BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Virginia and leads down into the hearth of North Carolina. It is a one of the greatest roads I have ever been on, with a scenery and driving experience unparalleled by any other.  This road is very close to the Tail of the Dragon, which I have written about before, but this road in itself is a rider’s delight. As you can see in the video, it is a great place to take a motorcycle and really have a great day of riding.  The smooth curvy mountain roads make for a nice relaxing ride. The scenery includes many places to pull over and fully enjoy the wide open views.  Much of the road is at a fairly high elevation where you can see for miles on a clear day.

 

From Rockfish Gap on Afton Mountain you can access both Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. From that point, the Parkway meanders 469 miles to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Access the Parkway from a number of points on either side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Key communities include Waynesboro (milepost 0), BuenaVista (milepost 46), Buchanan (milepost 86), Roanoke (milepost 120), Floyd (milepost 160), Meadowsof Dan (milepost 176), and Fancy Gap (milepost 200).

Need to Know:

 

No entry fee

45 mph speed limit 

Key overlooks: Greenstone (milepost 8.8), Roanoke River (milepost 114.9), Roanoke Valley (milepost 129.6), Devils Backbone (milepost 144), Pine Spur (milepost 144.8), and Groundhog Mountain (milepost 188.8)

Bluff Mountain Tunnel (milepost 53.1) clearance is 13’7"

Inclement weather may close the Parkway. Call 828-298-039 or check the real-timeclosure map for status.

Accommodations and Dining: Peaks of Otter Lodge (milepost 86), MabryMill (dining only; milepost 176.2) 

MAP 

Tag your photos with #BlueRidgeParkway and #LOVEVA to share your experience.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is also excellent for a mini vacation. Try out the LoveFloyd in Fall getaway suggestion or perhaps Getawayto the Star City of the South.


 

Scenic Motorcycle Ride – Blue Ridge Parkway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9atN1ZEh_h4

The road is very long, long enough that you could plan out several riding trips and only see a few sections.  If you are looking for a good place to take a nice relaxing drive, take a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Mountains

Camping - http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=139 Glen Maury Park Campground