Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway

[El Zorro]

A friend and I are planning to ride from Washington DC to Skyline drive, and follow it to the BRP. We don't have a specific destination in mind, and only have 4 days. We'll probably ride 2 days south, turn around and ride back.

My question is, where does one stay? I don't want to be tied to having to get to a particular town each night. Is it possible to just ride, and when it gets to be late afternoon go down into the nearest town and get a hotel room? Is this a recipe for disaster? Do the hotels get booked this time of the year?

On the other hand, do you all have any lodging recommendations I can put on my trip list? I'm not looking for anything fancy, but clean and safe are up there on the list. I don't want to wake up to find out my bike is gone!

For those of you who have done this ride, how far can I realistically expect to get in a day? Will the traffic be unbearable this time of year?

My current tentative plan is: Get on Skyline drive in Front Royal, VA around Noon on Friday, ride until dinner time, stay somewhere. Ride all day Saturday, stay somewhere. Start heading north Sunday morning, planning to get back to Front Royal by midday Monday.

Any thoughts?

[gpzrocker]

I don't personally know the blue ridge parkway website, but I would look at it closely for closings and such. There are two down here in western NC that can have you detouring for a while.
I would also guess that the gas crunch would keep the monster RV's to a minimum, and from my riding the last couple of weeks around here, not many people joyriding. Traffic should not be terrible.

How far realistically is up to your iron butt. I logged 250 miles on a rally run last weekend and with another hour break could have done another 100-150 easy. On a 24 year old seat on a 24 year old sport bike.

The BRP speedlimit is 35 or 45, and I will say to be safe figure the 35. Some places you will be faster, some slower, some stops will have to be made for looking at the sights.

The hotels know that people run the blue ridge: you should not have a problem dropping down into a town anywhere and finding a room.

[pat0021]

All I can say is prepare for a great ride!!!!!! I did part of the southern end and it was awesome. Post pics when you get back.

[Classic]

If you google the Parkway then you can find lodging info but campgrounds are everywhere if you're into that kinda stuff. Remember that there's no gas on the Parkway and be prepared to go 20 miles once you get off of it to find gas. This year we stayed at Tuggles Gap one night and while the hotel rooms were basic, they were clean and the adjacent restaurant was excellent. Doesn't look like much but it was a nice surprise.

[Guitarosaur]

You don't need to go quite THAT far off the parkway to find lodging and get gas, but don't wait til your tank's empty. There is gas available on the parkway, but you don't wanna buy it- the Peaks of Otter store was selling it for $4 a gallon YEARS ago! I can only imagine what it costs now... Lodging is plentiful but gets a tad full as the colors come in. Peaks of Otter Lodge is nice. There's plenty of lodging in and around Roanoke, and southward you won't have trouble finding a place to stay in Fancy Gap, Asheville, Brevard, Spruce Pine, or Boone- IF YOU BOOK EARLY!

[Bcrewcaptain]

sounds like a great ride, there are campgrounds scattered all over on the ride, or dropping down to a town is not hard to do either(you're going to have to for fuel anyway)
I'm right near afton where BRP and Skyline drive meet..I'm up there a lot either on the bike or camping.
Traffic is never really an issue, like was said....35 is the speed limit, and well policed, so no rush anyway.

[El Zorro]

I'm not looking to rush. I'm figuring 30 miles per hour times 4 hours in the morning & 4 hours in the afternoon equals about 240 per day. That assumes we stop regularly for a picture or two.

[pitchinguy]

Yup, watch your speed, they're not at all shy about writing invitations! Beautiful ride though!

[trjam]

I was just up there and all gas stations only have regular gas. No middle or super.

[mcneese5]

Well I hope you have a great trip I just got back myself, and like you I didnt have a plan just to ride. I got on the BRP around Boon and rode it quite some way. It was closed in two locations but the detour was not that bad IMO. actually the second detour was kind of windy and nice.It was a great trip and we didnt have any problems except for finding premium gas, everyone had regular. We stayed in Ashville. The have a fairly ne Holiday Inn that had great rates, The room was really nice and there was plenty of places to eat and drink around the hotel. Good luck and have fun.

[MeanGirl]

Just got back from riding BRP this weekend. I've got to say it was probably one of the most beautiful rides I've been on. The leaves were "just" starting to change. If you were just there...did you see the tractor trailer accident on the mountain? This would have been Saturday (11th). Holy Heck!!

[McBiker]

make sure to post pictures ok??

[DebbieW]

I have a trip planned next Sept and I can't wait. Why is it time goes so slow when you want it to go fast?

[Bob Myers1]

Stations Inn at Laurel Springs is a great place to stay. If oyu are going to be there on Friday or Saturday night get reservations first. They have a restaurant on site, and a general store. Saturday nights a cookout/BBQ style and live music. Clean, well cared for rooms, gasoline 4 miles in to town
Station's Inn :: on the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

[DebbieW]

Originally Posted by Bob Myers1

Stations Inn at Laurel Springs is a great place to stay. If oyu are going to be there on Friday or Saturday night get reservations first. They have a restaurant on site, and a general store. Saturday nights a cookout/BBQ style and live music. Clean, well cared for rooms, gasoline 4 miles in to town
Station's Inn :: on the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

Thanks. Will check it out. We are actually traveling from NJ to Deals Gap and taking the scenic route down. We are leaving on a Sunday and returning on a Saturday. 3 days to get down there and 2 to get home. Not taking the scenic route on the way home.

[rabbit]

PICS I"M SURE

Originally Posted by DebbieW

Thanks. Will check it out. We are actually traveling from NJ to Deals Gap and taking the scenic route down. We are leaving on a Sunday and returning on a Saturday. 3 days to get down there and 2 to get home. Not taking the scenic route on the way home.

[DebbieW]

Originally Posted by rabbit

PICS I"M SURE

Will take lots once I go. It will take forever for Sept to get here.