Blue Ridge Parkway/ Skyline Drive

[Stingray70]

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

[alexiskai]

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

[jack backer]

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

[fried okra]

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

[springerpete]

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.

[pkhammer]

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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.

[MAG]

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.

[Jim/GA]

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!

[nkaminar]

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/

[larrys40]

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

[Stingray70]

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.

[nkaminar]

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.

[TerryO]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

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/

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

[shew01]

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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[Clem Clement]

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

[pkhammer]

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

[Oldtmtech]

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

[Chuck Dempsey]

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

[Ivan in southeast va.]

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.

[History]

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.

[Stingray70]

Well the car is back together with 2 weeks to spare! Rear end rebuilt (after much drama). I am really glad I did that because I found the driveshaft bearing was completely trashed in addition to the bad axle. That wouldn't have lasted much longer.. All 4 brakes rebuilt and new cast iron drums by Randy Gross. 4 new Stipes shocks and rebuilt springs. It amazes me how nice this car stops and handles now. I dare say it is comfortable.

Now I just have to put together my spares and tools.

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by Stingray70

Well the car is back together with 2 weeks to spare! Rear end rebuilt (after much drama). I am really glad I did that because I found the driveshaft bearing was completely trashed in addition to the bad axle. That wouldn't have lasted much longer.. All 4 brakes rebuilt and new cast iron drums by Randy Gross. 4 new Stipes shocks and rebuilt springs. It amazes me how nice this car stops and handles now. I dare say it is comfortable.

Now I just have to put together my spares and tools.

Remember, when you have new brake linings just installed, the high spots on the linings wear down first while the shoes get fully seated to the drums, and you need to adjust the brakes more often to make up for this initial wear. Once the shoes are seated, you don't need to adjust them so often.

Since you'll be using the new brakes a lot on the Parkway, be prepared (bring with you what you will need) to adjust the brakes a few times.

Have fun!

[nkaminar]

I was planning on joining you on the parkway for a few hundred miles but took a wrong turn and ended up in Arizona. Should be able to find my way back to North Carolina sometime in January.

[Ricky Mullen]

You will find the Parkway closed from Bent Mountain in Roanoke County to where it crosses 460. It has been closed for quite a while. I don’t know why. So plan on passing through Roanoke. Roanoke area is probably the least attractive section of the parkway, anyway. I am in Roanoke, and can help you if you get into a bind. My number is (540) 493-8756. I am notoriously bad about carrying my phone, so leave a message. My uncle was the administrator of the Parkway his last few years in the service. Call if you need anything.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by Ricky Mullen

Roanoke area is probably the least attractive section of the parkway

I agree that some of the Roanoke section is not overly attractive, but Mill Mountain, located on a parkway spur, is pretty and has a couple of very nice overlooks. It’s worth the stop.

There is a small zoo and a “man made star” on Mill Mountain as well. All of this is a just a few miles away from Market Square in downtown Roanoke. Market Square is historic, and plenty of local flavor restaurants reside there. If you reach Roanoke on a weekend, there may be a festival of some sort going on.

If you are interested in trains, the Transportation Museum is also nearby.

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[History]

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Could always drop down to Bedford and check out the memorial for D-Day. Bedford lost 19 men out of 35 that day, much smaller town then. I met a fellow one morning which happened to be June 6th probably 1989, he was in the 29th and being the anniversary started reminiscing, I’ll never forget the stuff he told me.

Originally Posted by Ricky Mullen

You will find the Parkway closed from Bent Mountain in Roanoke County to where it crosses 460. It has been closed for quite a while. I don’t know why. So plan on passing through Roanoke. Roanoke area is probably the least attractive section of the parkway, anyway. I am in Roanoke, and can help you if you get into a bind. My number is (540) 493-8756. I am notoriously bad about carrying my phone, so leave a message. My uncle was the administrator of the Parkway his last few years in the service. Call if you need anything.

