Blue Ridge Parkway - daily mileage??

[naustin]

Planning my next ride and looking to follow the Mississippi River road from MN to somewhere south of St. Louis and then across TN to Deals Gap - and from there up the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive to Front Royal, VA.  Given the 45mph speed limit on the Parkway,  what is a reasonable daily mileage estimate on the Parkway itself.  I'm thinking 300 max, but not sure if I can get away with moving faster.

[Robert Ford]

I spent two days on it a couple years back which left plenty of time for messing around.

[Cablebandit]

You can cruise at 60mph And nobody will think twice about it. It really depends on how much you want to stop and look at stuff.

[naustin]

That's good to know!

[jeepinbanditrider]

Speed limit is 45 and we saw lots of park rangers on it when we were on it, we litterly rode the whole thing from Cherokee, NC to Northern VA.  If we go back again I'd only want to do the NC side of it, it seemed like as soon as we crossed into VA the road went to crap and it wasn't as exciting.  

[naustin]

   also good to know

[wibornz]

My son and I almost rode the entire BRP in one day.  We acually started at Deals Gap at 0600 hours and made it to Roanoke Va by 7:30 at night.  We stopped off at Grand Father Mountain, also had breakfast and a lunch stop.  If it was not for a detour a monsoon rain at 5:00 pm.  We would have made it to the end.

[ray916mn]

I typically ride the entire length in a day.

To avoid tourist traffic it pays to get an early start. The trade off is there are allot more critters next to the road or in road in the early morning than later in the day in my experience. Being able to do it in a single day depends a bit on the weather, as it can get very very foggy on the Parkway as well as how much stopping and sightseeing you want to do. Also if you get pulled over early on a trip down the BRP it can really screw up your ability to make time. As a limited access road, if they figure out your a speeder and going down the Parkway they do radio ahead....

[Orson]

I rode it back in 1986 so my memory is hazy, but I think I rode it in 2 days plus a bit

[KeithB]

469 miles in one day, at about 50-55 the whole way.  The southern half was good, but I think I'd skip the northern half.  It took about 11 hours.
 






Skyline drive picks up at the northern end where the parkway stops.  Nice, but the speeds are even slower.

[tthompsr]

I did it twice in 09, I didn't really push it and stopped to sightsee here and there, it took 2 days both times.

[The Shepherd]

10 hours top to bottom including gas stops and a very quick lunch. I didn't stop for pictures or lollygagging as I'd ridden it before, that time took 14 hours or so.

[tjhess74]

ditto, did it and half of the skyline all in one day.  some parts were fast, others were slow due to congestion around grand father mountain.

gotta be honest, after about 50 miles, it got kinda boring. it is mostly the same scenery (albeit beautiful) over and over.  nice two lane road, but mostly tall trees on both sides with the occasional breakthrough overlooking a quaint valley.  the overlooks are nice, but they too offer the same garden variety views.

i pushed on just to say i rode the whole thing, but ill never want to do it again.

oh, and watch for deer. seriously.

[garry]

I generally cruise at 55-60 on the BRP and strictly obey the speed limit near tourist attractions (usually signaled by a lower speed limit). I'm afraid to ride any faster than that even the road would more fun at 65-70 (with no traffic). I do stop for photos from the overlooks, so my average speed takes a beating.

The very northern bit isn't bad in VA, then it mellows from north of Roanoke to NC. The NC bit is very nice.

I too find that I only need a couple hours on the BRP to get my fix for the day. I enjoy that fix a lot, but then it's time to explore the awesome roads that cross the BRP.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

You can cruise at 60mph And nobody will think twice about it. It really depends on how much you want to stop and look at stuff.

I believe there have been enough people on here bitching about the tickets they've received on the BRP for speeding that will disagree with this.  

[blueridgerider]

I believe there have been enough people on here bitching about the tickets they've received on the BRP for speeding that will disagree with this.  

I ride it a couple of times a year.  Usually I do the Northern Part and back and the Southern Part and back at least once which equates to riding it twice.  In addition I ride parts constantly through the year.  I have never gotten a ticket - though I am probably jinxing myself - and regularly go about 60+.

McDowell County and further south is the best part.  There are tons of great roads off the Parkway so the Parkway is a great access road to some awesome riding.

[Cablebandit]

I believe there have been enough people on here bitching about the tickets they've received on the BRP for speeding that will disagree with this.  

And I believe I've ridden it several times end to end without seeing a single Ranger to say that I'm, as always, correct.    This year was the first time in four years I saw a Ranger. They tend to stay near the tourist traps as Garry said.

[naustin]

Great comments, everyone. We will be 2-up, loaded down for a 10-day tour, so we won't be bent on making time or strafing corners. I still want to ride the whole parkway, plus skyline drive - just to "tick the box." Probably won't be back in that area again on the bike for a long time.

