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-   -   Blue Ridge Pkwy Driving Times? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/blue-ridge-pkwy-driving-times-841688/)

janbsn May 24th, 2010 03:08 PM

Blue Ridge Pkwy Driving Times?
 
I've been using various online trip planners to gauge my time driving from the Boone area in NC along the Blue Ridge Pkwy to Asheville - and then onto Knoxville, but the trip planner keeps diverting me to major routes and I can't figure it out. Can anyone tell me approx driving times using the Parkway between Boone and Asheville? From Asheville I will get off the Pkwy and take Rte 40 to 19 towards Cherokee and up over the Smokys on 441 to Knoxville and need the approx driving time on that route too. Thank you!

emalloy May 24th, 2010 06:29 PM

figure that you will average about 30 miles/hour on blue ridge so 2 minutes per mile, multiply miles by 2 to get the time in minutes for the part of the road you will be using.

starrs May 24th, 2010 07:07 PM

If you've not used this site, it has great info. You can print off the sections of the map (with milemarker information) at this link -
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=73

The max speed limit is 45mph but you'll move much slower than that.

Sara May 24th, 2010 07:45 PM

One more thing to factor in - if you're anything like me, you'll want to stop at some of the scenic overlooks on the BRP to look at the great views, so that will take a little extra time, as well.

Gretchen May 25th, 2010 03:08 AM

Your drive from Asheville to Knoxville on that route will probably be about 5 hours, I think. I have done all parts of it, at one time or another, but it has been a while. The roads are very good--4 lanes for the most part.
From the link to the BRP I think you will travel about 80 miles on the Parkway so that will be about 3 hours. You WILL want to stop and look at some of this area.
It really depends on the time of year whether traffic will hold you to less than the speed limit.

Ackislander May 25th, 2010 04:01 AM

It isn't just traffic that will hold you back. Unless you live in North Adams or Williamstown (I see from another post that you are from MA) you will not be used to driving roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway. I would be surprised if you are even tempted to exceed the speed limit!

Consider taking a side trip up Mt Mitchell. It is the highest mountain in the east (higher than Mt Washington) and amuch easier drive.


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