Skyline and Blue Ridge
Dec 27th, 2001, 12:54 PM
#1
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Skyline and Blue Ridge
Arriving in Washington, D.C. Driving down the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway probably to Ashville area. We want to combine hiking each day with some historic stuff, craft shopping and maybe a few side trips. Don't want to rush. Those of you who have done this - how many days would you recommend? Thanks!
Dec 28th, 2001, 10:43 AM
#3
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The time of the year that you are thinking of making this trip is very important. The higher sections of the road will be closed, or dangerous, for most of the winter.
The full parkway, Skyline Drive and Ridge Parkway combined, is over 500 miles long. I recommend finding a good tour book on the subject and read it in detail. Many of us can make suggestions == I am full of them. But ultimately you will need decided what it is that interests you the most. My favorite part is the area from Grandfather Mountain to Waterrock Knob. But there is merit in joing the parkway close to Mabry Mill and following the parkway south to near Maggie Valley.
Mount Mitchell, just off of the parkway, Linville Falls, Craggy Gardens, Crabtree Falls, and Mount Pisgah are all very interesting parts of the drive.
The full parkway, Skyline Drive and Ridge Parkway combined, is over 500 miles long. I recommend finding a good tour book on the subject and read it in detail. Many of us can make suggestions == I am full of them. But ultimately you will need decided what it is that interests you the most. My favorite part is the area from Grandfather Mountain to Waterrock Knob. But there is merit in joing the parkway close to Mabry Mill and following the parkway south to near Maggie Valley.
Mount Mitchell, just off of the parkway, Linville Falls, Craggy Gardens, Crabtree Falls, and Mount Pisgah are all very interesting parts of the drive.
Dec 28th, 2001, 10:46 AM
#4
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Thanks for replying. We are going at the very end of April into the beginning of May. We may do a few sides trips - like Monticello. Plan to do 3 hour type hikes at least a few days. And would like to hit the highlights. Just can't figure out how much time to allow.
Dec 28th, 2001, 12:07 PM
#5
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We used to do this every summmer for vacation and took a week. There is lots to see and do and taking the numerous hikes is well worth it. This is still largely uncommercialized (except for Asheville). There are many options for lodging off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Stop in Charlottesville VA and tour the University and Monticello.
Tour the Biltmore Estate near Ashville.
Stop in Charlottesville VA and tour the University and Monticello.
Tour the Biltmore Estate near Ashville.
Dec 28th, 2001, 12:22 PM
#6
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My son went to school in Front Royal, Virginia, just at the "start" of the Skyline Parkway, and there is a lot to do in that area of Virginia. You can stay in pretty decent lodges along Skyline Drive (although you need to plan and reserve ahead, but I THINK your time frame is more do-able than during the summertime.) You definitely want to spend at least two nights in the Charlottesville, VA area. Orange County (same area) has many lovely B&Bs, good wineries (believe it or not!) Check out Barboursville and see if their Shakespeare in the Ruins season starts around then...One of the best German restaurants I've ever eaten in "The Bavarian Chef" is there. Montpelier (Madison's home) is there as well as Monticello -- which has to be one of the most interesting places you'll ever visit. Moving on down the road to Blowing Rock, near Grandfather Mountain is really lovely. Yep, you'll need another couple of days there, too.
