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ArmFromTheAbyss
Old Hand

Registered: 10/09/02
Posts: 1,368
Loc: Down here in Babylon
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Blue Ridge Parkway
#6332432 - 12/04/06 10:22 AM (17 years, 1 month ago) |
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I'm planning a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway next summer with my brother. We've got 2 weeks to do whatever we want. I'm a photographer and obviously I'm looking for places with good views etc.
I'm wondering if any of you guys have any personal experience with the Parkway or places to stop along the way. I know there are tons of places to go but I'm particularly looking for places to go for day hikes. Escpecially places where there are fewer tourists.
I'll certainly post the pictures here when I get back.
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Metasyn
one

Registered: 09/02/02
Posts: 239
Loc: PNW
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I drove down the entire blue ridge parkway in November, on my drive across the country. It was spectacular, one of the highlights of my trip. It only took about 2 days to drive it though, so if you have 2 weeks you'll have to do some serious dilly dallying. When I went, it was easy enough to pull over at any of the hundreds of turnoffs and sleep in my car. The most dramatic scenery is on the north (Shenendoah) or south ends (Smoky Mountains). I did some hiking in the Smokys which was really nice. Asheville, NC is a cool city to stop on the way. Other than that I don't have any specific recommendations.. if you just wander around I am sure you'll find something cool to see and/or photograph.
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Adom
Totally Nude

Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 10,877
Loc: Way Up North
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The Appalachian Trail crosses the parkway many times so many 2-5 mile day hikes are possilbe, I'd go to the road Va. 311 (it's off the parkway but in the area) and hike up to McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs out to Va. 816. At right around 20 miles, it would be a good two day trip, with some of the best views and hiking on the AT south of the Whites. You could find parking on either round entrance and an if running with one vehicle an out fitter in Troutdale has offered shuttles for hikers in the past, they are the Blue Ridge Outfitters at 540 744 4311.
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Brewmaster
Mescalero


Registered: 09/27/06
Posts: 1,470
Loc: Richmond
Last seen: 2 years, 7 months
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Re: Blue Ridge Parkway [Re: Adom]
#6421015 - 01/03/07 09:41 AM (17 years, 29 days ago) |
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In Shenendoah, one of the big lodges/campgrounds where tourists stay, I believe simply called Big Meadows, is a cool place to stop (and you may have to, as that's the only gas station in Shenendoah). There's always dozens of deer running around and you can get right up next to them since they're so used to seeing humans. But the coolest thing there is when they do a controlled burn once a year to keep the fields open. It's usually done in the off season but it's pretty sweet to see all these fire fighters walking around with flame throwers, torching the whole place.
I recommend you get the Appalachian trail guide books for whatever stretch of road you'll be going down and also Shenendoah Day Hikes. As far as excellent photo stops, you need to climb Crabtree Falls if you haven't already. It's just a little ways off the Parkway in the friendly little town of Montebello. While you're there, you can camp at the top of the falls in Crabtree Meadows (or pay for the campground at the bottom) and hike to Spy Rock the next day.
On the pkwy itself, Flat top and Sharp top mountains make for quick 2-3 hour hikes. Hawk's Bill Mt is another good one (where me an the wifey got engaged). Old Rag Mt. can best be seen from the pkwy but if you drive a ways, it makes for an excellent day hike as well. If you're into climbing or repelling, Bear Fence Mt is sweet. But my all time favorite place is Cold Mountain in the Mt. Pompei Wilderness area. There's a 7 mile loop called the Old Hotel Trail that traverses the top of Cold Mt. using part of the AT. You walk for a whole mile across the top of this bald, 4000 foot hill with perfect 360 degree views the whole way. Between Cold Mt. and Pompei is a big field called Hog Camp Gap where there's a fresh water spring and a most excellent place to camp. Here's a fun little story I wrote about the place a couple months ago. Read it, it'll get you in the mood to go.
http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/6210090/an/0/page/0
I'll let you know when I think of some other must-see places. Great way to spend 2 weeks though, excellent choice my friend.
-------------------- On storing pedro tea... Brewmaster: Well, the mescaline will still be in there, but I'd be afraid of it conjealing and trying to escape after it grew in size from eating all the other shit in my fridge, and possibly my dogs if it got out. Pithlit: sentient drugs, now that is an idea ... OneMoreRobot: Idea? It's a fuckin' reality. You know Salvia? Nigga stole my TV.
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