What about the best places to stay along the parkway?  We won't be camping...

[tjhess74]

there are only two things that are on the brp (iirc, of course).  one is a gift shop/visitors center near the skyline/brp border (i forget if its on the brp or skyline). and then there is some old scenic house/visitors center kinda place above grandfather mountain.  the only reason i know about the latter is because i passed a ranger doing 70.  i pulled over there to patiently wait for him (ive found that to be the best policy, ymmv) but he never showed...

as far as lodging, nothing is on the road, so youll have to wander on the crossroads.  if you get the map/guide at the entrance points it will have ads for all kinds of places.  you can also go to the brp website and they will send you some great brochures which have lots of lodging options listed.

[NoGear]

In September '10 I rode it south to north in two days but we stopped a lot . We also had to stop more often because 1 guy was on a Harley and had to stop every 130 miles for gas ( my FJR goes 190-200).  We didn't see any Park Rangers at all!

This July I rode it North to South in a day (with another FJR Rider) and 3 different times we saw Rangers checking for speeding.

I would agree with an earlier comment. The NC section is the best. Once you hit VA get off and head north in WV to stay on some good roads.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Great comments, everyone. We will be 2-up, loaded down for a 10-day tour, so we won't be bent on making time or strafing corners. I still want to ride the whole parkway, plus skyline drive - just to "tick the box." Probably won't be back in that area again on the bike for a long time.

What about the best places to stay along the parkway?  We won't be camping...

From the Skyline you have a few choices.  In Luray there are a few hotels. None fancy but they look decent enough. There is the http://www.mimslyninn.com/ hotel which looks neat but I live only an hour away so no need for me to stay here.  In Front Royal there are a few hotels to stay away.  The two nicer ones are the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn.

[garry]

as far as lodging, nothing is on the road, so youll have to wander on the crossroads.  if you get the map/guide at the entrance points it will have ads for all kinds of places.  you can also go to the brp website and they will send you some great brochures which have lots of lodging options listed.

Actually, the Peaks of Otter lodge (north of Roanoke) looks really nice and it's right on the BRP.

[sodapop6620]

The time I travelled the BRP I got to talk to a park ranger.  I think the speed limit was 35mph and recieved a driving award (it is a federal driving award).

Go during a nonholiday weekday and the traffic will be light but the park rangers are board and looking for something to do.

[PatM]

Actually, the Peaks of Otter lodge (north of Roanoke) looks really nice and it's right on the BRP.

+1 Nice place to stay, food is good. A bit expensive but if you want cheap, get off the BRP.
Also nice is Skyland on the Skyline drive.
During peak tourist season, you need to reserve ahead.
Also Little Switzerland, NC.
Off the parkway, Boone is a nice city to stop at. Lots of hotels and good places to eat.
If this will be your first and last visit, take your time, enjoy the views and the side roads.
My last visit took me five days to do the entire length, south to north, including lots of side roads. That's where the challenges are.

Enjoy your trip!

[emerald94]

The Skyline  speed limit is 35mph and there's a reason for this: it's a lot tighter than the BRP, hence more challenging.
Don't forget that your pass is also valid for 7 days (I reckon) so don't throw it away when your done! Better yet: if you're not planning to ride it again, just give it to a fellow rider,

[CMS_Sprint]

  +1 on Little Switzerland.

It's about 3/4 the way along (from VA) and has great food and good selection of beers in the bar. They have a less expensive rooms now as well.

While you can ride it in a day, that's not been my style. It's a 1.5 day ride when you stop to have a break, take a picture and just enjoy it.

Best "distraction" route for me is to take the 215 south through the Pisgah forest and then turn around and go right back up again. The 215 got repaved last year and is one of the best roads in the area IMO.

I rode 50-55, and didn't get any performance awards, I think 60 will be pushing it.

Have fun, post pictures.

[naustin]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!  I'll be looking in two Little Switzerland, for sure.

[gradus]

You can cruise at 60mph And nobody will think twice about it. It really depends on how much you want to stop and look at stuff.

Almost true.  Most park rangers ticket for 60 and higher - I learned this as one gave me a warning ticket for 59mph.  Earlier this year I got a ticket for 62 or 63mph.  It's a federal ticket, cost $100 and my insurance supposedly won't know anything about it.  As Garry mentioned, 65-70mph is a good sweet spot for a laid back but entertaining ride.  But it can get you a ticket.  Be nice if you get pulled.  The rangers have a wide amount of discretion on the dollar amount of the ticket.    

EDIT:  Forgot to add, if a ranger flips on his blue lights as he passes, show him your brake lights since he's trying to get you to slow down.    

[TuffguyF4i]

I typically ride the entire length in a day.

