The Best Section of the Blue Ridge Parkway

There are more great motorcycle rides in the Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains than anywhere else – discover them at http://smokymountainrider.com and find out how easy making the ride of your life can be!

This 43 mile section is the best of the 491 mile long world famous motorcycle ride. It’s the highest, the twistiest, and has the most scenic overlooks to stop and enjoy. 

The Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway(http://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/photos/52118/untitled/53352/the-best-of-the-blue-ridge-parkway)

Enjoy views from the Highest Point, see the Devil’s Courthouse, Looking Glass Rock, Graveyard Fields, and more. Some of the best overlooks are listed on each parkway section by milepost in this guide.

Soco Gap (Milepost 455.7) to Wagon Road Gap (Milepost 412.2) 

Distance: 78 miles to make the loop

Ride Time: 3 hours or more 

Blue Ridge Parkway – Highest Point(http://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/photos/52118/untitled/53349/blue-ridge-parkway—highest-point)

START: Maggie Valley

Ride: Maggie Valley to the Blue Ridge Parkway

From the Haywood Visitor Center follow US 19 – Soco Road. You’ll pass Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley on your way to Soco Gap and the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Get on the parkway heading towards Asheville.

Ride: Soco Gap (US 19) to Balsam Gap (US 74)

MP 452.1 Cranberry Ridge Overlook – nice views towards Cherokee

MP 451.2 Waterrock Know Overlook – visitor center, panoramic views from top
MP 450.2 Yellow Face Overlook – long range views over valley
MP 445.2 Mt Lynn Lowery Overlook – View Mt. Lyn Lowery cross on top, Woodfin Cascades across valley

MP 443.1 – Balsam Gap – US 74 exit

Ride: Balsam Gap (US 74) to Beech Gap (NC 215)

MP 439.7 Pinnacle Ridge Tunnel
MP 431.4  Richland Balsam Overlook – Highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway
MP 430.7 Cowee Mountains Overlook – nice panoramic views
MP 428    Caney Fork Overlook – Panoramic views
MP 423.5 Courthouse Valley Overlook – Nice views, good rest stop
MP 423.3 Beech Gap – NC 215 exit

Blue Ridge Parkway(http://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/photos/52118/untitled/53353/blue-ridge-parkway)

RIde: Beech Gap (NC 215) to Wagon Road Gap (US 276)

MP 422.4 Devil’s Courthouse Overlook – View from base of rock formation and valley below
MP 422.1 Devil’s Courthouse Tunnel

MP 418.8 Graveyard Fields Overlook – popular stop with waterfalls, parking gets congested

MP 418.3 Looking Glass Rock Overlook – Popular stop, good views of rock formation
MP 413.2 Pounding Mill Overlook – panoramic views from point
MP 412.9 Cold Mountain Overlook – Good rest stop near exit, views
MP 412.2 Wagon Road Gap – Junction with US 276 exit

Ride: Blue Ridge Parkway to Maggie Valley

The drop from the parkway on US 276 – Cruso Road is a thrill. It then winds through the forest for several miles and emerges along the Pigeon River as it flows towads the Bethel Valley. US 276 – Pigeon Road takes you through Pigeon Gap into downtown Waynesville. Follow Main Street then US 276 – Russ Avenue to the junction with US 19. Follow US 19 – Dellwood Road back to Maggie Valley. 

END: Maggie Valley

The Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway(http://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/rideplans/53345/the-best-of-the-blue-ridge-parkway)

The Best Section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is found on maps – Map #6  – The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Mountains Park – EAST

Map – 12 Classic Deals Gap Motorcycle Rides

Map – 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains

Map OR2 – The Best Unpaved Roads SOUTH of Smoky Park

BUY YOUR MAPS NOW

Source: America Rides Maps Blog