[Oldbluoval]

Had a friend that passed untimely many years ago. He knew his days were numbered. His last request was to make a drive on that parkway! That’s how impressionable it can be.

[History]

I forgot in Asheville, check out the Biltmore house, it’ll take a day but worth it.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by History

I forgot in Asheville, check out the Biltmore house, it’ll take a day but worth it.

Agreed.


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[Chuck Dempsey]

'Quote:
Originally Posted by History View Post
I forgot in Asheville, check out the Biltmore house, it’ll take a day but worth it.

Agreed.'

Ditto - I drove over there in my Tudor back in the mid-70s, when I lived in West Asheville. My dad followed in his old VW Bug, just in case.....

[Peyton]

My wife and I toured on highways parallel to and near the Blue Ridge/ Skyline Drive in a totally stock 31 Tudor. It amazed me how fit the Model A is for touring the west N.C. and east Tn mountains.

Very rarely had to downshift even on steep downgrades and could usually make it up fairly steep grades in third. This with a somewhat marginal engine. I am convinced that the 3.78 differential is a great one for the mountains.

Grandfather Mountain was a real challenge but we got up there w/o problems. Just make sure you don’t stop!

We also toured the same mountain routes in my 73 Std Beetle. It did well but could be cranky in very cold weather.

The Model A and Beetle — two great mountain cars!

[shew01]

October is peak leaf season. Gorgeous drives will be on display very soon.

https://www.visitroanokeva.com/regio...olor-schedule/


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[jb-ob]

Hopefully you can use this for inspiration to go the distance.....

sheepisland.com/3000modela/

[Stingray70]

Originally Posted by jb-ob

Hopefully you can use this for inspiration to go the distance.....



sheepisland.com/3000modela/

Thanks for that link, I hadn't seen that. We were actually talking about doing a similar trip depending on how the car behaves next week

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[jb-ob]

After all this discussion, it is 'required' to post pictures of your adventures for the rest of us 'land locked' types......Looking forward to it !

[Ted Duke]

It should be a beautiful time for your drive.

[v8fordman]

Make sure to stop at Meadows of Dan and Mabry Mill just past Fancy Gap, VA. Visit Nancy’s Candy Company and watch them make amazing truffles. (And you can buy a few as well)

[Lannis]

Originally Posted by Ricky Mullen

You will find the Parkway closed from Bent Mountain in Roanoke County to where it crosses 460. It has been closed for quite a while. I don’t know why. So plan on passing through Roanoke. Roanoke area is probably the least attractive section of the parkway, anyway. I am in Roanoke, and can help you if you get into a bind. My number is (540) 493-8756. I am notoriously bad about carrying my phone, so leave a message. My uncle was the administrator of the Parkway his last few years in the service. Call if you need anything.

The section around Roanoke from US460 down to Adney Gap at US221 has been closed for a year or more due to landslides dumping huge amounts of mud and rock across the road, requiring a complete re-engineering of some sections.

A lot of people (including me) use that section of Parkway as a Roanoke bypass when heading south from Central Virginia down toward Hillsville/Galax/Floyd areas. For whatever reason, the National Park Service allowed condominium and apartment construction backing right up to the Parkway, so it's not in fact a very scenic section unless you like swingsets, barbeque grills, and trash cans.

The Parkway would be a wonderful ride in a Model A. I've done it end to end on antique motorcycles with a 45 MPH top speed and there's nothing dangerous about it.

Lannis

[Lannis]

Originally Posted by v8fordman

Make sure to stop at Meadows of Dan and Mabry Mill just past Fancy Gap, VA. Visit Nancy’s Candy Company and watch them make amazing truffles. (And you can buy a few as well)

Nancy's is a dangerous place ... the candy is irresistible. I highly recommend a stop there.

Lannis

[Stingray70]

Well it looks like the weather is going to be great along the parkway this week. She's all secure in the trailer and we're headed to Waynesboro. The fun starts tomorrow. Wish us luck!

