The Blue Ridge Parkway delivers relaxed, scenic riding, combining sweeping mountain views with smooth, uninterrupted pavement for a ride that rewards patience and presence more than speed.
🔍 Quick Facts
Distance
~469 miles
Elevation
~650 – ~6,053 ft
Surface
100% Paved
Best Time
May – Oct
Skill Level
Beg – Int
Why This Ride Stands Out
The Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t about adrenaline — it’s about flow. Stretching from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, this iconic route offers uninterrupted riding with no commercial traffic, no stoplights, and no billboards.
Instead, you get long sweepers, rolling elevation changes, and constant overlooks that practically beg you to pull over and soak it in.
Why This Ride Is Great for Touring
- Manageable daily mileage
- Access to fuel and food
- Natural rest stops or overlooks
- Connects well to nearby routes
- Works as part of a multi-day trip
Planning a longer ride? This route pairs well with proper touring prep and gear.
How to Pack for a Long Motorcycle Trip
Touring Essentials: Motorcycle Gear for Long Rides
What to Expect on the Road
This is a technical-but-forgiving ride. Curves are predictable, pavement quality is generally excellent, and speeds are modest — making it ideal for newer riders or anyone wanting a relaxed pace.
Traffic can increase near popular overlooks, especially on weekends, but the Parkway’s length means there’s always open road waiting ahead.
Expect:
- Smooth transitions and wide curves
- Frequent elevation changes
- Wildlife sightings (especially early mornings)
When to Ride
The Parkway shines in late spring through early fall.
- 🌸 Spring: Cool temps, blooming scenery
- 🍁 Fall: Peak foliage (but heavier traffic)
- ☀️ Summer: Ideal riding temps at elevation
⚠️ Winter riding is unpredictable — sections may close due to snow or ice.
Gear & Prep Tips
- Layered riding gear is essential — temperatures change quickly with elevation
- Touring or sport-touring tires are perfect here
- Plan fuel stops ahead; services are intentionally limited
- Take breaks often — this ride rewards slowing down
On longer days on this route, weather-ready touring gear for extreme, fast-changing weather makes a noticeable difference.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Ridge Parkway proves that some of the best motorcycle rides aren’t about pushing limits — they’re about settling into the road and letting it carry you.
It’s a ride you don’t just complete — you experience.
Ride of the Week is a recurring RiderWorx series highlighting unforgettable motorcycle routes worth riding, revisiting, and remembering.
More Ride of the Week Routes