Community Forums

Selah · 03-24-2016, 08:07 PM

In the March IRV2 news letter under " five national parks you should see in your RV" they mentioned the Blueridge Parkway. The article didn't mention any restrictions.
I thought much of the Blueridge Parkways was not friendly to large RVs.

grumpy0374 · 03-25-2016, 05:36 AM

Driven the parkway many times, in regular vehicles. Lived in NC, and now Va., and heve traveled parkway 100's of times in cars and motorcycles, but would never tale a large rv up there. No restrictions, but you need to be aware that many areas of the parkway, especially in NC, the roads are either up or down, with many, many curves, grades, and switchbacks. All roadways are two lane, and many tight curves are right next to overhangs, so you must be very careful as you could easily scrape or damage your rig.
Additionally, you have to pay attention to the many tunnels you'll come across. They will accomidate an rv, but many of them have low sides, so you may have to pass thru them more toward the center, even crossing over the center line.
As a driver, your focus will be entirely, and I mean 110% on driving, and you will not be able to take in the views.
Looking at your signature it looks like you have a large class a, towing a toad.
Your call, but if it were mine, I'd pass on the parkway. We have a 28 ft class c, towing a toad, and I wouldn't take my rig up there, much less what you have.
Again, my opinion only.
Grumpy

mel s · 03-25-2016, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Selah

In the March IRV2 news letter under " five national parks you should see in your RV" they mentioned the Blueridge Parkway. The article didn't mention any restrictions.
I thought much of the Blueridge Parkways was not friendly to large RVs.

Selah
I had no problems traveling the length of the Blueridge Parkway from north to south with my 35 footer towing a Saturn Ion.
Mel
'96 Safari

MRUSA14 · 03-25-2016, 05:46 AM

I agree with Grumpy. I did it once, it was scary and no fun in a 40 footer. White knuckles, and a chore to maintain 30 mph or so. Would be fine in a class B or small class C, but not for a big rig. I couldn't wait to get off that road. Unfortunately, once you are on it there are no exits for many many miles, and the exit roads are not much better.

smlranger · 03-25-2016, 05:47 AM

Agree with Grumpy. We lived near Roanoke, VA near the BRP for 40 years and have driven every mile of the BRP plus the Skyline Drive. I would not want to do it in a large RV. It is a beautiful thing, especially the western portions in NC. I believe the best bet is to find RV parks near the BRP and explore the scenic road in your car/toad.

Russtj60 · 03-25-2016, 06:01 AM

We are frequent motorcycle riders on it and would not take our 38 footer. You may want to check Tunnel Clearances - Blue Ridge Parkway for tunnel clearances. I thought the note on top that indicated the height could change from 1-6 inches was telling!

grumpy0374 · 03-25-2016, 06:08 AM

Additionally, because you will have a hard time maintaining speed, you may have a long line of other vehicles stack up behind you. Aside from the overlooks, there are no places to pull to the side to let them pass. And, you WILL have impatient drivers crossing the double no passing lines to pass you.
Also, this time of year, it's going to be very busy, traffic wise. Overlook pull-offs are going to be crowded, and many cannot take large rv's without causing problems.
And then there are the motorcyclists. Most are just cruising, taking in the sights. But many are on crotch rockets, and love to pass, especially on blind curves. Not fun to be in your lane, negotiating a curve, and see a bike almost coming right at you.
As for the exit roads leading off the parkway to towns along the way....some of the roads are even worse as far as curves, switchbacks, ect.
Advice...find a nice campground near the parkway as a base, and enjoy the parkway in your toad.
Grumpy

JohnBoyToo · 03-25-2016, 06:22 AM

Agree whole heartedly on leaving the coach at the park!!! Heck, some of the tunnels and curves concerned us in the JEEP !

Stay at Bear Creek in Asheville and take the toad, especially the jeeps so you can do the trails..
and the 2nd pic is out our front window @ Bear Creek.

**TonyDi** · 03-25-2016, 07:08 AM

Can you do the Blue Ridge Pkwy in a large MH, yes. Will you enjoy it, no. Some of the pull offs are too small, and you will have missed some great vistas.

sprayman · 03-25-2016, 07:19 AM

we rented a car for 2 days, much better

Jim

jsmmonaco · 03-25-2016, 07:30 AM

this was a helpful thread..............we had talked about doing the BRP in our 40 dft knight several times, but now, I believe we will do it in a car.....................

MSHappyCampers · 03-25-2016, 07:40 AM

I too agree with most that it would not be any fun in a large MH!

We love to stay at the Pride RV Resort near Maggie Valley, NC. The BRP crosses Hwy 19 right out of Maggie Valley, so you can jump on and go north or south!

Tom N · 03-25-2016, 07:40 AM

No problems driving the complete BRP.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

-Tom, W3TLN

znt1186 · 03-25-2016, 07:54 AM

I live in Asheville and drive a short stretch of the BRP to and from work every day. I have lived here for 64 years and have spent many days joy riding on the Parkway. It is a beautiful road with many scenic vistas. Yes, you can drive it in a motor home. As said earlier, a few of the tunnels are challenging, but there is a published guide to tunnel clearances available. A lot of the time, the driver of the mh will not be as interested in the view as keeping the mh on the roadway and in their lane. There are some long steep grades that can heat your brakes significantly (Overheated mine one time many years ago in a car, it was a bit scary).

I would say it is your choice. You can get on it and try it out to see if you really want to do it. A good test would be to get on at Soco Gap just west of Maggie Valley, NC and go north past Water Rock Knob to Balsam Gap. You will get a good taste of the turns and grades on the southern end of the Parkway. If you like that part, then go for it.