Blue Ridge Parkway

We leave Asheville at 10am to shuttle to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in historic downtown Staunton, VA. The Stonewall Jackson is a wonderful hotel and ideally situated as a place to stage ourselves for tomorrows tour launch.

We cycle from Rockfish Gap to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Today’s stage has wonderful long range views of the Shenandoah Valley. After a moderate climb to start the day we roll along this narrow ribbon of road before descending to the lowest point on the BRP, the James River. After the descent comes what I consider to be one of the toughest climb of the entire tour, Apple Orchard Mtn. It climbs 3000+ feet in 12 miles and is the longest continuous climb on the BRP. Tonight we stay at the Peaks of Otter Lodge, which sits on the shores of Abbot Lake and offers wonderful views of Sharp Top Mountain.

After a thrilling descent into the Roanoke River Valley we climb out of the city before cresting and rolling through the Virginia countryside. Another long day in the saddle awaits us today but we cycle with the knowledge that ahead is the welcome oasis of one of my favorite communities on our journey, Floyd, VA. If we arrive in time we can stroll the streets and listen to some live bluegrass at the Country Store. Tonight’s inn and meal is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip.

We leave VA and cross into NC today at mile marker 217, along the way we pass a number of notable points of interest today; Mabry Mill (mm 176), the Blue Ridge Music Center (mm 213) and Cumberland Knob (217.5) to name just a few. 

Today’s 62 mile route begins with a beautiful climb through Doughton Park before before rolling towards a series of short climbs on our way to the beautiful resort community of Blowing Rock. Tomorrow you are rewarded with a well deserved day off. This evening we will relax at the luxurious Chetola Resort, which is within walking distance of the many shops and restaurants that make up this popular tourist destination.

Enjoy a relaxing day at the splendid Chetola Resort and Spa, stroll around quaint downtown Blowing Rock or join your guides for a ride along local cycling routes. A day without schedules, you decide how to spend it!

Optional day of cycling!

Meals are on your own today, you are free to decide when, where and what you eat!

We leave Blowing Rock and the Chetola Resort in route for Little Switzerland. Along the way we pass over and around some of the most distinctive landmarks of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shortly out of town we begin climbing towards Grandfather Mountain and over the renowned Linn Cove Viaduct. We descend over the Viaduct and down to the Linville River where there is an optional hike to view Linville Falls. After remounting our bikes we climb up to Switzerland Inn, our ridge line host for the evening, along the way we will go through the first of NC’s 26 tunnels.

Today we cycle into the highest mountain ranges along the Appalachian chain, the Black and Craggy Mountains. We spend most of the morning climbing to Mt. Mitchell State Park where we will tackle the eastern U.S.’s highest mountain. After our descent off the mountain we have one more major obstacle, the climb to Craggy Gardens, before a mostly downhill run into Asheville.

The final and quite possibly the most challenging day along this special ribbon of road. This remote stretch along the BRP is probably my favorite section and is stunning in its display of signature long range views. This is a day to appreciate all that cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway entails; the physical and mental challenge to complete such an endeavor, the magnificent beauty of this wonderful National Park, and the joy and camaraderie of sharing this marvelous journey! The tour ends with a glorious stretch that includes 13.5 miles of descending over the final 17 miles. After the completion of this unbelievable adventure we shuttle back to Asheville to celebrate our accomplishment!

After our night of celebration we gather to say our farewells and reflect on the experiences of the past week over our final group meal.