Key Takeaways:

• Taking a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip on a motorcycle is a great way to enjoy a fun and challenging ride while enjoying scenic views.
• Helmets are required when riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway, no matter which state you are in.
• Booking a rental property is among the best ways to relax and take in your surroundings while having a place to rest for the next day’s ride.
• The parkway offers easy access to several notable attractions you may want to check out, from scenic overlooks to craft breweries.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a breathtakingly scenic route through the Appalachian Mountains, especially if you are traveling on a motorcycle. However, given the length of this stretch of road, you may need rest as darkness approaches. With nightfall comes reduced temperatures, reduced visibility, and a sense of solitude that can make riding on a motorcycle more exhausting than usual. That is when you need to find a place to rest for the night.

At Devil’s Knob, you can find several rental properties that allow you to rest your head for the night and enjoy the picturesque surroundings in comfort and style. With time to relax and recuperate, you’ll be ready for the ride ahead as you continue your journey down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a closer look at what the Blue Ridge Parkway motorcycling experience can offer, and discover how the rental properties at Devil’s Knob could be just what you need.

Best Time of Year to Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway on a Motorcycle

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning sights all year long, but travelers may prefer to visit from spring through fall. Mid-September to mid-October is notable for the fall foliage that stretches as far as the eye can see. Alternatively, you may want to visit during June if you are interested in seeing the rhododendrons and wildflowers in full bloom.

Visiting during the summer is not as hot as you might think, as temperatures along the parkway tend to be lower than in the surrounding areas. In fact, the elevation of the mountain range makes the path about 10 degrees cooler than you would normally expect temperatures to be in this area at lower elevations. If you are visiting during the winter, there is a possibility of snow and ice on the road, so you will want to exercise caution or simply visit during another time of year if you are traveling on a motorcycle.

Virginia and North Carolina Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists

When traveling through Virginia and North Carolina, two states with extensive stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will need to remain compliant with helmet laws while riding a motorcycle. Both Virginia and North Carolina require riders to wear a properly secured helmet when traveling on any public vehicular area, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway. The helmet must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Anyone who violates these requirements could be subject to fines and more.

What Are the Top Scenic Overlooks to Stop at on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to quite a few different scenic overlooks you may not want to miss out on. Here are just a few of the top overlooks you’ll come across as you ride through the mountain parkway.

• Humpback Gap Overlook at Milepost 6
• Ravens Roost Overlook at Milepost 10.7
• Sharp Top Mountain View at Milepost 92
• Roanoke Mountain Loop Road at Milepost 120.3
• Price Lake Overlook at Milepost 296.7
• Bear Den Overlook at Milepost 323
• Bald Knob Parking Area at Milepost 352.4
• Craggy Gardens at Milepost 364
• East Fork Overlook at Milepost 418.3
• Beartrail Ridge Overlook at Milepost 430.4
• Woolyback Overlook at Milepost 452.3

Must-See Areas Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway will put you close to quite a few iconic destinations you can visit. Here are some of the most popular, starting from North Virginia and moving South.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a popular Virginia city that is easily accessible from the parkway, even if it isn’t officially a part of it. If you plan on starting your journey by flying to the area, Charlottesville’s airport is a great place to begin, as you can get a motorcycle rental and take on the parkway from there as a starting point. While in the city, you can also visit historical sites like the home of Thomas Jefferson and several orchards and farms.

Shenandoah National Park

At Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find 200,000 acres of protected lands packed with wondrous nature, including wildlife, wildflowers, and stunning vistas. The National Park Service (NPS) keeps the park open all year long as well, so consider adding it to your itinerary no matter what time of year you traverse the parkway.

Natural Bridge State Park

As you might expect, Natural Bridge State Park is named after the iconic natural limestone bridge in Virginia that towers an impressive 215 feet. With picturesque mountains and meadows, this can be a fun stop during a clear day to take in the scale and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge

The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a massive artificial suspension bridge that crosses an 80-foot chasm while offering picturesque 360-degree views of Grandfather Mountain. Located in Blowing Rock, this destination is just a short distance from the Pisgah National Forest and Linville Falls.

The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is a massive historic home in Asheville that has 250 rooms. It is one of the largest private homes in all of North America, and it offers guided tours and dining opportunities among its well-kept grounds and intricate architecture. They even have spa treatments available if you’re looking to get particularly pampered during a break from your ride.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its wide natural landscapes with green trees as far as the eye can see, crossing the border into Tennessee by Gatlinburg. Additionally, this park has a selection of creeks and waterfalls to visit through biking and hiking trails, especially in the Deep Creek area, though you can enjoy simple picnic areas as well.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists Touring the Blue Ridge Parkway

When taking a motorcycle along the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are a few safety tips you should always keep in mind. The road has quite a few sharp turns, and these turns tend to be much sharper than what you would expect from a typical highway. This is because much of the Blue Ridge Parkway curves around mountain peaks. Additionally, the road may have some loose gravel from the surrounding areas brought in by windstorms. Always check the weather before setting out on parkway travel so you can know what to expect.

