Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Pkwy

[dramsey1]

We could use a little help with our trip planning. We plan to enter Skyline Drive at Front Royal and drive the full length of it. After this we will take the Blue Ridge Pkwy to the Smokey Mountain National Park. We have a 30 ft class A and may or may not bring our toad. Our height is approx. 12'2'' and this does exceed the height limit in a few places along the way. Does anyone have any experience with this trip? There seem to be some fuel stops and campgrounds along the way but I wonder if there are enough? Has anyone else found a route past the low bridge areas? We would appreciate any assistance that's offered.

[Jim_Shoe]

Here's a list of the tunnel heights at the center line. I drive a 'C' with a satellite dome on top and I'm nearly 12 feet high. I went around.

[Belgique]

Thanks for this thread. Thought about doing this yesterday and here you folks have explained it all. We live near Blowing Rock and thinking about doing it north to the Lexington VA area. Again, thanks.

[Heap64]

We enjoyed our drive last September on the BRP. We did the whole drive in a truck and 30' travel trailer. Hugged the centerline on a few tunnels but not many we are almost as tall as you. We were lucky and were at the parkway in between summer but a bit early for the fall color rush. So we almost had the parkway to ourselves during the week.

[Hokiehall]

It may or may not be an issue with you but Skyline Drive is through Shenandoah National Park so there will be an entry fee at Front Royal. Not a lot and it is good for re-entry over 7 days. Once you are on the BRP there are no more fees. Do be sure to only get off at major highway intersections. As previously stated Roanoke and Asheville will have plenty of places to fuel and eat and restock your rig as needed.

If you are planning to go during the summer months, be aware that you will see lots of green. Lots of green. Most overlooks have had the trees trimmed away to improve the views at them but along the roadway itself there are lots of trees.

Also a section between Milepost 90 and 105 is closed until about the end of May for paving operations.

[Tom_N]

Here is were we parked, on the Skyline Drive, for one night in late October, 2006.

[kohldad]

If you have the time and aren't in a hurry then do it. You need a minimum of 5 days but better to have 7 to travel the entire length if you can get out and enjoy any of the views. I've traveled every section multiple times and always find something else to see. I've camped on the southern end from Ashville to the southern end for over 40 years and it's still one of my favorite places to visit within 500 miles of Charleston.

Have done two long sections, Ashville to Waynesboro and just last Oct Front Royal to Roanoke. However when I retire and can take my time, will do the entire length from Front Royal to southern end in a single trip over a one week period.

As mentioned, the tunnels are arched and have the minimum height measured at the white line. By the time you move over 3' to hug the white line you are another 1' - 2' taller and by the time you get to the ac in middle of your rig you will have another 1'. While there is a tunnel or two where you will want to cross the yellow line to take the center of the tunnel, you do not need to, just hug it.

The fuel is real easy as you can get fuel near each interstate crossing or big towns. The longest dry section is from Ashville to southern end, but even then you can get fuel by dropping off at 19/23 and going a few miles towards Waynesville.

In regards to campgrounds, they are nice just be careful as they will fill up on Friday, some on Thursday. So I either make reservation for the weekend or if at a First Come, stop early Friday and stay until Sunday.

Make sure you check out http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/ as they have a lot more detailed information. Particular attention to the hiking trails as they list all the trail starting points, some of which are not mentioned even at the overlook. There are a number of short easy 1/4 mile hike to get the views.

Mabry Mill is great for a morning breakfast. Works well if you spend the night at Rocky Knob, get up early and head south a short way to the eastern facing overlook to watch the sunrise, then a few more miles for breakfast.

Other place to eat is Pisgah Inn which usually has a favorite good chief and an unbelievable view. It is a nice short walk from the campground to the restaurant so if you can walk about 1/4 mile each way you wouldn't even have to move the rig.

I could go on, but think you can tell I get excited about the BRP. Happy trails and enjoy.

[Dick_A]

Moved from Class A forum.

[DrivingMissDais]

I would suggest doing it at intervals. As pretty as it is, the scenery is pretty much the same around the bend and after a while you'll tire of it.

[Jarlaxle]

For fuel, the BRP goes past Asheville, NC (I think in the city limits) and Roanoke, VA. Both have gas right near the parkway, as does, IIRC, Fancy Gap, VA.

[dramsey1]

Thanks for the help everybody. After reading them I did a little more research and may break the trip up into segments. What about just skyline drive for now? Has anyone travelled the entire length of it? It looks like the bridges will be high enough for me approx. 12'2" height and fuel won't be an issue as I usually do 300-350 on a full tank. We will stay on the main roads. I've checked out the campgrounds and they should work but we will miss the hook ups. Anyone know anything I should be especially concerned about?

[Terryallan]

I'll echo some of the thoughts. On the BRP in north Carolina. You will have to get off to get fuel. The Bluff near VA is the only place I know you can get gas on the Parkway itself.
The campgrounds are all primitive, with no hookup, and only a Check in office where the Rangers hang out. However. They are great. The Parkway is an easy drive, and actually one of the better roads thru the Blue Ridge. However as mentioned. Pick the side roads you want to use with care. The hardest part of riding the BRP is getting to it. Highway 321 at Boone would be one of the better places to get off, and fuel. You will need to give yourself PLENTY of time if you try to run the complete Parkway. I would put aside at least a week.

Avoid (trying) to go down highway 80, or 226.
Also there are a few private CGs on, or at the parkway. Raccoone Holler, Miller Camp, and Bear Den have full hookups.

And just to be clear. The BRP does NOT go into Tenn. It stops in Cherokee NC.

[smlranger]

Okay, I will swim against the tide and suggest you think long and hard about traveling the entire route on the parkway.

I've lived in VA all my life and lived in Roanoke and Bedford County near the parkway for years. We have traveled its entire length over the years but not all at one time. We pulled a 26' TT on portions of it.

It is a beautiful road with much to see. However, it was built over 50 years ago when larger RV's were not on the roads. Much of it is windy and steep and slow going. Unfortunately, in places locals use it to commute. The max speed limit is 45 and in some places lower. During peak visit times (spring, fall), it will be full of motorcycles and other folks looking at the scenery. So expect to need to use the many pull outs to let folks get around you if you are slowing them down.

Not saying don't do it but just be aware of some factors that do not make it a great road for most class A motorhomes.

[Tom_N]

I drove both without any problems. It's a great, not to be missed, drive.

[blknomad]

I think you'll enjoy the trip. From Front Royal to Afton MT. is only 100 mi. I believe there is a campground at Big Meadow on the skyline. I64 crosses on top of Afton so another fuel stop. When you get to Roanoke about mp 120 the BRP crosses us 220 there is a Walleymart about mile south and Roanoke is about a mile north. At mp 175 is Mabry Mill a must stop. A mile after you cross us52 at Meadows of Dan good fuel stop and I think a campground you will fit into. Why am I telling you all this? Stop at any facility and pick up a Blue Ridge Parkway directory & travel planner. Happy trails