Iconic Blue Ridge Parkway is Closed, But Tail of the Dragon Remains Open

MSN ^ | Oct. 19, 2024 | Jonathon Klein

[libstripper]

The South and East Coasts were well-ravaged thanks to Hurricane Helene over the last few weeks. Countless lives have been lost, property destroyed, homes swept away, and livelihoods all but decimated for a large portion of the public.

Worse yet, there's another Hurricane brewing in the Gulf of Mexico as I type these words.

The outpouring of help from both the local communities, as well as those in the nation at large has been awesome to see, though. Especially in a time when the media wants to cast a blanket around the populace saying we're at each other's throats. See, in times of crisis, we can come together and help each other out.

But as these communities are resilient, and people pick up the pieces of their lives, there's been more time to assess the damage around the surrounding areas. And one of the chief concerns, one that's been neglected essentially since it's inception, is our nation's critical infrastructure. Case in point, portions of the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, a destination for motorcyclists and car drivers alike, were swept away and, as such, now closed.

Indefinitely.

[libstripper]

I've driven the Blue Ridge Pkwy. once including its extension that goes up into Virginia. It's a terrific drive that basically parallels the Appalachian Trail and is for people who are a bit too lazy to hike the trail. I did it the laziest way, driving a Lincoln navigator. The second laziest way to do it is on a motorcycle and the least lazy way to do it is by bicycle. Indeed, given the availability of lodging and campsites it is probably one of the best bicycle rides in the country, especially if one goes all the way up to just about Washington DC on the extension of the Parkway.

[Red Badger]

Motorcycle Ping!...............

[LastDayz]

What...... no pics?

Beautiful country.... it’s been years since I’ve been up that way.

[bigbob]

There’s a bunch of “new” roads now that’ll rival the tail of the dragon - if you have 4WD.

[abb]

I’ve driven it from end to end twice, and portions of it many times. It and Big Sur are the most stunning drives on the North American continent.

[Cheesehead in Texas]

I just got off the Appalachian Trail at Elk Garden, Virginia a few days before Helene made landfall. Even that far north the cloud ceiling was getting low and sustained winds were picking up. Sad to see so much damage in trail towns like Hot Springs, NC, Erwin, TN, Roan Mountain, TN, and Damascus, VA.

[left that other site]

I have ridden the Blue Ridge more than once. Loved every mile.

[Cold War Veteran - Submarines]

Rode my scooter all through those roads spending a couple of weeks doing it….twice. I have been reading about the damage to Blue Ridge, the Tail, and the other roads. Nice to hear the Tail is ok.

In other news, the redneck Air Force is operating out of the Asheville Harley dealer with some 35 private helocopters and a bunch of ex military civilians doing the lords work. They are actively telling the Feds to keep away, they have a well oiled machine working around the clock. I know that Harley dealership well.

[JBW1949]

When I turned 16 and got my drivers license, I said I would never pedal anything again...I’m 75 now and have kept my word....LOL

[Governor Dinwiddie]

Big Sur is great if you have a driver. No so much for the driver. Can't take your eyes off the road.

[CapandBall]

I’ve slain the Dragon, 318 curves in 11 miles. I went with my crew and while it was enjoyable, I’ve no interest in doing it again. No vistas, and you can’t really get much above 30mph.

The BRP on motorcycle is fantastic, I just wish the speed limit wasn’t restricted to 35mph.

[JBW1949]

It’s hard to top 318 curves in 11 miles....

[JBW1949]

It’s hard to top 318 curves in 11 miles....

[Engraved-on-His-hands]

I live near the Tail of the Dragon. It is perhaps the number one road destination for motorcycle enthusiasts in the nation. If you don’t drive a motorcycle, it is vastly overrated. The Cherohala Skyway a bit further south is much better. The scenery, especially on the North Carolina side during fall color season, is magnificent.

[abb]

We’ve adapted by allocating LOTS of time to make the drives.

Drive relatively slow. Pull over often to allow traffic to pass and to stop at the overlooks. Take many, many, many pics and videos.

On the Blue Ridge, budget no more than 200 miles/day. 150 is better. Spend at least one night at The Pisgah Inn near Ashville. Also a night at Little Switzerland, where the floors creak when you walk on them.

On Highway One, take a full day to go from San Simeon to Carmel. Stop for lunch at Neptenthe.

Above all, make these drives ANYTIME and EVERY TIME you are traveling in those regions.

[henkster]

The Tail is pretty good in a Mustang too. I drove it last year about this time, and was going to drive it again last week. However, even though I knew it was open, I was less sure about the place I normally stayed in North Carolina the night before. And wasn’t sure about the roads getting there and back. So I will wait until Spring, or may even next Fall.

But is is a very fun drive. Maybe not a lot of speed, but a lot of braking and shifting.

[The Antiyuppie]

“When I turned 16 and got my drivers license, I said I would never pedal anything again...I’m 75 now and have kept my word....LOL“

I did the same thing, but “failed” in my early 60’s when I restored a 1970’s “steel road bike” and ride it to today. Riding a bike was just about the only athletic thing that I was good at.

[momincombatboots]

Indeed!! Many wonderful Tail rides! I loved being up there when the super cars are out too!

[packrat35]

I did the same.

[martin_fierro]

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