Mid Atlantic Road Trip 9/30

[joetiii]

I've decided to visit my daughter at College just outside of Asheville, NC the weekend of September 30. I'm travelling from Western Massachusetts with my 69 E and looking to travel on and off the Interstates. Blue Ridge Parkway sounds like 469 miles of fun twists and turns through Virginia and NC. I'm thinking about coming down the Taconic and heading over to Port Jervis where I'll catch the 209 down through the Delaware Water Gap.

Looking for suggestions from that point down to Skyline Trail.

[yale]

Personally I think the Blue Ridge pkwy is a drag. But that's me. Here's an option. Taconic to 84 across NJ to 209 in pa to 81 to 68 in maryland to 219 in West Virginia (the best driving state east of the Missori River). The road starts off rough but gets better and better. Then your on your own. If you want a place to stay in West Virginia I'm partial to the lodge in Pipestem state park. You take a cable car to the bottom of a canyon and the lodge is on the canyon floor next to the river. If you get there after dark like I did you'll be alone with the driver on the cable car while it hurtles off into the darkness, cool! You can tootle along at 35mph on the blue ridge parkway going home. P.S. Warren Wilson?

[joetiii]

That's what I'm looking for, roads travelled off the beaten path that inspire others. I am certanly not planning BRP all the way. The way through NC seems pretty sweet and it looks like you can off and on throughout.

And yes, she's a WWC Owl.

[joetiii]

Looks like I'll be in Maryville, Tn wednsday eve and planning a trip on the dragon's tail the next day.

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[beh911]

If you are coming on the Tail of the Dragon from the west, you end up in extreme Western NC in Graham County. If you aren't worn out after driving it (a distinct possibility), come into the town of Robbinsville, NC. Look for signs for Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, or Cherohala Skyway.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherohala_Skyway

The Cherohala is a beautiful, high elevation, 'road to nowhere'. It drops you off in Tellico Plains, TN. I've driven the entire length before seeing only one other car the entire time. Weekends are different. There is no gas, no cell coverage, etc, very remote for a good distance. But a very special road. If you aren't in a hurry to make direct progress to Asheville, it is worth your while.

[1970rsr]

Joe, I live in Highlands, NC which is about 1.5 hours from Asheville. It is at the bottom right of your map. I would suggest running 64 from Franklin to Highlands. It is called the Gorge road and follows the Cullusaja river. FYI Sept. 30-Oct 1st is Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta which is not far either. I am attending the Race on Sat. Oct. 1st and then will head back to Highlands that afternoon. If you are in the area, look me up and we can have a beer. Thanks, Tate tateaskew@yahoo.com

[joetiii]

I see that on the map..... If I have some extra time I will check it out.

[joetiii]

Heading north out of Asheville on Sunday PM. Up to Little Switzerland, Linn Cove Viaduct, Blowing rock area. Anybody up for an afternoon run?