[Roadie09]

I am making plans to ride from South Texas over to the Blue Ridge Parkway up to Niagara Falls, NY. I would like to possibly travel down Deals Gap while in the area as well.

If I were to make this trip around the end of May, would the weather allow the roads to be passable? Being from way south, our roads are good year round so I am trying to get an idea of what can be expected weather and traffic wise during May.

Any pointers from the locals on this forum?

 

[Gonekat]

I think you'd be fine then, the whole way.

 

[Redfish-Joe]

Roads will be fine and the temp will be nice also. The lower elevations will be in nice and green but the higher elevations will not be showing any signs of spring yet, much cooler above 3500 ft. Bring your heavy jacket, gloves and chaps to cover the temp differences. Pictures are the same day. We rode the Dragon and then took the Foothills Parkway. Bid temp difference. Notice the tree tops in the second picture.

 

[Neano62]

Sounds like a plan!
Dont know where the Parkway runs X-actly threw, I've been on it a couple times,and dont have a "Hog" atlas in front of me, but plan on a nite or 2 if you've got the x-tra time to stay in Gatlinburg, Tn.
I'll also reccommend the Best Western "Zodders". Its rite on the main drag, they have rooms w/balconys over looking the creek, very RELAXING! I've always stayed there and its a nice Hotel-Motel. Biker friendly and the peeps go out of there way to make you "Comfy".
jm02

 

[RWB427]

Sounds like a plan!
Dont know where the Parkway runs X-actly threw, I've been on it a couple times,and dont have a "Hog" atlas in front of me, but plan on a nite or 2 if you've got the x-tra time to stay in Gatlinburg, Tn.
I'll also reccommend the Best Western "Zodders". Its rite on the main drag, they have rooms w/balconys over looking the creek, very RELAXING! I've always stayed there and its a nice Hotel-Motel. Biker friendly and the peeps go out of there way to make you "Comfy".
jm02

Neono,

I am a little over an hour from Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Next time you are down this way give me a yell and we will hook up for a ride. We try to get down there a couple times a year to ride. Next time you are down there ride through Townsend to Maryville and visit the main Smokey Mountain HD dealership. It is great and they treat the customer great. They also have a "Shed Party" every Saturday with food and a concert. They have a small dealership in Pigeon Forge but the Maryville location is awesome.

 

[Roadie09]

Redfish-Joe, your PM is not working. I keep getting a message back that your box is not set-up to receive messages.

You can send them, but not receive them.

 

[EZMotoTim]

The Blue Ridge Parkway connects to the Skyline Drive, which ends in northern Virginia. You'll have a great time riding through the great valleys of central PA. on your way north to Niagara Falls.

To help with your planning, the speed limit is 45 on the Parkway and 35 on the Drive. Yes, 35 mph.

You might consider go to Rolling Thunder in DC over Memorial Day weekend.

 

[Redfish-Joe]

Redfish-Joe, your PM is not working. I keep getting a message back that your box is not set-up to receive messages.

You can send them, but not receive them.

Something is wrong..oh well. So be computers. Just wondering where you live in Texas. Got a brother north of Mathis in a community called Lagardo.

 

[Roadie09]

@ Redfish-Joe, everything is working now.

@ FXD-Tim, I noticed the speed limit on the Skyline Drive. I may have to skip that road. I don't mind taking things slow and seeing the sights, but I do have to be back to work at some point. 35MPH might be a little too slow.

Thanks to all for the information that has been provided.

 

[Sincecrazy]

BRP is tight and technical on the southern end (gatlinburg and such), and opens up the farther north you get. Speed limit is 50 or so, and strictly enforced. Fog can be heavy at times as well as deer, so be cautious. An absolute must for either the trip up or back down would be 219 from Buffalo down to West Virgina with a must stop in Marlington (If you like old mom and pop type towns). Just some great scenic riding on old switchback type roads.

 

[HUTMO]

The Blue Ridge Parkway connects to the Skyline Drive, which ends in northern Virginia. You'll have a great time riding through the great valleys of central PA. on your way north to Niagara Falls.

To help with your planning, the speed limit is 45 on the Parkway and 35 on the Drive. Yes, 35 mph.

You might consider go to Rolling Thunder in DC over Memorial Day weekend.

From Skyline consider crossing Maryland Westward on Old 40 or go North to Gettysburg and Grabbing old 30 (The Lincoln Highway to go West). Visit Pittsburgh, take 19 North towards Erie. Nice ride.

 

[North Star]

Not sure if you're aware, but there is literally nothing in Niagara Falls, NY- everything is on our side (Niagara Falls, Ontario)- casino, tourist attractions, strip bars (The Sundowner is the one to go to), and the Niagara scenic parkway- a real nice twisty road that follows the Niagara river and gorge.

So, if you're going to come all that way, bring your passport and leave the handgun behind, and come on over to Canada. I'm sure myself and others would meet you and show you around.

 

[North Star]

From Skyline consider crossing Maryland Westward on Old 40 or go North to Gettysburg and Grabbing old 30 (The Lincoln Highway to go West). Visit Pittsburgh, take 19 North towards Erie. Nice ride.

If you're going down to Pittsburgh from NY, take Route 62 from Buffalo- it goes all the way into PA and is a real nice secondary highway- goes through some hills, and the nicest part is through the Allegheny National Forest.

 

[Frodoe]

Lived in VA & NY

Sky line is 35 for a reason, some of the turns will let ya check out your ride from the rear. When you hit north NY depending on this winter you might expect to see some ice early morn late eve on 17 most of it is bridged and will freeze before road. it will be cooler as you go north. Wish I could be along nice ride.

 

[Rayhill]

I am planning a similar route. Deals Gap>BRP>Skyline>Rt66>DC>Bay Bridge Tunnel>Outer Banks>Back to Knoxville.
You can always count on riding through the clouds on the BRP and Skyline. Visibility can be a challenge sometimes. You should plan on a overnighter at the Smokies/Deals Gap/Gatlinburg. Then after that Roanoke,Va. would be a nice stop. Must see the big star on top of Mill Mtn that overlooks the city of Roanoke. If you dont want to stay in the city, you can travel further north and stay at the Peaks of Otter, which is right on the BRP. Also coming in from the west you should pick up the Cherhola Skyway in Tellico Plains,TN. It ends just below Deals Gap. If you need some company for part of your trip let me know.

 

[hdxbones]

I am making plans to ride from South Texas over to the Blue Ridge Parkway up to Niagara Falls, NY. I would like to possibly travel down Deals Gap while in the area as well.

If I were to make this trip around the end of May, would the weather allow the roads to be passable? Being from way south, our roads are good year round so I am trying to get an idea of what can be expected weather and traffic wise during May.

Like others have said, don't miss the Cherhola Skyway, Deal's Gap, the BRP. I'd drop off the BRP in Roanoke, and head into West Virginia and take 219 North.
Plan on large temp swings, rain, maybe fog in the mountains. I've had to drop down into the valleys to hit better conditions, until higher elevations clear up.