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Topic: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not? (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
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Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Yahoo Message Number: 145845
We will be in Raleigh, NC tomorrow for toad tires @COSTCO. Next stop Asheville. I could angle NW to the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive part of it to Asheville. But should I? Tunnels? I found the measurements but how far can I get from the "edge stripe"? Height given "Varies by 1-6 inches"? Other concerns? Not finding much online. Opinions seem to vary. If we do it, any suggestions, recommendations? Thanks.

Linda Allen  31' TB w/CR-V
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145847
Linda, these two links may help with the decision.

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

http://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm

I only did the part of the BRP through Great Smoky NP, but I'd do the entire length of the road  if I could; it's a beautiful drive. (The NPS site has current road conditions.)

You might also check the Great Smoky NP website: http://nps.gov/grsm Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145850
We stopped in Asheville  on the way to Raleigh in 2009.  I recall seeing a booklet in either the library of the vistor/cultural center or a bookstore  on the parkway.  It had a map which located all the tunnels and clearances.   I thought I'd picked one up, but couldn't find it in our map file (does not mean it's not there).   We considered part of it from Asheville and the clearances were ok for our 24' TT.  Did not take the route due to time constraints.

Good luck.
11 CRV w/ soon to be 31IB.

From: "psclallen@..." To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2014 4:38 PM Subject: [LD] Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145854
I've driven most of the BRP  in our LD, and don't remember any problems at all.  There are a number of campgrounds along the BRP, many with much taller RVs than ours.  It's a wonderful place, and we love wandering along with no real plans, stopping frequently, and enjoying the convenience of having 'home' with us at every step along the way.
 That said, there is a  20 mile section of the BRP just N of Asheville that has been closed for almost a year due to soaking rains and a landslide.  You can get real time road updates here: http://maps.nps.gov/blri/road-closures/
 Also, some of the campgrounds along the parkway were closed last season due to budget cuts.  I don't know what the situation is this year, but it's wise to double check if you're getting info from a printed source that might be outdated.
 One alternative would be to head N to the BRP close the the VA line and drop back to the town of Marion and I-40 before the closure.  You could also wait until after Asheville and take the BRP south from Asheville towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Rich '03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145856
No problem.  We have done the BR Parkway and the Skyline both ways several times towing.  No problem.  Take your time and enjoy it.  The bridges/overpasses are no problem.  Some bicyclist will keep your nerves on edge until you find a place to safely pass.  The motor cycles will try to pass when they should not.  When we see a build up of cars behind us we pull into view pull outs to let them pass.  However, we often stop at these points to enjoy the view, have lunch, a cup of coffee, or for a comfort stop.  Lots of Park Service Campgrounds along the route.  Only issue could be closures along the Parkway.  Check on line.
Bob in Florida  SE 5  30IB AE towing a Ford Escape Hybrid
Kathy and Bob on the Go
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145857
In 2010 we did the Blue Ridge Pkwy and Skyline Drive end-to-end and round trip during the fall color.
The side trips were as great as the parkway.
Don't be in any hurry.
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145873
It's a beautiful drive; we've done it our '96 MB and thoroughly enjoyed. Allow plenty of time and don't sweat the sharp curves. There are pull-outs to stop, picture taking, etc.
Jack - Teal 2003 IB31
Southeastern LD  #19 •• Southwestern LD  #14  ••
LD Caravan  #2999
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145929
Thank you to all of you who responded so positively to my query about the Blue Ridge Parkway. Joan, the NPS Link was what I was missing. Ken, your specifics were very helpful (except none of the NPS campgrounds was open yet:(  Rich, Bob, George - thank you for reassurance and details. Yes, Joel, I found the maps. And Lorna - your enthusiasm and suggestions leading me astray were so welcome.

We drove it from Boone to the detour yesterday - after lunch with some dear LD folks. We will take some more of it to the Smokies, if we can tear ourselves away from Asheville.

Gratefully, Linda Allen
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145936
Before leaving Asheville, stroll thru Mast General Store.

From: "psclallen@..." To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2014 3:19 PM Subject: [LD] Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
 
Re: Blue Ridge Pkwy in North Carolina - to drive or not?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145986
Hi Linda, It might be a little early, but if they are open do not miss the Blue Ridge Music Center along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Galax, Virginia. Even if there is nothing on the schedule it is an absolute delight to listen to the musicians come and go and jam in the breezeway, all day long!  I couldn't pry myself away. This is the home of Bluegrass and "mountain music" and they are the real deal.

We loved the Blue Ridge Parkway, and no big rigs there, either!

Sandy 2002 T/K  currently traveling in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, headed to Port  Townsend, WA