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Blue Ridge Parkway

September 20 - 30, 2024, (11 days, 10 nights; fri - mon).

Double Booking

$4245/person, single booking, roommate rebate.

Includes all lodging, breakfasts and dinners, support van, leaders, tour maps & narratives.

Assembly Point

Front royal, va.

Timberline van shuttle is possible from Dulles International Airport to Front Royal, VA.  The ride ends in Bryson City, NC and a Timberline shuttle takes you directly to Asheville Regional Airport. First and last non-riding days are included in this tour.

Not included: Airline service; Guide Gratuity.

Meeting Time

Dulles international airport - 2:00 pm; front royal hotel - 4:00 pm, drop-off time, asheville regional airport - 10:00 am.

Blue Ridge Parkway Bike Tour

This is a bucket list ride along Skyline Drive, which connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway :  624 miles of gorgeous vistas and dramatic elevations. The parkway snakes through the Blue Ridge Mountains and traverses the states of Virginia and North Carolina, and offers us a chance to challenge and amaze.  Our lodging stays as close to the parkway as possible, but we will sometimes have to swoop out of the mountains to find a comfortable bed and a hearty meal.  The Timberline van will always be available to help you regain your elevation in the morning to continue the Parkway quest.

Our Bike Tour Schedule

We spend 9 days on our Blue Ridge Parkway bike tour, and have scheduled the ride later in the year to enjoy the cool mornings and warm afternoons. We end our riding at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and shuttle back to Asheville for a celebratory dinner.  Transportation to the Asheville airport is included on the next day.  This challenging ride includes distances of up to 80 miles and accumulated elevations each day of between 4,700 and 10,600 ft, if you include riding from the hotel each day.  Shuttle boosts are happily provided in the Timberline van.

Contact us for more information! Timberline Adventures offers guided hike and bike tours across the U.S. and Canada, and our experts across the country are ready to guide you in your outdoor experience.

View Timberline Adventures’ other Appalachia bike tour offerings.

Total Distance: 586 miles

Inn highlights.

• Peaks of Otter Lodge
• Wintergreen Resort
• Olde Beau Resort
• Little Switzerland Alpine Inn

Timberline Adventures / 214 Mohawk Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 / 1-800-417-2453 or 303-664-8388 / Fax: 303-664-8395

Routes, mileage and accommodations are subject to change due to safety, road/trail conditions, weather and availability.

© 2017 Timberline Adventures. All Rights Reserved. | Web Design by VistaWorks

Locomotive Cab Rides

• Service Dogs
• Testimonials

Pedal Your Way Through Blue Ridge, Georgia

Embark on a new and exciting journey through the Blue Ridge Countryside aboard a custom-built, four-person electric Rail Bike! Sit back and explore as you leisurely pedal your motor-assisted rail bike through the foothills of North Georgia. Leave the depot in historic downtown Blue Ridge and begin a 11 mile round-trip adventure as you meander alongside streams, vineyards, and the tall, swaying Georgia pines. Halfway through your trip, your friendly guide will pause the tour to allow you to snap some photos of the local flora and fauna. Recharged and refreshed, you’ll bike back to the historic Blue Ridge depot, taking along memories that will last forever. Come explore with us today!

Our rail bikes operate March through Nov 26th, allowing you to capture spring, summer and fall in beautiful Blue Ridge, Ga.

Railbike Features:

• Made In The USA
• Aluminum Frame
• Stainless Steel Axles
• Motor Operated (New Models)
• State-Of-The-Art Seats
• Hydraulic Braking System
• Custom Built Fenders
• Adjustable Seat Belts
• Polyurethane Wheels
• Oilless Chains
• Ages 4 -11: $49.99 
• Ages 13 + : $59.99

Duration: 90 minutes

*All Rides Are Weather Permitting*

What To Expect

What To Bring:

• Weather appropriate clothing & Camera
• Water or other refreshments, alcohol is not permitted
• Light Jacket or poncho

Ride Requirements & information:

• You MUST arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled tour to fill out paperwork and to have enough time to find parking. Please note that parking space is limited in our downtown area
• Pre-paid tickets will be available for pick-up in the rail bike office in the red caboose next to the Depot
• Liability waivers  will be available on-site and are required before riding. Any rider under 18 must have a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian
• The maximum weight is 250 pounds (per rider)
• No infants, children under 4 years old, individuals under 48 inches in height, or pets of any kind are permitted on this excursion
• No alcohol, smoking, or vaping is allowed
• Parties of 2 or more are not guaranteed to sit together
• At least 1 person must be 18 years of age in each rail bike
• Storage is available behind the seats for small bags such as fanny packs. The rail bikes cannot accommodate carry-on items such as backpacks, large purses, totes, or ice chests
• Closed-toed shoes are required: Pedaling is part of the experience and riders should be prepared to do light exercise. Riders should be able to bike recumbently for 70–90 minutes at low exertion
• Trips go rain or shine

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy:

• You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $10.00 fee (plus tax) per ticket as late as 48 hours before departure
• Within 48 hours of departure, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. NO EXCEPTIONS
• Reservations may be rescheduled to another date within the same calendar year for a $5.00 fee (plus tax) per ticket
• Missed Trip Vouchers – If the proper communication has been made with a ticket agent and a missed trip pass (MTP) has been issued, please note they are redeemable until December 31st of the same calendar year and are only redeemable for the equivalent rides (NO UPGRADES)

*Riders can be turned away at the discretion of the Blue Ridge Rail Bikes to adhere to safety protocols.

