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The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive stretches from Cherokee, North Carolina to Front Royal Virginia, some 574 miles in total. Speed limit on the BRP is 45 and on the Skline it is 35 mph.
HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL SITES:
We have ridden the 280 mile section from Cherokee to the Virginia line and never tired of the views. The only drawbacks are the 45 mph speed limit and heavy tourist traffic in some sections. You can count on a lot of cars from Mt. Mitchell (milepost 350) to Balsam Gap (milepost 440) on week-ends, during major holidays, and in the fall (leaf lookers).
You might want to pack along some drinks and snacks and make sure you have plenty of fuel. There are few places to get these things on the Parkway. Keep a watchful eye for deer and other wildlife, especially after you leave the mountains north of Boone. The deer are most active early morning and early evening.
Places we find most interesting:
* Linn Cove Viaduct is a 1245-foot long ess curve bridge on the side of Grandfather Mountain (4100 foot elevation) at milepost 303, south of Boone NC.
* The highest point on the parkway milepost 425, between Balsam Gap and Asheville NC.
* Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi approx. milepost 350, north of Asheville.
* Grandfather Mountain exit at milepost 305, south of Boone, NC.
* Farms & Mabry Mill near the Virginia state line approx. milepost 235
Sections of the Parkway are closed in the winter. Some sections close for road repairs. Check for the latest information at 828-298-0398 and on the web at http://www.nps.gov/blri
This road is patrolled by Park Rangers. They are equipped with radar and are not the friendliest officers to deal with. If stopped be polite and hope for the best. "Aggravated speeding" tickets on Federal highways can now be as high as $500.
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