Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountain cruise

[Les1951]

After our factory PDI in early April we are planning a trip to Gettysburg, Shenandoah, the Blue Ridges and down the Smokey mountains to Piegon Forge. I would sure appreciate any advise and recommendations on things to do and places to stay....Our trip back to Colorado may be through Nashville and anywhere else that might be interesting

[smlranger]

We live in VA near the Blue Ridge Parkway and, while it is beautiful to explore, I would not recommend doing it in your new large Class A coach. You can travel down I81 south and access the BRP at various places. The Asheville, NC area has a lot to see and do and the most southern leg of the BRP is the most spectacular, IMO. Blowing Rock, Linville, Grandfather Mountain areas are all great to explore in your toad. There is Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg of course if you are into the ultimate tourist trap. There are some nice RV parks in and around Pigeon Forge and there is Dollywood. Cherokee, NC and the great Smoky Mountains are popular.

We lived in Winchester, VA years ago and there is a lot of history in that part of the Shenandoah Valley if you are into the Civil War. Plenty of small towns with Civil War history and artifacts along I81 thru the valley. There is Luray Caverns in Luray, VA.

Congratulations on your new Entegra.

[Les1951]

After looking at the park pictures I was wondering about driving the parkway. Thanks for your input ! Les

[sprayman]

we did it 1.5 yrs ago, stayed in Ashville. we rented a car. best way to go.

Jim

[nothermark]

Gettysburg is also almost impossible with a MH. No parking worth talking about. The Federal show is well worth it and there is bus/MH parking but it is a hike. The supposed shuttle does not go there unless requested, maybe. If you have a toad or rent a car there is a lot more to see.

We stayed at Artillery Ridge Campground. Handy to the rest and can handle about anything.

[smlranger]

Originally Posted by Les1951

After looking at the park pictures I was wondering about driving the parkway. Thanks for your input ! Les

You can certainly drive on the BRP with the coach but it is twisty and slow, maximum speed limit is 45. Plus there are a number of pretty low tunnels on the southern portion so overhead clearance could be an issue. Finally, few of the NPS campgrounds on the Parkway were designed for larger RV's and many don't open until May 1.

[kwittintime]

In Nashville stay at Two Rivers on Music Valley Drive. Just ask for to stay away from the tour place next door.
Address: 2616 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Phone:(615) 883-8559

In Pigeon Forge stay at Clabough's
Address: 405 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone:(865) 428-1951

Travel safe

[DebbieMH]

Originally Posted by kwittintime

In Nashville stay at Two Rivers on Music Valley Drive. Just ask for to stay away from the tour place next door.
Address: 2616 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Phone:(615) 883-8559

Travel safe

I have reservations at Two Rivers on Music Valley Drive in July on our way up to Michigan for the Spartan Owners Training Class. What exactly do you mean ... "ask for to stay away from the tour place next door"????? Thanks .. haven't been there, so any advice is greatly appreciated!

[jdwky]

Originally Posted by DebbieMH

I have reservations at Two Rivers on Music Valley Drive in July on our way up to Michigan for the Spartan Owners Training Class. What exactly do you mean ... "ask for to stay away from the tour place next door"????? Thanks .. haven't been there, so any advice is greatly appreciated!

I'm curious too. Have stayed there several times, great Rv park for Nashville. But it's right between a camping world and another Rv dealer on the opposite side. Maybe they mean jellystone Rv park adjacent to the rear?

[Aussies]

We drove our previous 35' coach with a toad from pigeon forge up over the great smokies to Cherokee in NC and it was pretty white-knuckle driving most of the way with very windy two-lane toad most of the way with steep unguarded drops on the side of the road, so we wouldn't even attempt it in our Aspire. From what we've seen of the Trail, we'd probably only use a car for that too.


Bob & Jennifer Stevens
2012 Aspire RBQ
Zipper and Charlie (poodles)

[kwittintime]

There is a tour bus company on the north side of the park.
They are coming and going all night. Have stayed there twice. Once next to the north fence. Not a lot of sleep. Next time asked for the other side of park and had no issues

[DebbieMH]

Originally Posted by kwittintime

There is a tour bus company on the north side of the park.
They are coming and going all night. Have stayed there twice. Once next to the north fence. Not a lot of sleep. Next time asked for the other side of park and had no issues

Thanks for the tip!

[ralphie]

I used to live near Front Royal VA, 10 minutes from the north entrance to the Skyline Drive. Although it's a beautiful drive, I would not take the RV all the way down the Skyline Drive and perhaps the Blue Ridge Parkway, either. There are plenty of places where you can get on and off both roads, or perhaps just drive some sections of each road.

[hondavalk]

I would highly recommend The Biltmore Estate outside of Asheville N.C.