there is a real nice route to get you there?