To avoid tourist traffic it pays to get an early start. The trade off is there are allot more critters next to the road or in road in the early morning than later in the day in my experience. Being able to do it in a single day depends a bit on the weather, as it can get very very foggy on the Parkway as well as how much stopping and sightseeing you want to do. Also if you get pulled over early on a trip down the BRP it can really screw up your ability to make time. As a limited access road, if they figure out your a speeder and going down the Parkway they do radio ahead....

I have ridden it about 4-5 times, up and down.  I typically do about 300 miles.  I don't stop much, but i don't go over 65 most of the time.

I think they called ahead on me and my cousin one time.  We passed a cop shooting radar.  Riped it up pretty good for about 20 miles, then got to a 35mph road were we were pulled over for doing nothing wrong.  We were going exactly 35 (I know better).  They gave us some nonsense about plates not being visible and gave us warnings.  Of course, warnings for a non-ticketable offense is just funny.  I laughed when they gave it to us.

[ConPilot1]

Folks I rode with a couple years ago and I took 2 days lollygagging it and smelling the roses. It's a very worthwhile ride if you've never been on
the BRP. I loved it.

We hopped on at the bottom of Skyline and rode it all the way to Cherokee. We probably averaged 40-45, took it up to 60 a couple times,
I think we saw 2 rangers on the whole ride. No traffic, 2nd week of June.

It get's real snaky in places so you're not going to be railing some of those curves at 50-60 mph unless your name is Rossi.

[MotoCommuter]

What about the best places to stay along the parkway?  We won't be camping...

If time permits, hit Asheville, lots of restaurants downtown and the Biltmore House is beautiful. Asheville is an interesting mix of people, from the old blue hair crowd (old money), to the newer earth type people.

Go up to Mt Mitchell, the overlook on the summit is finally finished. Highest Peak east of the Mississippi River.

Little Switzerland = one stop shopping hotel/bar/restaurant. The cafe around the corner has a good Trout BLT. Also, take a ride down & back on Hwy 226A (Diamond Back), which is right there at Little Switzerland.

Stations Inn in Laurel Springs NC, more of a V-Twin crowd but decent place to stop for a meal. They usually have a band on the weekends. They also have a hotel but I've never stayed there.

Blowing Rock NC is a good place to stay. Lots of hotels and restaurants. The gas station down town is one of my favorite places to stop.

Hotel Flyod in Flyod VA is a nice place to stay. Several restaurants with in walking distance, recommend Odd Fellows, good food with a beatnik atmosphere.

We stayed a few days in Charlottesville and visited Montpelier and Monticello. Old Town Charlottesville has a pedestrian only section, lots of restaurants and bars and such.

The Skyline is painful as it is 35mph. Lots of people stopping to look at the animals and such. I know you want to ride it but I would recommend skipping it.

If possible,  head to WV as the roads there are fantastic. If you do make it to WV, check out the Green Bank Telescope, the Bunker Tour at the Greenbrier Hotel and the New River Gorge Bridge

You can cruise the BRP at 10 over with out issues. From what I've experienced, they run radar mostly. If you have a radar detector, you can't use it in VA. Since you are two up, I would recommend you take your time and experience the BRP.

Kurt

[TwoWhldTerror]

You can cruise at 60mph And nobody will think twice about it. It really depends on how much you want to stop and look at stuff.

This, well the it depends on what you want to see and stuff part. Each to his own but I do not get the notion of blasting through, even on a sport tourer. Touring is in the name, even if after sport, and it is such beautiful country. take two days or 2 1/2, your memories will thank you!

[MrsCablebandit]

If you're hungry as you approach Fancy Gap, the Fancy Gap Deli is a fantastic little place to grab a sandwich or salad...delicious food and great atmosphere.

Also, bathrooms are few and far between along the BRP (not counting trees on the side of the road).  If'n the mood strikes, it could be 40-50 miles before the next restroom (this is said more for your passenger, which I assume is a woman).  Just something to keep in mind.  The BRP is one of those places I take Mom's sage advice, "Never pass up the chance to go!"

[Orson]

I didn't plan ahead and seem to remember having to hunt for a hotel for quite a while.

another glitch was when I reached the end and went thru Pigeon Forge...holy kwap  

bumper to bumper traffic thru town. So much traffic that I think it took about an hour to get to the other side of town. My old air cooled FJ1100 almost overheated. I can't remember, but it musta been a weekend.

Whatta clusterfeck...never again. I'll go outta my way to avoid that town next time.

[Snowbird]

Personally, I find the BRP boring. I'd rather ride back and forth over the ridge on the roads that cross it.

[jfurf]

And I believe I've ridden it several times end to end without seeing a single Ranger to say that I'm, as always, correct.    This year was the first time in four years I saw a Ranger. They tend to stay near the tourist traps as Garry said.

No. Trust me.

I was riding it back in March. I was basically the only vehicle on the road. It was utterly empty. I passed a ranger at a reasonable speed. He let me go by and then started pacing me.

