Blue Ridge Parkway

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Jun 30, 2010 | 06:08 AM

#31

Pardner

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 228

Likes: 0

From: Raleighwood

OP says he is going in October.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funnygirl

You needed heated gear recently?
It's been in the upper 90s for two weeks in Charlotte.
We're going up there on Thursday but wouldn't have thought we'd need our heated stuff!

Jun 30, 2010 | 07:38 AM

#32

drbillk

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 296

Likes: 1

From: South Carolina

Cherhola Skyway is MUCH better ride than the Dragon. I've done both multiple times... in recent years, the Dragon has become overpopulated with younger riders on sport bikes that have minimal respect for the center line... very dangerous and too crowded anymore. The skyway is more enjoyable and less crowded.+1 on riding Skyline Drive is a 105 mile ride through the entire Shenandoah National Forest from Front Royal, VA (north end) to Rockfish Gap, VA (south end). You can hop right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway there and take it for another 469 miles through the George Washington National Forest, Stone Mountain State Park, Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and all the way to the end in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. My son and I like to camp right along the Parkway... even in the summer, it's cool in the campsites since they're mostly up in the mountains.The Wheels Through Time Museum is still in Maggie Valley. Dale is a great guy. Took me for an incredible ride on a 1930something Harley with racing sidecar attached. What a thrill that was for me. He also offers a variable military discount on the $20 entry fee... although, worth the full price!Enjoy the ride!

Jun 30, 2010 | 08:33 AM

#33

SA315B

Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 702

Likes: 2

From: Florida

I just finished a trip through that area.

I stayed at a Quality Inn in Front Royal, VA; very nice rooms and reasonable rates. I took Skyline Drive, you should as well. When you finish Skyline take US 250 toward Waynesboro, within two miles there will be a motel on your right.

I got as far as Boone my first day on the Parkway, check with expedia for a room.

There is construction on the Parkway so expect some delays. Six miles around Asheville are closed; the detour is well marked but pay attention to the signs.

It should not be as big an issue in October but be very careful the deer are out to get you on both the Parkway and Skyline Drive and the day before I did Skyline someone hit a bear.

I wouldn’t stay in Deals Gap at all I'd stay in Maggie Valley, there are a lot of rooms so prices are completive (low); there are many great rides that can be done from there to include an easy day trip to the Dragon.

Try:

http://www.stonycreekmotel.org/rooms.html

http://www.maggievalley.com/ads/abbeyinn.html

Jun 30, 2010 | 05:02 PM

#34

77HDFX

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 202

Likes: 2

From: Virginia

Not sure your night time plans, if your a motel or tent person.
I got to plug MO at the Kickstand. Stayed there 3 nights. Got her tent with a futon in it. 25 bucks a night. she is on 28 the road that leads to the dragon. Great place,Food, and Mo's is wonderfull!
http://kickstandlodge.com/
Couple pics from my trip.

My 25.00 tent

Last edited by 77HDFX; Jun 30, 2010 at 05:08 PM.

Jul 9, 2010 | 11:52 AM

#35

moondog99

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,583

Likes: 3

From: Sevierville, TN

So many amazing places to see and so many great roads to ride. I have been riding up there for about 12 years and no matter where you go the people are so nice and the roads and views are breathtaking.

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Jul 9, 2010 | 12:41 PM

#36

BigInjun

Cruiser

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 130

Likes: 0

From: North Carolina

Good replys

All these are very good suggestions. Google Peak of the Otters and check it out. its just outside of Bedford Va on the parkway and is a fantastic place to spend the first night out of DC. Make reservations. October is a very busy month on the parkway because of the leaf color season here. If you cant find places to stay. check out the little towns adjacent to the parkway. I live in Hickory NC and travel the parkway frequently.

Enjoy

Oct 20, 2010 | 08:17 PM

#37

Mrs.Itch

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 364

Likes: 0

From: Granville, TN

We stayed in touch with FD2, and he called us a few days ago from Maggie Valley. Yes, he and his wife went to the Wheels Through Time Museum, and yesterday they wanted to ride from Pigeon Forge to Nashville, where they had to drop off the rented RoadKing.
I had a better idea, and invited them to stay with us, and they did. We had a great time. Great stories. Great everything. They are the nicest couple you can meet.

Today we joined them for a ride to the Dealer since we wanted to go that way anyway to visit a leather tanning company. This morning we found out that it is FD2's birthday today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETER!!! Hope you have a great time in Nashville.
Next time you guys come through here, don't be no stranger. You're welcome in our house any time. Have a safe trip home.

And when I find Larry's phone, I'll put up the pics we took today.

Oct 21, 2010 | 12:37 AM

#38

Twoshots

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 107

Likes: 1

From: Wellington IL

I agree with Ashville ( Nice Town) I prefer the southern end. Highest points and most overlook views. Advice!! If you are going to look stop at getoff's found myself to many times looking and coming into curve way to fast. also if suns out and finds you with sunglasses on ease up going into tunnels in the carolinas some you cant see one end from the other and when you hit the dark your eye's will take a little to get adjusted and you will be looking for that soft rock wall you know is beside you.I stop at the museum of Applachia , Cant remember mile post on 75 north of Knoxville TN. i think 72 or 73 Mp. but not sure. Loaded with mountain culture memorabilia worth stop. I have noticed last time I was up on parkway from cherokee it seems the mountain Laurals have taken over along the road and spoiled some of the views .