Blue Ridge Highway

[CaptLen]

My riding partner in crime and I are planning a Blue Ridge Highway trip early November. May be able to ride Skyline Drive, too. Any hints from experienced travellers isn this region?

[bozodriver]

get a GoPro, learn how to use it, buy 2 extra batteries .. bring a still quick shot camera too, take "lots of pictures" .. beware of deer, bear and turkey. Consider there are going to be leaves down all over the place .. think slippery.
You and your "riding partner" are going to love the ride and you'll be talking about it for a long, long time to come !

[crabbywinger]

One of the best rides there is (at least East of the Mississippi, IMHO). Agree with the above cautions, you should though have the road(s) to yourselves. Plan on stopping a bunch some really beautiful pull out locations. Ride safe and enjoy.

Crabby Bob

[TravelinLite]

Not sure about how much of the BRP is this way but the Skyline Drive portion is patrolled by Federal LEOs.

[CaptLen]

Thank you all for the hints so far-

[jmohme]

Not sure about how much of the BRP is this way but the Skyline Drive portion is patrolled by Federal LEOs.

Federal LEO's? Why is that?

[TravelinLite]

Federal LEO's? Why is that?

I guess because it is a National Park.

[gr8phun]

45 miles per hour means 45 not 49 or 50.

Stay in your lane.

Also keep a casual eye on your gas.

For the most part need to get off the BRP for gas

If time permits stop at the Linville Falls a nice short hike to get the kinks out
Than a short ride to Ashville.

[Wing_it]

Skyline Drive = 75 pull-offs in 105 miles and every one an awesome vista. I highly recommend the chilli at Big Meadows Wayside at mile 51, gas, dining and gift shop. Speed limit 35, we got by OK going 40 and meeting two different Park Service officers.

Plan on cool to cold temps and possibly low clouds (read fog) depending on weather.

My one don't, don't eat at Osteria 510 Italian restaurant at the north end of Skyline Drive in Front Royal.

If you go through the Boone NC area on BRP do make the side trip up to Grandfather Mountain.

Pray you have a safe trip.....Wing_it

[harvey]

Be aware that the speed limit on the Skyline Drive is 35mph and does go up to 45mph on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Info on both parks and roadways can be accessed from: http://www.nps.gov/state/va/index.htm

Both are National Parks and have National Park Rangers doing traffic enforcement.

You might want to do some additional research as the peak periods for the leaf changing color may have past by November, but still a nice ride. Because you will be at higher elevations especially on the BLP, the temps will be cooler than other areas.

Watch for game, deer and bear live in these parks and deer especially do come out on the roads. You may also see smaller game crossing in your path.

Regarding enforcement, yes they are strict, and make sure you stay in your lane---don't be crossing the yellow lines in curves. Plan your trip so you are on these roadways on weekdays if possible and there is less traffic---trust me, there is nothing more boring than getting behind an RV from the flatlands that is scared to death to get up to 20MPH. Passing zones exist but are not frequent and honestly I would not want to get caught passing on a double yellow.

Also be aware that guns are illegal on the Drive and that there is a fee to ride the Skyline Drive. I have no idea what the fee is today as I have my senior National Park Pass. The ride is worth the fee. Also that late in the year on a weekday depending where you get on the Drive you may find the entry booth unmanned so unless the gate is shut ride on. I have experience this in the winter numerous times but never tracked the dates.

Don't know where you are coming from but at the northern end is Front Royal, VA(self appointed canoe capital of the world) and there are good motels and restaurants there. Likewise Cherokee at the southern end also has a lot of motels, chains, resorts, and ma and pa's. I can't address the chilli at Big Meadows but I have eaten some good dinners and lunch sandwiches there. Again these places may not be open into November so I advise checking with the various websites.

As noted gas is not always available on the Parkway or the Drive but usually not that difficult to find at an exit/entrance but you may have a short ride both ways.

One other site I suggest you go to is to get off the Parkway at the Rt 460 exit at Bedford, VA and go to the DDay Memorial. It is quite an education about that day!

Feel free to ask me questions and PM them if appropriate. One of my favorite rides is to head west from home and take Rt 56 to the Parkway and then take the Parkway north till it hits the Drive and then continue north till I reach my ultimate destination which may be Front Royal or any of the other exits off the drive depending on whether I am on a day ride or multiple days.

[Touringon2]

I've ridden the BRP several times. This time of year it should be beautiful. Enjoy your ride. Be safe and enjoy the ride. Larry

[tommyone]

If time allows hyw226 & 226a at Little Switzerland is a great loop full of twistys. Look at those roads on Google Maps.

[biggersm]

We enjoyed stopping at Marby Mill for a little history last summer. We also got a record high (for us) of 49 MPG that day. Our favorite portion of the highway is South of Asheville to the last mile marker. If time permits (and you like Harley's) than stop at Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley.

[Gold-Winger]

Also be aware that guns are illegal on the Drive and that there is a fee to ride the Skyline Drive. I have no idea what the fee is today as I have my senior National Park Pass. The ride is worth the fee. Also that late in the year on a weekday depending where you get on the Drive you may find the entry booth unmanned so unless the gate is shut ride on. I have experience this in the winter numerous times but never tracked the dates.
.

Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge are both National Parks....Concealed carry is Legal in both parks with a vaild CCW.