bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas

I have begun planning a driving tour down the Blueridge Parkway and Smokey Mountains in mid to late October this year. I have found that UHH has excellent feedback on sights and interesting "must see" areas no matter where we venture. We can do mild hiking. I believe lodging may be a problem if I don't begin planning now. I have perused the Internet , but feel like a personal touch of those who live there or who have gone before is invaluable. I look forward to your comments and thank you in advance.

Bud S Loc: Logan Ohio

We haven't done a lot of traveling on the Parkway but between our North and South trips we like to stop near Meadows of Dan at the Mabry Mill, a must see. Within two miles is a very nice motel and restaurant, the Woodberry Inn, along with a restaurant at the mill that is often crowded. It is East of Hillsville off of Rt. 74 South of Rt. 81.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

The entire area is just beautiful, especially that time of the year. The Parkway has many scenic overlooks along the way. You will enjoy the trip.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

Try and make that trip every year in October for a reunion with a couple of Navy buddies and their wives. We usually rent a cabin near Gatlinburg, TN. There was a very damaging fire last fall and I'm not sure what was damaged. Google cabins for rent, Gatlinburg, Tn or Great Smokie National Park and see what is available if you are interested in a cabin. If not, there are loads of hotels in and near Gatlinburg. If you don't mind hiking, you should visit Kingman's Dome in the Park. Google Great Smokie National Park and you can have the National Park Service send you some information. There are too many sights to see in one trip, that's why we keep going back. You are right to start now, that is a very busy destination. Good luck.

sleepydrdr Loc: Chattanooga, TN

Haven't been to the northern part of the Blueridge Parkway, but we go to the Smoky Mountain National park regularly here in Tennessee. Between Gatlinburg and Cherokee is a single highway of about 35 miles that takes you through the park with many beautiful overlooks. If you come in from Gatlinburg that side of the mountains is a little dry and mostly pines as you go up, but once you get to the top you will see the deciduous trees and color. I think the Cherokee side is prettier. Despite the horrific fire, most of Gatlinburg is open. It's a very crowded town during peak leaf season from mid October to early November, so make your reservations early. Clingman's Dome (6000 + ft) is a wonderful place to visit, with stunning views if it's not socked in with fog, but go early in the AM or you won't be able to get in there. The parking lot is full as early as 10 AM. There are bathrooms there, which are scarce through the park. Cade's cove is another great place to visit, again go early. It's on the Gatlinburg side. It's a favorite place to view wildlife. Stop at one of the visitor centers on either end of the park and you'll get a lot of info. Elk can be seen almost anywhere, but they often feed in the AM at the Oconaluftee visitor center on the Cherokee side. The elk also hang out in the Cataloochee valley on the eastern end of the park. It's a one lane dirt road with switch backs getting in there, a white knuckle drive, but once you are in there the roads are good. Enjoy! And take lots of photos!

NikonCharlie Loc: Kansas USA

Throw a leg over a Harley and ride it! Best view of the vistas, awesome ride.

JR45 Loc: Montgomery County, TX

Made the trip from South to North on a motorcycle a few years back.
The best advice I can offer is to enjoy the scenery, but keep your eyes
on the road. A friend of mine didn't and spent a week in an Ashville hospital.

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

Rode the Parkway in 2013 on my Harley. We did it in 2 days from Front Royal to Ashville. I suggest you take at least 3 days, and maybe 4. Mabry Mill is a must see, and the breakfast is great.

Bill

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

I went to University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and this is so close to the Blue Ridge Parkway that it would be a shame to pass it by. Mr. Jefferson's home, Monticello, and his University (which he designed and built) are a day trip in themselves. They are full of photo ops. Check the colonial Amtrak station and the colonial baseball park if it is still there. This is at the North end of the Parkway, so you might either start there or end there. It is on I-64, which runs from St. Louis to Virginia Beach, and it passes the Blue Ridge Parkway not far west of C-ville.

bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas

I will place this on my list to call for lodging. Thank you very much. I knew I would get great advise.

bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas

I think we will. I fell in love with Vermont and Maine on a previous trip. Thank you.

bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas

I was pretty sure it might be busy there! I will certainly look into Kingsman's Dome. You go often and named that specifically so it must be awesome. Thank you.

bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas

You are a plethora of knowledge on the area and I am sure to put this on my list of "to do". Thank you.

bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas

If my hubby would get his Harley repaired, we would probably ride. You have a great idea, might be a bit chilly in October. You know I am a princess. Hehe.

bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas

Good advise! Hubby driving because I am a terrible driver. I look around too much. Thanks for the advise!