Overall Route Rating
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4.71 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.71
138 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Feb 28, 2002

Rider Reviews

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Guest
October 8, 2010
My favorite ride. From the north, do it my way…
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Guest
March 13, 2011
The BRP is The Best Ride you can do on the east…
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Written Directions

NOTE: The map shown above is not entirely accurate because of a limitation with the Google Maps software that is used by the website. It is close however, AND, there are many web sites that document the Blue Ridge Parkway's exact directions including the interactive online map here - https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/parkway-map/. To start on the north or upper half, go Staunton VA on interstate 81 and then head east on interstate 64 towards Waynesboro or Afton VA. Look for and follow the Blue Ridge Parkway signs. To start in the middle you should go to Wytheville VA on I-81 and then get on I-77 heading southeast toward the town of Fancy Gap VA (its exit #8 off of I-77). Look for the Blue Ridge parkway signs. Or to start at the lower/southern end (and then heading north) go to the town of Cherokee (just southeast of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park) or you can get on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville NC as well.

Scenery

The upper half (the longer of the two halves) of this road runs from Afton VA, (near Waynesboro and Staunton, VA) south till it intersects I-77. This part of the road ambles through the Virginia country side with several sites to stop such as an old mill pond with a working millwheel and some Civil War battle sites.

The lower half runs from I-77 (near a VA town called Fancy Gap) to Cherokee NC. This part of the road is mostly in the great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. There are numerous overlooks to view the beautiful Smokey Mts. as well as several outstanding places to see such as blowing rock and an old plantation house turned into a craft house. The part below Ashville NC is perhaps the most awesome Mt views anywhere in the eastern part of the country and terminates at the Cherokee Indian reservation where a museum and an outdoor drama are well worth seeing. The federal government hosts a very nice informational website covering the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Drive Enjoyment

One of the best parts of this road is the limited access. The only trucks ever encountered are the few service truck that service the two service station/restaurant areas along the parkway. Another plus is the 45 mph limit that allows you to see the surrounding scenery with out so much risk of having an accident. The road itself is very well maintained and the many curves are gentle.

Tourism Opportunities

There is one service station/restaurant area on each half of the parkway. The upper one also has a Mt motel that is very reasonably priced but doesn't offer TV. There are several pull off areas where numerous sites can be viewed. There are no signs along the parkway so it is a good idea to try to have a map so that you can tell where the small towns are along the way and where food and lodging are available.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

The Blue Ridge Parkway, follows a very meticulous winding path from Afton, Virginia down to Cherokee, North Carolina. It is such a winding path that it exceeds the number of way-points allowed by our mapping system and so I refer you to the official US government Blue Ridge Parkway Map. - You can read an interesting FAQ about the Blue Ridge Parkway. - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Virginia Historical Society - Virginia Civil War Battlefields
 

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hdsportsman
July 13, 2013
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
My brother and I have ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end and it was great! Vary relaxing, plenty of scenary, so many places to stop and take in! Great cruising speed, mostly 45 MPH, tunnels, roads hanging off the mountain, you get it all! Plan your trip for the places you want to stop and see and for you motels! They are always bringing up the thought of "Banning Motorcycles" because of the speeding, so please give a good showing for us as you enjoy the views and the ride! !
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6 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
August 9, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
This stretch of road rates as the most enjoyable ride I have had on a motorcycle. Came that far south en route to ride the Dragon. The Blue Ridge Parkway was in no way comparible. The skyway has it all. Great views, good roads, nice people, and only ran into one cop for the whole 469 miles. From mile 0 to about 120 is awesome in the morning when you can open up the throttle. Then it becomes more of a cruiser style road but the last 150 miles are awesome again with magnificent views and an ever changing environment to ride in. For a good days ride this is it. The only thing that could make this ride more enjoyable would be to tell the Harley people to wave the faster riders through when safe. The groups of 8 to 15 riders that go out together (usually on Harleys) and just idle through it all can be a little annoying. Throw a brother a bone and wave us through when clear.
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6 riders found this road review useful
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proberts
February 15, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Beautiful scenery as long as it isn't cloudy or foggy. At the higher elevation it is a terrible ride when you have to ride in the clouds. I've done it twice that way, and once when it was clear and sunny. If you have the chance to pick a sunny day it's a very beautiful ride. Don't ride if you tend to be in a hurry. Very few amenities on the Parkway, but a lot of pull-offs. Be sure to have a full tank of fuel before you start.
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5 riders found this road review useful