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[Ayers1]

You will enjoy the ride! Have a great time and post pics if you can!

[Oldtmtech]

Good luck
I know there is a model a club in Stanton Virginia they were just at my local steam and gas show last weekend

[Ayers1]

Originally Posted by Oldtmtech

Good luck
I know there is a model a club in Stanton Virginia they were just at my local steam and gas show last weekend

Skyline chapter of MAFCA. Waynesboro is about 5 miles away from the entrance of Skyline drive and the blue ridge parkway. Staunton is about 15 miles. Look us up if you have any problems.

[Oldtmtech]

If in Stanton be sure to go see President Woodrow Wilson 1919 Pierce-Arrow
I personally put in blood sweat and tears into the engine restoration in the early 1990’s when I was in my early 20’s

[mercman from oz]

Line-up of Model A Fords in Stanton, Virginia - Oldtmtech

[Ayers1]

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Originally Posted by Oldtmtech

If in Stanton be sure to go see President Woodrow Wilson 1919 Pierce-Arrow
I personally put in blood sweat and tears into the engine restoration in the early 1990’s when I was in my early 20’s

Awesome!
Also Jumbo, one of the first motorized firetrucks in the valley is in Staunton.

https://g.co/kgs/rvtgyc

[Stingray70]

What a great week for this trip! Day 1 was uneventful. The weather was perfect. Clear skies and highs of around 80. We drove about 112 miles with lots of stops and some short hikes. Spent a peaceful night at Peaks of Otter.

[Ayers1]

Beautiful pics! Best of luck on your trip!

[31Cabriolet68-C]

If U get anywhere near Roanoke MAKE SURE you get to the Texas Tavern.... Finest chili on the planet (just Google Mike Pence or Muhammed Ali eating at the TexasTavern!!!), and one of the most unique eateries you'll ever see. Trust me.
TallyHo

[Ricky Mullen]

Seriously? You would do that to a fellow fordbarn member? I used to date the babysitter of the owner of the TT back in the 1970s. One of the filthiest houses I have ever been in. The “restaurant “ isn’t much better. A cast iron stomach definitely required!

[shew01]

Texas Tavern is definitely an unusual regional eatery.


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[shew01]

Market Square in Roanoke has some nice (and reasonably clean) restaurants in the downtown area. It’s worth a side trip away from the parkway. And don’t miss Mill Mountain, the home of the Man Made Star.

https://www.playroanoke.com/parks-fa...mountain-park/


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[Stingray70]

Day 2 was another great day. We missed the TT but did spend several hours in town. The transportation museum was definitely worth the trip. Mill mountain was a perfect spot for a picnic.

I am starting to figure out that there is no such thing as a quick stop at a turn out etc. People always want to chat and take pictures. It makes it entertaining.

Thanks for the tip about Nancy's. That was a big hit with the wife and our friend!

[Stingray70]

We made it!

Day 3-6 were great. The only bad weather was on day 4 when we decided to go to Mt Mitchell for a picnic. In typical Mt Mitchell fashion, it was in the low 50s blowing hard with light rain. The fog got so thick on the way down the visibility was less than 100 feet at times. We had to drive in that for about an hour. Not fun.

Both cars (our Coupe and our friend's Victoria) did great. No mechanical issues at all.

Miles driven- 675
Average mpg- 17.5
Oil used- 0
Water used- 1 gallon
Spare parts carried- lots
Spare parts needed- none

Thanks to all of you guys for the suggestions, support, and PM's.

[Stingray70]

And one more thing:

I was shocked to discover there IS a sound better than a big American V8 revved up going through a tunnel-

The Ahooga horn in a tunnel!

I checked going through every single tunnel just to make sure. [emoji3]

[shew01]

Lol. Glad you had fun!


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[81ls1camaro]

Thank You for sharing. I rode my sport bike around that area almost 10 years ago before I married my wife. I need to get this tudor done, maybe I can go back.