jasonmb
Member
Traveling back to tn from Maine in a few days and was looking for any tips from those who have traveled the parkway from north to south. Any good camping spots among the way? Looking to take 2 days to go through by bike.
Blue ridge parkway north to south
- Thread starter jasonmb
- Start date
10 ER AY
New Member
If you're in a hurry or need to cover a lot of miles in a little time you wont do it on the BRP.
I've gone as far as Virginia on it and its slow going. Speed traps and sight see-ers really clog up the works. You'll hit a few open spurts but it wont be the norm.
...unless you can travel mid-week. Then it should be pretty easy going. Still lots of cops & park rangers, though.
I've gone as far as Virginia on it and its slow going. Speed traps and sight see-ers really clog up the works. You'll hit a few open spurts but it wont be the norm.
...unless you can travel mid-week. Then it should be pretty easy going. Still lots of cops & park rangers, though.
There is a good KOA at about the halfway point. I don't remember the name of the town though
Buckeye71
New Member
If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out this map at http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/upload/blrimap-2.pdf.
jasonmb
Member
Travel days most likely starting Tuesday .. Thanks for the tips..
Icecold Dan
New Member
There are a few good campsites right off the BRP. As Whorepedo said, it can be a slow ride. I will also add that after the first 30 miles or so, it gets mighty boring. There are better roads in the area with less traffic and almost no inforcement.
hojo in sc
Member
Get off the parkway and take a side trip to Mt. Airy to see the birthplace of Any Griffith.
Topgear
New Member
Two days may be pushing it on the bike. All depends on that weekend traffic and the number of overlooks you want to take in. I did it with a group of 4 last year over Memorial Day weekend. We did Skyline Drive as well. Here were my maps from that trip:
Day 2 (B to C is Skyline Drive)
http://goo.gl/maps/L0mFo
Day 3
http://goo.gl/maps/OGEYj
Day4
http://goo.gl/maps/iqZTP
Day5 (This was partial and we headed homeward to IL from there)
http://goo.gl/maps/VBwtS
Day 2 (B to C is Skyline Drive)
http://goo.gl/maps/L0mFo
Day 3
http://goo.gl/maps/OGEYj
Day4
http://goo.gl/maps/iqZTP
Day5 (This was partial and we headed homeward to IL from there)
http://goo.gl/maps/VBwtS
I've done the parkway 3 times now. I've never really had a problem making time. Generally been able to cruise at/near interstate speed the whole time. As you touched upon, mid-week is key. Also keep a keen eye out for the Rangers.Whorepedo said:
ac
I have done the parkway several times as well. I've never had a problem riding at least 10 over. Just be sure to slow down in the areas marked around major attractions. Like others have said mid week is the key. I think its worth doing at least once. As others have said there are many great side roads along the parkway that are more attractive if you have the time.
Another who has done the whole stretch multiple times. It can be beautiful, the road is (mostly) immaculate, and everybody should do it at least once on a weekday. It can almost get boring with the constant left right left right.
If you run a radar detector, be aware that the NP Rangers generally use laser, not radar, so they have your speed the instant that they pull the trigger. On the upside, I'm generally watching my speed on GPS at 8-9 over and have been 10-ish mph over when spotting them, followed by just waving their hand at me in a slow down motion. No guarantees for you, but it's happened to me more than once. I once was talking to one at a rest stop and he said they generally cut bikes "a few" extra mph of slack, but if you are noisy or conspicuous for any reason there won't be any extra at all.
If you run a radar detector, be aware that the NP Rangers generally use laser, not radar, so they have your speed the instant that they pull the trigger. On the upside, I'm generally watching my speed on GPS at 8-9 over and have been 10-ish mph over when spotting them, followed by just waving their hand at me in a slow down motion. No guarantees for you, but it's happened to me more than once. I once was talking to one at a rest stop and he said they generally cut bikes "a few" extra mph of slack, but if you are noisy or conspicuous for any reason there won't be any extra at all.
I've never ridden Skyline. The 1st time I intended to it was snowing on the top and we decided to bypass. The other 2 times I didn't want to deal with the stupid speed limit, FEE they charge, and all of the extra people and rangers.Topgear said:
2 days is plenty to ride the entire BRP. I have done it a few times. It is 467 miles. 2 days gives you 234 miles/day. That is nothing on a Tenere.
ac
I did have 76 KZ 900, I still have the 88 FXR Super Glide that I purchased in North Carolina in 1988. I did contribute quite heavily to the North Caroline judicial system in those days. You will probably be travelling over portions of road I helped finance. Head the warnings about the speed.
