07.06.10
North Carolina Resorts near the Blue Ridge Parkway Are Good Vacation Spots for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists who stay at North Carolina resorts near Asheville will find themselves in the perfect base for rides on one of the nation’s best roads for two-wheel adventure: The famed Blue Ridge Parkway.
You’ll find many entry points to the Parkway in the greater Asheville area.
First are some off-the-beaten path routes. Get on at Bull Gap by taking Merrimon Avenue to Beaverdam Road to Elk Mountain Scenic Highway in north Asheville, or via Merrimon Avenue to Reems Creek Road to Ox Creek Road. Or, enter the Parkway via the Craven Gap entry point from North Carolina resorts by taking Merrimon Avenue to Beaverdam Road to Webb Cove Road.
Some Parkway entry points are easier to reach off major roadways. A few miles east of the Asheville mall, you can get on at the intersection of the Parkway and U.S. Highway 70. From downtown Asheville, head east on I-240 to U.S. Highway 74A and follow the signs, or take Hendersonville Road (U.S. Highway 25) to the Parkwayyou’ll see the signs just past Carolina Day School. From I-26 exit 33 and follow the signs.
Once you’re on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’re on your way from North Carolina resorts to some fabulous destinations with spectacular curves and views all along the way.
Head north to reach Mount Mitchell, reaching an elevation of 6,684 feet for the highest summit in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. Or point your motorcycles south to reach another high-elevation pointMount Pisgah at 5,721 feet.
In between those two points and beyond you’ll find many miles of graceful roadway and stopping off points that make motorcyclists from around the world glad they booked their North Carolina resorts nearby.
You’ll notice the air getting noticeably cool as you approach Mount Mitchell. At its top it is usually 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Asheville. Along the way you’ll see several overlooks with grand views. One of the best places to stop is Craggy Gardens at Milepost 364.4. It has east and west views, lots of rhododendron trees, hiking trails and a large picnic area.
Not far past Mount Pisgah on the Parkway south from Asheville, Graveyard Fields at Milepost 418.8 is a wonderful place to cool the engines and explore on foot. It is one of the most popular places to hike in the Blue Ridge National Heritage area and attracts many visitors from the North Carolina resorts within close proximity. The Graveyard Fields Loop covers 3.19 miles, is easy for most of its length except for a few rough areas that are moderately difficult, and features waterfalls.
The best advice for motorcyclists is this: Head out on the Blue Ridge Parkway from any of the North Carolina resorts in the area and let the road lead you to your own favorite spots. Besides, the route and mode of travel provide make it worth your while even if you don’t stop.
