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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Rotover
June 20, 2020
35 McR Points
Motorcycle Type :
Rode it from Beech Gap (intersection with 215) to intersection with Hwy 441
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Penny Peel
September 7, 2020
50 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
LOVE THE BRP. I grew up in Texas and we don't have many "mountains" down there. I now live in Upstate NY and have been discovering the East Coast riding and the diversity of it. This was one of my favorite rides ever taken. The majestic beauty of this area is hard to explain. The Parkway itself is in great condition and the 45 mph is conducive to being able to take in the scenery. There are a number of places to pull over and take pics or just relax a bit before heading out again. Its a long trip from start to finish, but so well worth the time. While we were on the Northern half of the Parkway, cruising along at a leisurely 45 mph a huge hawk flew right between me and my windshield. That was a bit eye opening. It actually made the trip a bit better. It reminded me of the beauty of nature and how lucky we are as riders to be able to experience it the way we do.
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a2rbnud
April 25, 2021
60 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Great ride, but it rained nonstop for 48 hours. Like driving through a waterfall for 469 miles. Checkout the Freeborne's Motorcycle Resort in Laurel Springs, NC. https://https://2018canamerica.tumblr.com
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