Blue Ridge Parkway

[The Flying Dutchman]

Looking for some information from some locals. I plan to autotrain to Va and then ride the Blue Ridge Parkway (and the Dragon) and then back home to Florida the last weekend in Oct. Am I waiting too late in the year to get good views of the leaves? Of course we don't have seasons down here. Will it be tool cold for comfortable riding at elevation with the SO?

Dutch1201

 

[Calabash]

Hey Dutch,

Here are some info links:

https://www.byways.org/explore/byways/10327/

https://www.dealsgap.com/forum/index.php

Typically I have seen the leaves change around here around the middle of Oct. but that varies a week in either direction. The temperature varies at that time of year especially in the mountains from 50's to 20's and snow sometimes in the mountains. Have a wide range of clothes to wear and then slowly peel them off according to the weather. The links should talk about the weather as well.

Hope this helps

 

[bluesfool]

I have done Skyline Drive (the northern "extension" of the BRP) 5 times now and each time has been in the later part of October. While it was pretty chilly at times, I was okay as long as I kept my gloves on and jacket zipped up all the way. A couple of things to consider though is 1) the speed limit on skyline is only 35 (which we didn't do much over), and my trips were done on a Katana which offers very little wind/weather protection. My dad on the other hand, was either riding his Goldwing or Road King and he didn't have any problems staying warm. One of the main reasons I bought the feejer this year is because I made two Skyline trips last year, and both were unpleasant because of the weather. The first trip consisted of rain all weekend and temps at or below 45 degrees on the mountain and the second was sunny, but still cold. I had a MISERABLE time but my dad stayed much warmer on his bike and he coulda' kept riding until nightfall. This year though, I'm looking forward to combining a Skyline trip with a BRP trip either late September or early Oct. As far as scenery goes, I think October is a pretty good time to take the trip.

By the way, my pic that you see was taken on one of the October trips through Skyline last year. I know it's hard to make out, but the trees really were colorful and not all green.

 

[JimLor]

As was mentioned, a lot depends on the temperature during Oct. I'd keep an eye on the wx if you are able to adjust your trip. If not, you'll have a nice time either way!

If you're looking for folks to ride with, I'm sure you could gather a couple for parts of your trip.

Jim

 

[Riceman]

Weather and unforseen commitments might prevent it...but I could be talked into riding along. That time of year...like the rest of the year, can be hit-or-miss with the weather. It is nice up there, even in December.

 

[trimmantom]

As others have mentioned,temps vary widely,take today for instance,I was coming up to the southern end of the parkway for just a day ride.

Twenty miles south of the BRP it was 68 degrees on my clock thermometer,I got up to Pisgah and the temps got down to 43 degrees, that's quite a drop.

And be prepared for rain definately.There was also ice on a lot of rock faces that don't catch much sun during the day.

I actually didn't care about any of those conditions.I was so happy to just be riding up there.

When I got home to n.ga. it was 77 degrees.

 

[black mamba]

The leaves are definitely gone....have been for quite some time. The weather you'll run into will be all over the map. For sure, take some warm riding gear. And don't forget to include some good rain gear. The higher elevations this time of the year can still see temps in the 20's in the evening and early mornings. It was snowing and in the 20's at my Boone, NC mountain house last week. However, any time...as long as there's no ice around....is a great time to enjoy the BRP.

 

[RTSR1/FJR]

Here's what it looked like last year (10/20/06) on the Foothills Parkway and the Cherohala! When we left on the 22nd 5 am, it was like raining leaves! It was beautiful, spectacular!We timed it perfect!

 

[luvtoride]

Looking for some information from some locals. I plan to autotrain to Va and then ride the Blue Ridge Parkway (and the Dragon) and then back home to Florida the last weekend in Oct. Am I waiting too late in the year to get good views of the leaves? Of course we don't have seasons down here. Will it be tool cold for comfortable riding at elevation with the SO?
Dutch1201

Dutch, as previously mentioned, the weather will normally vary. Don't let that scare you off, though. The payoff can be spectacular. I went into WV last October. It was the 2nd or 3rd weekend & there was a LOT of color. It can be hit or miss as to when the trees peak, but still pretty in between. I seriously doubt the leaves will have all fallen by the 3rd weekend.

Last year we rode under a canopy of golden & red leaves. I was so excited! I'd never done leaf peeping on a bike before... but without a doubt, I'll be doing it again. The experience was one I won't soon forget.

Enjoy... but definitely pack for changes in the weather. It is hit & miss.

Heidi

 

[black mamba]

Sorry, I did not read the first posting closely enough. If you are planning to go the last week in Oct., the leaf experience will vary greatly as to the elevation you are riding and whether you are on the north end, or south end, of the BRP. Generally speaking, at the higher elevations and toward the north, the leaves tend to peak during the 2nd and 3rd week of Oct. This can vary, however. I've seen early changes and late changes. The lower elevations, and more toward the south, can experience peak colors into Nov. If you are limited to the last week in Oct., and are crusing the high country, don't despair. You WILL find significant color still around in patches here and there.

 

[BentAero]

In addition to the already mentioned issues, be prepared w/ a backup route just in case the Fun Police (aka National Park Service) decide to close the higher elevation sections of the BRP. If the weather takes a freak cold spell, the NPS thinks nothing of closing the "their" linear park in the areas near Mt. Mitchell, and also from NC191 to Balsam Gap near Sylva. If there is ANY possibility of ice on the road, they close it.

*Sometimes* this is truly warranted, but usually it's just a CYA thing. Where the BRP crosses NC191 on the west side of Asheville, the elevation is about 2200'. Thirteen miles south the elevation climbs to around 5,000+' near Mt. Pisgah. No matter what time of year, there is a BIG temperature difference in that short run.

Plan on catching lunch at the Pisgah Inn https://www.pisgahinn.com/ Just SW of the Inn, take a run down NC151 to the bottom. It's about 3 miles down, then turn around and go back up. It's one of those roads that make you glad you ride!

Before you arrive in the area, give me a shout. I live 5 miles south of the BRP near I-26, just south of Asheville.

 

[HaulinAshe]

PM me if you are interested in some lower elevation routes that will likely provide spectacular leaves in late October. The nice thing about the area is that you can move on down to the foothills elevations and still have some beautiful leaf colors to take in. Many of the small towns like Morganton and Shelby NC have gorgeous hardwoods lining their streets and rural byways, with late season leaf colors.

I also know of several lower elevation routes that have tight sweepers and moderate twisties which rival anything the Dragon has to offer. But I will not post them publicly. There has to be something left for those of us who call it home.



Also, the lower elev routes are on your way to Florida. Ride the Dragon for the pavement. You are better off without falling leaves, especially if any H2O gets added. Can you say "more slippery than owl sh!t". Become a leaf-peeper on routes that provide a more leasure riding pace. The two really don't mix well.