Lookin' for Blue Ridge/Skyline tips

[2 for the road]

Winter sucks!
Even though this winter hasn't been bad (YET!) let's get on to the good weather! I got a few really good suggestions when we rode out west last summer and I am hoping for the same help again.
As of now it looks like we will be doing the Skyline Drive/ Blue Ridge Parkway ride the second week of October. I know that's quite a bit of lead time but I know that October is a busy time on the Parkway. Any "must sees" or "not worth the time" tips are appreciated. We live in the suburbs of St. Louis and don't know if we will be going north to south or south to north.
I hope to get a little detail on this forum with info from our ride out west last summer (Go West Not-So-Young Man). It truly was unbelievable on many levels. One quick observation...if you are anywhere near Highway 12 in Utah...GET THERE AND RIDE IT....WOW!!!
Thanks in advance for your help and advice!
Dennis

[David (N. Alabama)]

Hey Dennis. If you can work it out go both ways. Different view of the scenery and the curves will be different because decreasing radius turns one way will be increasing radius the other. Down hill left turns will become uphill right turns, etc.

The Peaks of Otter is a must stop and look around do a little walking

Going to the top of Mount Mitchell is a must

Put this in a google search ( blue ridge parkway motorcycle ) without the parentheses of course.

The further north you go the more deer on the road there is. Plan where your stops are going to be so you don't get caught out on the road while the sun is setting. Those Virginians need to do more hunting.

Definitely go to this site and look around. http://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm

Try and make reservations now if you want to stay at one of these locations on the Parkway. http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/lodging.htm

I recommend the trout at the Mabry Mill Restaurant - Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Post 176.

Not knowing what your interests are besides motorcycling and fall foliage, it is hard to say what to see and and what to pass on. I learned a long time ago that what I find fastinating others might not.

[doug of so fla]

Plan on driving the parkway during the middle of the week , weekends are bumper to bumper..

[Skibou]

We're planning the same trip in June and would also welcome any suggestions. Is there a preferred direction? (north to south or vice versa). Any suggested scenic backroad return routes?

[2 for the road]

Thanks Dave and Doug for your quick response! The toughest part of planning one of these trips for me is waiting to go! Please keep those ideas coming! Dennis

[David (N. Alabama)]

We're planning the same trip in June and would also welcome any suggestions. Is there a preferred direction? (north to south or vice versa). Any suggested scenic backroad return routes?

Truly the most awesome stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the North Carolina section for the spectacular views, curves, and altitude changes. If you could only travel one direction on the Parkway, my opinion would be to travel north because most of your scenic overlooks will be on the east side of the road.

I rode the entire length both directions in '07 on my Ninja 650. People now tell me that being able to ride the entire length is a rare occurance because they tend to have construction going on somewhere on the parkway at all times. Currently it looks like construction on two sections that you have to detour around.

You do have to be prepared for dense fog up there that can ruin your view and spoil your fun. In '09 I attempted to ride the entire length again and had to abandon it because the fog was so dense I couldn't exceed 30 MPH and could barely tell where the turns were because the sky met the roadway. Ended up exploring the Cumberland Gap area of Kentucky / Tennessee and still had a great vacation. I'm saying this because you may want to have some alternate routes down in the valleys in case it is socked in up on the mountains.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Luray Caverns was interesting if you like caves.

There are motorcycle specific campgrounds near the parkway if that is something you are into.

[suzib6sw]

If anyone is Riding the Parkway and is looking for a stop over a few miles away, in Radford VA, then call me.. I have a room or two and garage.
(Radio mods over night

Not far from Exit 109 on I81 ..
May I also recommend the restaurant at Tuggles Gap exit 7 i think on the Parkway (Floyd).. Bikes often frequent there.. Sunday often sees a group of Indian Owners up there..

Cheers..

Pete

[doug of so fla]

Also if you are going to try to make any time on the parkway, forget it!! They only measure distance by time, not miles, on the parkway. If you have to get somewhere on time you may want to plan on dropping off the parkway and pick a county road. You will see more traffic but they weave through the mts and you get a wider view of them, sometimes on the parkway all you will be able to see is the yellow line unless you stop a lot. Your rider will get a good view while you are watching the yellow line to stay alive!! I remember (I think) county road 11 going north was a good road to make some miles quick.

[Winddancer]

Plan on doing the Blue ridge/Skyline and the Dragon on my way to the Trail of tears ride on sept 15th, which I am going to ride with all the way from TN to OK.....from there I have no clue which way I am going to get back to seacoast of the MA/NH border, but that will be an experience too,
I plan to just follow the sunshine..

this promises to be one hell of a ride..
I can't wait!!

[pasam]

Hi,
Sounds like my style of touring without a strict schedule. I would highly recommend a little side visit to the top of Grandfather Mountain at aound the 300 mile mark just off the parkway. I assure you that you won't be disappointed. Hopefully the weather cooperates.
Enjoy the ride, Sam in central PA

[bigmac7139]

if you are heading south or starting from the south, (smokey mountains) deals gap is a must. i tended to drag the centerstand a bit throught there but its a must. i agree though, the passenger always gets the better show, but they also get to take the pic's, so as long as you stay safe, there is prob not a wrong way to do it.

[phill12]

Watch out for the bears!!!

[voyager rider 1700]

Any one know what the weather is like in late May early June?

[David (N. Alabama)]

Any one know what the weather is like in late May early June?

You can go to weather.com and bring up the averages for an area of interest. Typically that time of year is a crap shoot. Could be clear and warm, or the mountains could be shrouded in fog (thus the name smoky mountains) and you can deal with off and on drizzles. I found it is best to go when the 5 day forcast looks good and you just take off and go. Done the rain thing up there too many times.

The temps can vary by 30 degrees from the valley floor to the mountian roads so you want to be prepared.

[2 for the road]

O.K. ladies and gentlemen, When I first posted this in March our fall trip was far, far away. Now it's next week! I just thought I'd see if anyone had any last minute suggestions or thoughts for us to consider. As always the last week before leaving is a tough one. Lots of final details and REALLY hard to concentrate on work! Thanks to those of you that responded. Your suggestions are much appreciated! We did decide to go north to south. Otherwise, we're open!
I hope we all have safe and memorable voyages ahead. Ride safely, my friends!

[Skibou]

If you're lucky enough to get sunny weather, watch out for the tunnels ---They are very dark.

[Winddancer]

Have a good trip..
I just did this 2 weeks ago and it was great..
We lucked out.. we rode starting wed morning on the Skyline..
No cars, No traffic, NO Cops!! rode the entire skyline at a very spirited pace,enjoying every curve... then we crossed over to the Blue Ridge Parkway.. Same deal, No traffic at all, and no cops and same spirited pace..
we stayed the night in Fancy Gap, which I think is around MM200..as the sun started to go down the deer came out, big time.. and it wasnt dusk by the clock, or by any means, it was just dusk by the effective light in the woods.. so be carefull of this...
Next morning after breakfast, off we went.. again we had the road to ourselves, about mid afternoon we came upon an occasional car, and they usually pulled over, and we only hit one place that had construction and it was a 5 min wait, then a short trek across a dirt road..
We finished in cherokee thur late afternoon..
It was an awesome ride..one I now plan on doing again next year..Both ways...
Weather was great, but it does get a bit nippy in the morning with the dew and the shade of the woods..if you get a chance and have time, you may want to try the 226/226A loop.. http://diamondbacknc.com/route.html thats if you like the twisties.
Enjoy the ride!!!!
Chuck