Nimbus
New Member
What others have said has not been my experience at all. I've done many rides on the BRP starting at MM1 (which is also the end of Skyline drive). Speed limit is 45, I usually cruise below 55. Spotty enforcement. Plenty enjoyable corners through 90 or so miles. The next part toward Roanoke sucks. We took my miata up to Asheville during leaf season and suffered coming home. SLOW. Stupid people won't move over at pull offs. Otherwise, I've never had an issue. You can pass relatively often (or anytime if you so choose). I would personally advise skipping off onto the interstate to avoid Roanoke area.
Also side passes are awesome. 56, 60, 501 can't beat them.
Also side passes are awesome. 56, 60, 501 can't beat them.
If you are still looking for camping....
http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/
Haven't stayed here, but have heard good things about the place.
http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/
Haven't stayed here, but have heard good things about the place.
The BRP through Roanoke is definitely a better motorcycle journey than 81 through Roanoke!
If you have some extra time, once you get to NC and are really riding along the ridge, there are quite a few roads that switchback down the mountain. Then you ride a few miles on a surface street to the next road that switchbacks up to the top. Some of the best roads I have ever found.
2 Days will get you through the BRP itself. A month could probably be spent exploring the surrounding areas.
ac
If you have some extra time, once you get to NC and are really riding along the ridge, there are quite a few roads that switchback down the mountain. Then you ride a few miles on a surface street to the next road that switchbacks up to the top. Some of the best roads I have ever found.
2 Days will get you through the BRP itself. A month could probably be spent exploring the surrounding areas.
ac
Jason check out willvill motorcycle campground. It's at mile marker 177 it caters to motorcyclist. Friendly people clean showers and right off the parkway. Very nice camping spots and usually lots of motorcycle talk around and campfire at night. A store and restaurant close by. Enjoy the ride.
From personal experience, Jason... the Peaks of Otter Lodge has one of the best buffets (breakfast or dinner) you will find along that beautiful stretch of road. Approximately mile marker 85 near SR 43. Nice campground just down the road from the Lodge. On the North Carolina side... Mt. Mitchell has a Grill with good food and fantastic views. Black Mt State Park is the closest camping if Mitchell is full (it is a busy CG). And closer to Cherokee... Mile High CG (MM 455) will provide a cool evening breeze and brisk morning temps if you need to cool off from 90 degree days. YMMV.
Wanderer
New Member
Howdy,
Have lost track of the number of times I've ridden the Parkway and Skyline Drive. Skyline is slow, posted 35 mph. Once on the BRP it goes to 45 and as some have stated you can get away with an indicated 55 mph without any problem. Note, the BRP is federal property the only law enforcement on the parkway are rangers, you'll notice them right away from the gun they are carrying. Not so easy to see when they are in the same type vehicle as regular rangers, usually a white Jeep Cherokee, though they do use patrol cars mostly around the populated areas. Again, middle of the week is best, also there is no gas on the BRP now, http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=50 a list of where to get it just off the BRP. One last thing check to see what has been effected by the sequester. I know its on Skyline but I believe Lewis Mtn. campground is closed, sad, a small campground with a full service store, laundry etc. (they supported traffic on the Appalachian Trail which was just beyond the edge of the campground). The Blue Ridge M/C Campground is great in Caruso, NC.
Later,
Norm
Have lost track of the number of times I've ridden the Parkway and Skyline Drive. Skyline is slow, posted 35 mph. Once on the BRP it goes to 45 and as some have stated you can get away with an indicated 55 mph without any problem. Note, the BRP is federal property the only law enforcement on the parkway are rangers, you'll notice them right away from the gun they are carrying. Not so easy to see when they are in the same type vehicle as regular rangers, usually a white Jeep Cherokee, though they do use patrol cars mostly around the populated areas. Again, middle of the week is best, also there is no gas on the BRP now, http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=50 a list of where to get it just off the BRP. One last thing check to see what has been effected by the sequester. I know its on Skyline but I believe Lewis Mtn. campground is closed, sad, a small campground with a full service store, laundry etc. (they supported traffic on the Appalachian Trail which was just beyond the edge of the campground). The Blue Ridge M/C Campground is great in Caruso, NC.
Later,
Norm