Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

My wife and I are planning a trip in the Model A in late September. We plan to take about 10 days to drive the entire length of the Parkway and maybe the Skyline too. I figure about 3 hours of driving per day with a few down days to do some hiking/sightseeing along the way. This will be BY FAR the longest trip we have taken since we bought the coupe 18 months ago. Probably the longest trip this car has been on for at least 60 years. I am confident in the car mechanically, but understand that anything can happen with a 90 year old machine.

I would love to hear from any of you who have done this in your Model As. What to expect, things to avoid, and must do things? How hard on the car will this trip really be? Any tips or advice welcome.

Cheers

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

Here's an article on doing the BRP on a bike, I think a lot of the advice might be relevant.
https://www.blueridgeparkwaydaily.co...-ridge-parkway

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

You’ll be pulling grades,folks in moderns are intolerant but there are turnouts.

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

I did it on my old 1969 Triumph motorcycle some years ago, was really a nice trip.

Bluffs Lodge in Doughton Park is a must do place to stay, if it's still open.

https://www.nps.gov/articles/550214.htm#4/34.42/-98.53

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

Keep in mind that the speed limits are fairly low, 40-45 mph, so you should have a good chance with traffic. My experience was that once the park police are aware of a slow vehicle they take more care to watch out. I'm sure you'll get lots more suggestions. Enjoy.

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of a winding mountain 2 lane road. Add on another 106 miles or so if you do the Skyline drive through the Shenandoah National Park. Speed limit ranges from 35-45 mph so it's a nice laid back cruise. Lots of sights to see along the entire route and there are some good websites with maps to help you plan. Since it's mountainous there are grades to pull and some long downhill stretches but not too steep in most places. We've done it many times on motorcycles and in a sportscar but never in a model A. You should be fine though. Lots of places to pull over if needed.

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

On one of our cross country trips in the Model A we drove the Parkway on our way to DC. Drove it the other direction on the return trip home. 3800 miles no trouble. Beautiful drive.

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

If the weather is nice (and it should be in September) then the BRP is a very pleasant drive. No commercial vehicles are allowed on the Parkway. The speed limit is perfect for the Model A. Lots of twists and turns, but you are going slow and enjoying the view.

You need to plan your day. You need to know in advance where food, fuel, rest steps are located; don't just charge off on the drive. There is minimal signage, no billboards. It is a scenic parkway. Lots of beautiful scenic outlooks.

Have fun!

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

I love the Parkway. Our Model A group just had a 4 day tour centered at Volunteer Gap. The Parkway is just a short hop from our house. Our group is planning another tour centered at Little Switzerland at the southern end of the Parkway for October 21-24. If you are still around then, stop by. That time of year is when the leaves turn colors. Very beautiful.

Keep us informed on your progress. I may hop on the Parkway to join you for part of your journey.

There is a good app available for your cell phone that will help you with your travel plans. See https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/brp...l-planner-app/

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

We were just out there in May with the southeastern touring group and it was a good trip. I’ve had Model A’s out there a number of times.
Scenic highlights are grandfather mountain and lots of others. Grandfather says you have to schedule it but we just drove up during the week. I would not tour the parkway on the weekend.
Back in 2012 or 13 when there was a model A tour out there our small group also took a side trip to the Andy Griffith museum in mt airy NC. Defiantly worth the side trip. Some say it’s cheesy but it is still neat.
Get your photo with the bronze statues out front.
Make sure your radiator, brakes and all are top notch. If you have an overdrive that is a plus. 2nd high comes in handy.
Fabulous trip .
Larry

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

Thanks for the info guys. We plan to do most of our driving on weekday mornings so traffic should be less busy. Great suggestions and links, keep them coming.

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

Grandfather mountain is named for the profile that looks like an old man, not an actual grandfather. It is worth paying to drive to the top and walk across the suspension bridge. Make sure your brakes are good and use low gear coming and going. The road to the top has some sharp turns and is steep.

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

My wife and I drove her mustang convertible last year to Little Switzerland to the Big Lynn lodge and had a very nice time. It is a step back in time among beautiful surroundings. :)


TOB

Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

I live in Roanoke near the parkway. Be on the lookout for bicycles and motorcycles. It’s easy to come up on a herd of bicycles without warning.


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Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

stunning drive. I've done it in my Model a several times. Way back I ran it in a '54 Merc ragtop. tuneup your engine and inspect you brakes (as you would do on any long trips. Carry a list of Model Aers along the way. Carry spare parts as well. There are great lists here on Fordbard

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

Mount Pisgah south of Asheville is a great place to stay. Nice Lodge and restaurant right along the Parkway. Make reservations.

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

I know there have been road closures around Roanoke always good to check so as no surprises
I am 20 miles from the Swift Run Gap entrance to the Skyline Drive (mile 65.5) have done the Drive in my old motorcycle
Also some good parallel roads in the Shenandoah Valley thru towns such as Luray which has the caverns and the car and carriage museum

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

Speaking of road closures, here is the NPS website to plan ahead if needed....

Good Luck!

https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvis....8412/-80.6493

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

Going up hill is easier than down. Watch your speed when going down steep grades. You need to be in a lower gear. Without a synchronized transmission, it's nearly impossible to down shift when you are flying down hill. Hot brakes give out quickly.

Re: Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive
 

I know there is a detour in laurel Springs area for a bridge rebuild, just south of doughton park. My shop is just 1/4 mile off the parkway on US 21 close to Sparta Nc. Message me if you are need of anything in that area. If you like message me a I’ll give you my cell#,that way you’ll be able to contact me easier. I can tell you where to stay/eat in my area.