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Post by mamabeargreen on Sept 17, 2016 11:44:38 GMT -8
I've always wanted to drive the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I may (if my days off get approved) have an opportunity to take 4 days to drive it next month (mid October) when, hopefully, the leaves are at their peak color. I really don't want to deal with making reservations since we aren't sure how far we'll make it each day.
So, I'm looking for advice on where to camp and/or stay. We can do back-country, car camping, traditional lodging, or any combination of the three. We'll be there during peak leaf-peeping season, but I'm hoping someone on these forums will know of some hidden gems that still contain some privacy. It will be my husband, myself, and our 1 year old son. I'd like to stay relatively close to the BRP since our goal is to drive the entire length, but I'm also up for a little side trip to some place awesome.
My goal for this trip:
* 4 days entire length of Blue Ridge
* Relaxation
* Fall foilage
* Inexpensive
TIA!
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Post by rwtb123 on Sept 17, 2016 18:37:17 GMT -8
I'm most familiar with the central Va. section ,north of Roanoke, where the AT follows nearby the whole way to Rockfish Gap.Using the resources linked below, I can give you some ideas where ,with a short hike along the AT, you can camp at/in an AT shelter then after another short hike the next day some of the best views this section has to offer. First idea is park at the pulloff on US301,just off the Parkway, along the James River.Hike south into the James River Face Wilderness a short way to the Matt's Creek shelter.Next day after a short but steep hike up to the ridgeline you will have incredible views back down of the James. Second,park along the pulloff on the BRP where the AT crosses and hike a short distance to the Punchbowl shelter.Next day after a short, moderate hike up to Bluff Mtn you will have some incredible views to the east and to the west into the Shenandoah Valley. Third,park at Reeds Gap ,along the BRP, and hike a short distance to the Maupin Field shelter.Then next day,after a short hike mostly along the ridgeline, you will have the cliff views from the well known Three Ridges. Fourth,access Cow Camp Gap from a steep dirt road off US 60 for parking.Then, hike up to the Cow Camp shelter with sweeping views from the Cold Mtn bald along the way. Last,stay in Montebello ,which is on US 56 off the Parkway,at the campgound or B&B/hostel(if not still temporarily closed while they travel),and next day do one of the steep challenging hikes in the area up to Three Ridges,The Priest or Crabtree Falls from the Tye River area. I have not stayed at any of the campgrounds,or lodging options as I used to live in the area, so others will have to help you there. www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/upload/APPA%20Map.pdftnlandforms.us/at/googleatm.php?lat=39.8&lon=-77.48&scale=6www.atdist.com/ |
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FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
Posts: 1,791 
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Post by FamilySherpa on Sept 19, 2016 5:03:09 GMT -8
In my opinion, to truly enjoy the entire parkway, you need more than 4 days.
That is if you want to visit some of the parkways tourist offerings, scenic views, and day hikes.
I spent 2 full days going between Cherokee, NC and Deep Gap, NC and really felt like I needed a 3rd day at the very least for that section.
One thing to keep in mind (especially with a 1 year old) is that the parkway is very curvy and can easily cause car sickness. Thats another reason to limit the miles driven each day.
My favorite campground on the parkway is Julian Price Park. Right on the parkway, and is a great fall destination.
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Post by mamabeargreen on Sept 20, 2016 9:41:19 GMT -8
Thanks for the tips. You've given me some great options. I especially like the idea of camping on the AT. Hopefully, that will help me avoid the touristy crowds.
I wish I had more than 4 days, but it just ain't gonna happen unless I find a new job.
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FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
Posts: 1,791
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Post by FamilySherpa on Sept 20, 2016 10:18:14 GMT -8
Thanks for the tips. You've given me some great options. I especially like the idea of camping on the AT. Hopefully, that will help me avoid the touristy crowds. Not real sure of your itinerary, but the BRP and AT dont really come close to each other until just north of Roanoke. You wont see many touristy crowds at the camping areas along the parkway, just at the overlooks and pull offs. I would hit up some of the parkway campgrounds. www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=19Keep in mind that towards the end of October, many go to first come first serve only, and begin closing in November. |
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Post by mamabeargreen on Sept 20, 2016 10:30:08 GMT -8
Good to know. Fewer crowds, the better. Thx
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Post by rwtb123 on Sept 20, 2016 17:36:55 GMT -8
Well,the Mountains-to-Sea trail does parallel the BRP along the southern section running through various wilderness/NF areas.
If it was me(and a bike/backpacking trip along the BRP is high on my list of trips),I would do a similar strategy as I suggested for the last day,the first two days,as well. Exploring Shining Rock/The Blacks/Linville Gorge/Wilson Creek etc., and setting up camp along a trail in one or two of those areas would give you a jump start on doing a half day hike or two given your time constraints.
South of Boone and north of Roanoke I would spend most of the time along the parkway or adjacent wilderness areas,between those two areas, I might allocate some time to exploring the surrounding countryside ,as well, similar to how rcvp did on her bike trip.
But,really it all depends on how comfortable you are remote camping with a 1 y/o.
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Post by mamabeargreen on Sept 21, 2016 4:44:37 GMT -8
I'm fine with remote camping with a 1 yr old. He kinda rocks. And seems to actually love it. Our dog is the only challenging one and we will be leaving him home this time around. Poor pup loves the trail, but hates sleeping outside. Plus, having a dog along limits our options.
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