Ready for the Claw of the Dragon?

The Claw of the Dragon is a popular route through Blue Ridge Parkway that motorcycle enthusiasts travel from all over the country to experience. With tight turns and loops that will take you through hundreds of miles around several mountains, it is both a challenging and exciting endeavor.

Take a Break and Enjoy the Views

Riding a motorcycle along the parkway offers plenty of fun, but some of the views are well worth stopping for. In the heart of the area, you can book a rental that lets you enjoy a good night’s sleep, leaving you well-rested for more riding. These two properties are not only conveniently located by the Blue Ridge Parkway, but they also put you in proximity to several activities, breweries, and wineries.

Luxury Chalet in Wintergreen

This three-bedroom luxury chalet in Wintergreen puts you within a few steps of Wintergreen Resort and the Plunge Snow Tubing Park. It’s set in the George Washington National Forest, so you can enjoy the picturesque outdoors while still having the convenience of a kitchen, washer, dryer, Wi-Fi, and even a pool. The three bedrooms offer enough space for eight people in total, with a king bed in one room, a queen bed in another, and two twin bunk beds in the last bedroom.

Two Bedroom Wintergreen Retreat

When you book your stay at this two-bedroom retreat, you can enjoy a cozy and pet-friendly experience that offers stunning mountain views without ever having to leave the condo. It’s located just a short drive from Raven’s Roost Overlook and was recently renovated to serve as a comfortable retreat from the hustle and bustle of the daily adventure.

Why Visitors Love Our Vrbo

Riding a motorcycle through the Blue Ridge Parkway is a thrilling experience, but everyone needs somewhere to rest at night. Our Vrbo rentals let you rest in supreme comfort and style while keeping you intimately connected to the picturesque natural features of the area. Take a look at what previous visitors had to say about their rental experience.

Testimonials

“We absolutely loved our stay at the cabin! The cozy atmosphere, stunning views, and thoughtful amenities made our trip truly memorable.” — Faisal

“Kevin’s place was a perfect retreat for us. We spent time in the area hiking, at some wineries, and sightseeing along the parkway. The condo was quiet and cozy and we spent each evening with good food, wine, and a warm fire. It was perfect!” — Darron

“Beautiful, cozy, and stunning. That’s just the condo. So much to see and do. Definitely recommend. Great communications from the owners, very responsive.” — Gina

Additional Resources for Adventurers

• Top Wintergreen Breweries & Distilleries to Visit on Your Trip: Wintergreen is right in the heart of Central Virginia’s wine country, but you can also get to the Rockfish Valley Highway, which is better known for its distilleries and breweries. Take a closer look at some of the best options to visit.
• Wintergreen Music Festivals: If you are embarking on the Blue Ridge Parkway journey during the summer, you could make stops at several different music festivals along the way. They tend to offer a wide variety of music, including bluegrass, jazz, classical, and more.
• Where to Zipline Near Wintergreen, Virginia: Ziplining is a thrilling experience no matter where you are, but the zip lines near Wintergreen let you enjoy the rush while taking in the vibrant greenery and stunning mountain scenery. These are some of the most notable ziplining opportunities in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Blue Ridge Parkway

What Is the Average Speed Limit on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The average speed limit on the Blue Ridge Parkway is generally 45 miles per hour. It is slower than most highways because of its sharp and frequent curves. In some particularly curvy areas, the speed limit will drop to 35 or even 25.

What Is the Terrain of the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Blue Ridge Parkway is an entirely paved, undivided two-lane highway. Keep in mind that there are not many shoulders along the way, and several steep grades are present throughout.

Is It Better to Go North or South on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

It is not better to go north or south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, as each direction will let you enjoy the exciting drive and stunning views. However, if you plan on using your own motorcycle rather than a rental, it is generally recommended that you start at the side closest to you, whether it’s Milepost 0 in Virginia or Milepost 469 in North Carolina.

Explore the Area Both On and Off Your Motorcycle

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to embark on an American motorcycle road trip by the great Appalachian Trail, but it is important to take the time to absorb the scenery. During your stop along the way, you will need a place to relax and rejuvenate before the next day trip, and that’s exactly what our rentals can offer. You can book your rental right here on our site to prepare for your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.