Z4 run on the Blue Ridge Parkway

[robertrichhart]

Planning a trip first week of April with some friends in the Zs to Tennessee on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, etc. Any advice on "do not miss" roads while in that region of the country?

[richard in NC]

You have named 3 of the shouldn't miss roads. Many more nice runs lead off the BRP. Near Little Switzerland in NC is 226 and 226A, a nice little loop heading south off the BRP. Just west of Asheville is 151 heading north.
Further south-west of that is a 215-276 loop, north off the BRP.
If you want to do small towns, sight seeing and waterfalls, rt 64 betweeen Brevard and Franklin is good but very touristy. Several nice waterfalls are along the route, 3 in a row between Franklin and Highlands.

Also getting from the end of the BRP to the Dragon, follows rt 28, another good road. Do watch your speed on the 4 lane roads (74, 441, etc). They Patrol those much more than the 2 lane roads.

The Tail of the Dragon website lists many more in the area.

[klenska]

We like the run to the Smoky's from Townsend take 73 into the park and then 441 toward N.Carolina. Climb is about 6k feet and my understanding is due to warm weather, Clingman's Dome (6.6k feet) will be opened March 16th. The photo was taken there. Great winding roads the whole way with beautiful spring color on the climb. 73 runs along the Little River - very nice. A few full loops, one waterfall right off the road, one you can hike to; and a short tunnel. Good fun. There was a rock slide on The Dragon last week that closed it for a few days, so check your road conditions there!

[az34]

i made that unforgetable trip last year,after sleeping in Sevierville TN we'd head for the great smoky mtns NP all the way to Cherokee and then entering the blue ridge parkway and Skyline drive. Be prepared to be patient theres a lot VR on the road, and the speed limit is 45 but it worths it.

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by klenska

We like the run to the Smoky's from Townsend take 73 into the park and then 441 toward N.Carolina. Climb is about 6k feet and my understanding is due to warm weather, Clingman's Dome (6.6k feet) will be opened March 16th. The photo was taken there. Great winding roads the whole way with beautiful spring color on the climb. 73 runs along the Little River - very nice. A few full loops, one waterfall right off the road, one you can hike to; and a short tunnel. Good fun.

Yes 441 is a great road. Gatlinburg is also a great town, although very touristy. I didn't recommend 441 as a driving road because I've only been there in the fall when there is a lot of leaf peeping traffic and the pace is too slow to have much fun. Off season should be OK.

[robertrichhart]

Thanks for all the suggestions for roads, and for the warnings on heavily patrolled 4-lanes as well. We are thinking of starting at Ashville and working our way back across to end up in the area around Deals Gap. You mentioned Little Switzerland, is that what is known as the Diamondback Loop?

[teezee]

Can second 226A out of Little Switzerland. Drove through there after my pickup in Spartanburg and it's a great area to drive. Have fun!

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by robertrichhart

Thanks for all the suggestions for roads, and for the warnings on heavily patrolled 4-lanes as well. We are thinking of starting at Ashville and working our way back across to end up in the area around Deals Gap. You mentioned Little Switzerland, is that what is known as the Diamondback Loop?

Correct, 226A is a little west of 226, meeting at the top and bottom, forming a diamond. 226A is tighter two lanes, 226 is 4 lanes up hill and higher speeds. Both are great roads.

[richard in NC]

Here are most of the cars we had on our Diamondback trip last spring. My Z4 is seen at :40, and I can been seen taking a photo at 1:48.

And here is a video I found with the whole run. It climbs about 2000ft elevation. The climb starts about 3:30 and gets real twisty towards the end.

[robertrichhart]

Looks like a great road, and that's quite a group of cars you had on that run of the Diamond... Thanks for posting the videos! I can't wait, we will be there week after next.

[robertrichhart]

Headed out tomorrow to Asheville, NC to start our trek across the Blue Ridge Parkway. Will end up at the Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway on Friday. Hoping the weatherman holds the rain off for at least part of the trip...

[richard in NC]

Crossing fingers for you on the weather. Have fun.
One other note. If you can, hit the Dragon early on a weekday morning. You avoid crowds and the police. It is early in the season so not too many likely patrols.