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The Blue Ridge Parkway showcases spectacular scenery of Appalachian mountains and valleys on its 469-mile length through Virginia and North Carolina. Should you travel "America's Favorite Drive" in your RV? Or would it be preferable to park your rig and explore the parkway in your tow vehicle?
Before you decide whether or not to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in your RV, define your main reason for traveling on it. Are you going to use the parkway as a scenic route to get from one point to another, such as Monticello to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Or is the parkway a destination in itself that you want to explore in depth?
If the parkway is the scenic route to your destination, then by all means drive it in your RV. Several considerations may influence how much of the parkway you choose to travel in your RV and will help you plan your trip. They include:
Your driving comfort level and your tolerance for stressful conditions.
- The road is two-lanes with no shoulder. Many sections of the road have tight curves.
- Access to many of the scenic overlooks is difficult for large rigs or RVs that are towing vehicles. Visitor center staff can advise you which pullouts are easiest for the size of your RV.
- Several of the tunnels have low heights. Depending on the height of your RV, you may have to solicit the assistance of other travelers to hold back traffic while you drive down the center of the tunnel.
The importance of fuel efficiency and keeping a time schedule.
- Road closures happen. The fall that we explored the parkway, for example, extensive segments at the southern end were closed for several days due to potential landslides. Detours can add considerable time and mileage to the journey.
- The speed limit is 45 mph, and for good reason. Travelers are ogling the scenery, and regularly pulling in and out of scenic overlooks. The speed limits and the stops to enjoy the scenery affect fuel efficiency.
If the parkway is your travel destination and you have a tow vehicle, your options for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway multiply. For example, you can choose key areas, such as Cherokee, Ashville, Boone, Roanoke or Charlottesville, as your RV base camps while you explore a segment of the parkway. Then you can drive your RV to your next base camp, either via the parkway or state and federal highways, and explore another segment in depth.
In a tow vehicle, you can zip in and out of scenic overlooks, pull onto the grass for a roadside picnic, and explore sights not easily accessible by large RV, such as the summit of Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River.
Other benefits? Fuel economy. Less stress. Traveling the parkway both directions. Ease of exploring small towns and attractions off the parkway.
In conclusion, traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway by RV is certainly doable, and for many it is the option of choice. If, however, the parkway is your destination, driving it by tow vehicle expands the opportunities to experience its sights, sounds, and beauty in depth.
If you go:
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. The parkway's northern entrance is three miles east of Waynesboro, VA at Interstate 64. The southern entrance starts at the south gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For more information: Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Map: Blue Ridge Parkway Map
Related Articles
The Blue Ridge Parkway Showcases Cultural, Natural and Historic Attractions
The Blue Ridge Parkway Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary
RV Travelers Have Numerous Camping Options On And Off The Parkway
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