20 or 30 miles later I pulled up to a construction site and he finally caught up to me. Was nice enough about it, but he wrote a ticket.

Honestly, I'd say the BRP is ruined by the ranger presence and the sightseeing grannies. What cracks me up is that the twisty state roads nearby to the BRP all have like 55 mph speed limits despite being twice as tight as the BRP itself (which has mostly sweepers and not more than a handful of switchbacks).

[Cablebandit]

So you get a ticket.  Who cares.  It's a federal fine and no points so it's just a cost of doing business. It's not like you'll see an insurance increase as a result.  

[gradus]

No. Trust me.

I was riding it back in March. I was basically the only vehicle on the road. It was utterly empty. I passed a ranger at a reasonable speed. He let me go by and then started pacing me.

20 or 30 miles later I pulled up to a construction site and he finally caught up to me. Was nice enough about it, but he wrote a ticket.

Honestly, I'd say the BRP is ruined by the ranger presence and the sightseeing grannies. What cracks me up is that the twisty state roads nearby to the BRP all have like 55 mph speed limits despite being twice as tight as the BRP itself (which has mostly sweepers and not more than a handful of switchbacks).

What was your speed?

[keppyou812]

Having traveled Skyline Drive, and BRP for many years, albeit in a car, not the bike, I can't see myself really doing much over the speed limit there.  
It really freaks you out, when a deer comes out of nowhere, from the uphill side of the mountain, crosses the road in front of you, and leaps over the stone wall, seemingly into mid air and disappears..  Lemme tell you some spots this happens, you look out, where the deer just jumped, and you don't even see the tree tops..

Me, I think I'd take my time, avoid the ticket, and the animals, and do the sight seeing..

[blueridgerider]

No. Trust me.

I was riding it back in March. I was basically the only vehicle on the road. It was utterly empty. I passed a ranger at a reasonable speed. He let me go by and then started pacing me.

20 or 30 miles later I pulled up to a construction site and he finally caught up to me. Was nice enough about it, but he wrote a ticket.

Honestly, I'd say the BRP is ruined by the ranger presence and the sightseeing grannies. What cracks me up is that the twisty state roads nearby to the BRP all have like 55 mph speed limits despite being twice as tight as the BRP itself (which has mostly sweepers and not more than a handful of switchbacks).

I do anywhere from 3 to 5 K a year on the BRP (use it to commute on Sundays and ride it a fair amount).  Have done so for 7 years and ridden it many more years before I used it as a commuting road.    I can probably count on my fingers and toes how many Rangers I've seen.  As to the tourists - you are riding at the wrong time if you are seeing many of them.  

The side roads are great too, though they present some hazards you will not experience on the BRP - just as the BRP has some hazards of it's own.  

[The Shepherd]

I've stayed at this motel many times, it is between Boone NC and Grandfather Mountain.

http://www.hiddenvalleymotel.com/index.html

The owners, Jim and Maxine are a very nice older couple. Their rates are reasonable, rooms are clean and comfortable and the garden that Maxine keeps is beautiful. Jim has an old Hudson that I park beside, and if you have an extra hour on your hands, ask him a question or two about the car and he'll open it up for you.

[naustin]

Hidden Valley motel looks and sounds like exactly the kind of place we like to stay - Thanks!

[ConPilot1]

There's another cozy little Mom + Pop hotel about 1 hr after crossing the NC state line heading south.
It's right on the BRP, bike friendly, and home-cooked food that's pretty good and cheap.

it's a little flea-baggy, but it's more than decent enough to flop for the night.

I don't remember the name of the place, i"d have to dig into my GPX files.

[klavdy]

I saw some Rangers on the Blue Ridge.

[TuffguyF4i]

As far as seasonal timing.. i always do May or October.  May is the better of the two and will give you few police, great views (no humidity), and few tourists.  No bugs either.  
Usually, lots of warm spring sun too.  Very comfy.

[naustin]

I was thinking late May too...  Unfortunately, May can be dicey in the upper mid-west in terms of weather.

[jfurf]

So you get a ticket.  Who cares.  It's a federal fine and no points so it's just a cost of doing business. It's not like you'll see an insurance increase as a result.  

It's actually not necessarily "no points," from what I understand. According to the park ranger, that parks district has a mutual reporting agreement with certain states. He actually pulled out a list and showed it to me -- and it did include my home state of Georgia.  

But in general I mostly agree with you. It really IS just the cost of doing business.

[scott19]

As far as seasonal timing.. i always do May or October.  May is the better of the two and will give you few police, great views (no humidity), and few tourists.  No bugs either.  
Usually, lots of warm spring sun too.  Very comfy.

Hmm, no humidity? These pictures were taken in May.





Fog can certainly slow you down on the BRP. it took three tries on this day before it finally cleared up enough to ride safely. Just FYI.