Blue Ridge Parkway - Early April
Been north from the SE up to Michigan multiple times. Usually take I-75 if on a schedule. Otherwise, we've swung east and hit the Smokey Mountains NP. Looking for something new, we are looking at t...
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Up at the north end of the Blue Ridge now, so I thought a follow up was in order.
Wound up doing a mix of towing and bypassing.
- Stopped near Asheville first.
- Drove the section down to Cherokee with just the truck.
- On the day we were headed north, it was rainy, so we choose to bypass on the way up to Mt Airy.
- From Mt. Airy to the north end, we were on and off the parkway due to closures.
- Wound up driving the very north end with just the truck as a day trip.
- Skyline Drive (Shendoha NP) was very similar. We drove it with just the truck as we will be heading west from here.
As long as you have a rig that handles well and you are comfortable driving it in hilly conditions, it can be done...but even with the low speeds, you do really need to stay focused. This distracted from being able to enjoy the scenery.
The pavement was in good condition but the one thing I didn't like is it appears they have simply added a new top course without filling in the shoulders to match, so it was commonly a 6" drop off from the edge of the pavement. Never had a wheel drop off but had to watch carefully.
There were a few low branches but generally not bad as the trees hadn't leafed out yet.
Facilities were generally closed, with the exception of gift shops...apparently, they are immune to the virus.
Overall a nice sidetrip on our way north.
Wound up doing a mix of towing and bypassing.
- Stopped near Asheville first.
- Drove the section down to Cherokee with just the truck.
- On the day we were headed north, it was rainy, so we choose to bypass on the way up to Mt Airy.
- From Mt. Airy to the north end, we were on and off the parkway due to closures.
- Wound up driving the very north end with just the truck as a day trip.
- Skyline Drive (Shendoha NP) was very similar. We drove it with just the truck as we will be heading west from here.
As long as you have a rig that handles well and you are comfortable driving it in hilly conditions, it can be done...but even with the low speeds, you do really need to stay focused. This distracted from being able to enjoy the scenery.
The pavement was in good condition but the one thing I didn't like is it appears they have simply added a new top course without filling in the shoulders to match, so it was commonly a 6" drop off from the edge of the pavement. Never had a wheel drop off but had to watch carefully.
There were a few low branches but generally not bad as the trees hadn't leafed out yet.
Facilities were generally closed, with the exception of gift shops...apparently, they are immune to the virus.
Overall a nice sidetrip on our way north.
