Blue Ridge Parkway and US 21 North Carolina

Why not take 89 over to I-77 it is a short distance, unless you just want to go the parkway to 21. 21 runs into I-77 also. 21 should be ok can't say about the parkway to 21, I think it would be ok you can ask someone in the area where you are at. Glad to see you on the East coast Dennis, come on down to Morehead City I will treat you to some good sea food. Be Safe Roy

I am 70ft long and went to Bristol a month ago....people that live in that area told me to stay away from 21. Steep and crooked. So I can't really tell you as I went up I-77 and down I-81. Came back the same way. But it looked to me like it flattened out once out of the mountians

We just drove that section of the route from Elkin, up the 21 to the BRP and up the BRP to the 77. I agree with staying off major highways, as the scenery up there is beautiful, however this route is very narrow and winding with very steep slopes. I've driven through the Canadian Rockies without incident, but I would think twice about taking your rig on this route. If you decide to make the run, take your time and be very alert to the twists and turns and oncoming traffic. Good Luck!!

Agree. It's steep, and crooked. I have taken High School activity busses up, and down that road. Some blind curves, you will need to use BOTH side of the road.

Can't speak about 21, but we have driven the length of the BRP several times, most recently in our new Phaeton this past spring. It was great, just take it slow. The motorcycles were having much worse time than us. Saw two of them that missed down hill curves and ended up in the woods. When the sign says 25 mph we slow to 15 and it's no sweat. Plenty of pullouts to let cars go by.

The only roads we avoid are those with official signs banning large units.

xctraveler wrote:
Can't speak about 21, but we have driven the length of the BRP several times, most recently in our new Phaeton this past spring. It was great, just take it slow. The motorcycles were having much worse time than us. Saw two of them that missed down hill curves and ended up in the woods. When the sign says 25 mph we slow to 15 and it's no sweat. Plenty of pullouts to let cars go by.

The only roads we avoid are those with official signs banning large units.

Trust me. The Blue ridge Parkway. Is MUCH better then "most" of the roads leading to it. 21 is lots worse than the BRP.

Executive wrote:
We are planning on heading down the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Cumberland Knob recreation area in North Carolina to US Hwy 21 and then taking that south to Statesville, North Carolina. We prefer to stay off the Interstates if possible, as we've found the secondary roads to be more scenic, historical and enjoyable.

Is this route compatible with our rig?..:h...we are 65' long with the toad and 13'1" high..I am experienced with mountain driving etc.....I welcome any comments...thanks...Dennis

I haven't driven it, but I did do a little research getting ready to drive the BRP. Came across this page that gives the tunnel clearances. Note that there are a couple where the clearance at the edge strip is in the 10-12' range. Hope this helps: Blue Ridge Parkway Tunnel Clearances

Live in Statesville and have taken your planned route many times.The 7 or 8 miles down the mountain is narrow steep and tricky even in my 34ft mh. I agree I 77 may be better route.

Dennis,

Some few years ago we drove a portion of the BRP somewhere in there where you are going. My take would be you (and I mean "you") could go anywhere with your coach without any problem. So the route is compatible but not necessarily the time. It's not you...it's everyone else. With schools starting and September around the corner there should be room on the road, but not necessarily a place to pull over and enjoy the view. At one point we found a scenic parking place and had it all to ourselves and that was late August.

The caution about low tunnels is to be noted. And my recollection is the road seem to have no shoulders to speak of...pavement to grass. Watch for motorcycles...the fast ones not the Goldwings. I recall that where we joined the parkway, there was a short distance (a couple of miles to get to the parkway) and we just held our breath when we saw the sign that indicated we were over the load limit. We where just over 55' and I do not recall any signs indicating length limitations...an easy check with NC Highway Dept.

As a western coach and driver, you and those 525 horses will think NC mountains are west Texas.

West on 40 or south? Drive safe.

Dennis as I have not been down this route, I have been down several in the area. Is it doabl e yes advisable no. Just from experiance we have traveled severable roads along this path and when you see a sign saying caution trucksmay cross center line believe it. On the map it looks doable but you ask before you venture. If yoju decide to come this way holler. Would like to meet both of you. 20 minutes from JD and 10 minutes fron GD and several close places to camp. Be safe Larry