2024 Train Experiences

Spring rides, march 2 – may 31 2024, summer rides, june 1 – sept 15 2024, firecracker special, june 29 2024, sept 19 – nov 5 2024, winter rides, nov 7 – jan 5 2024, holiday special rides, nov 29 – dec 24 2024, mar 2 – nov 26 2024, private caboose, for parties up to 10 people, ride along with our engineer.

Click Here For The Full 2024 Calendar (PDF)

Download A McCaysville/Copperhill Walking Map: Click Here

Are Service Dogs or Emotional Support Animals Allowed On The Train?

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway operates in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and permits Service Animals on Property. Under the ADA, a Service Animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. The work or task the dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Emotional support, comfort and companionship animals are  Not Covered  under the Americans with Disabilities Act and are not allowed on Property.

Requirements For ADA Compliant Service Animals on Property:

● The Service Animal must be harnessed or on a leash, house broken, and under the owner’s control at all times.

● The Service Animal must remain on the floor and is  Not Allowed  on any furniture at any time. The service animal cannot be held by the owner.

● If the Service Animal disrupts the journey for anyone else, we will have to consider alternative seating options for the service animal and its owner.

● You must inform our ticket office staff, prior to your scheduled train departure, that you have an ADA Compliant Service Animal.

For additional information and definitions of Service Animals please visit the ADA website:  Click To View

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway 241 Depot Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 [email protected] Call: (877) 413-8724

Helpful Links

FAQ’s Service Dogs Careers Patriot Rail Sign Up For Updates Terms & Conditions

All Rights Reserved By Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

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BRSR COVID-19 Update

The health and safety of our staff and guests is our top priority..

As with any transmissible illness, risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people gather or are present. Based upon guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as other federal, state and local agencies and authorities, we have implemented – for our staff and guests – the following protocols and best practices to limit the risk:

• As part of the TSA’s mandate,  ALL RIDERS MUST FILL OUT OUR  COVID QUESTIONNAIRE   AND BRING IT WITH THEM ON THE DATE OF THEIR TRIP.   DOWNLOAD IT HERE.
• Where possible, “social distancing” is encouraged throughout the property
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available for guest and employee use
• Signs, PA announcements, and staff instruction both onboard and while on BRSR property will provide reminders to guests and employees alike of the importance of “social distancing,” and frequent hand washing.
• Cashless transactions are available and strongly encouraged throughout all purchasing locations, including the Gift Shop
• Frequent sanitizing of all public areas including commonly used surfaces in the Ticket Office/Gift Shop/Concession such as door handles, countertops, seating areas
• Clear protective barriers at all front-facing service counters – Ticket Office, Gift Shops, and Concessions Sales
• All employees receive daily health screenings, temperature, and symptom checks
• Any employees exhibiting symptoms will be asked to return/stay home
• All employees will be required to wear a BRSR-issued facemask and/or shield while on company property
• All employees are kept up to date on CDC & OSHA guidelines regarding workplace safety during COVD-19
• All employees must adhere to all departmental cleaning and disinfecting instructions based on CDC guidelines

OUR GUESTS:

• We encourage awareness and adherence to CDC and state health and safety guidelines
• We encourage you to maintain “social distancing”
• We encourage adherence to proper hand washing guidelines
• We encourage you to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissue in trash
• We encourage you to stay home if you are ill or exhibiting symptoms of flu or COVID-19 – we will work with you to cancel or reschedule your reservations without penalty when done 48 hours in advance
• We encourage courteousness in enclosed spaces and walkways and permitting ample space for passing and “social distancing”
• We encourage all to remain seated in your assigned passenger coach during your round trip, except for the layover in McCaysville, Ga / Copperhill, TN

Like what you see? Book your trip today!

Skyline Drive – Blue Ridge Parkway Bike Tour

• Trip Type Active Bike Tours , Advanced Bike Tours , Classic Bike Tours
• Activities No Activities
• Group Size No size limit - No size limit
• Reviews 0 Reviews
• Locations homepage , North Carolina , Virginia
• Trip Duration 15 Day(s) 15 Night(s)
• Trip Outline
• Trip Includes
• Trip Excludes

Spring Edition 2023

Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) are two of the iconic National Parks in the US. They cover a distance of 574 miles, and all the climbing you will ever want (59K+ ft) while being in the USA. Please know there is very little of flat on these parkways. The road surfaces are good, there are no commercial vehicles allowed and there are no billboards or even stoplights. The numerous overlooks show many different viewpoints and incredible scenery: mountains, ridges and trees as far as the eye can see.

This tour is joining the Epic Appalachians tour on the Spring Adventure. We will meet up with this group in historic Gettysburg, PA. Our two days of riding will be in the scenic hills of West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. The Skyline Drive is 105 miles and we split this into two days, with an overnight at The Lodge at Big Meadows. The second day on Skyline Drive will take us to the southern terminus outside of Afton, Virginia.

The Blue Ridge Parkway picks up where Skyline Drive ends. The BRP is 469 miles from Virginia through most of North Carolina to Cherokee, NC. This roadway construction was started in the late 1930’s and was 99.8% completed in 1966. The final 7.7 miles was finally completed in 1987. The BRP was designed to connect the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It runs mostly along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains. It was built by contractors working with federal contracts, and help from members of the Civilian Conservation Corp.

As we begin the adventure on the BRP, we will continue to see some amazing scenery from a myriad of vistas and overlooks. Staying in National Park lodges, visiting Lexington, Virginia (the horse capitol of Virginia, and the home of Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute. We will have the opportunity to climb Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains at 6683 ft. We will end this tour by riding up to Pisgah Lodge and returning to Asheville to catch our flights home.

This Spring tour originates in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and ends in Asheville, North Carolina.

• Pick up time is 2:00pm on the first day at Dulles International Airport, near DC.
• Drop off time is: Asheville Airport on the day after our ride completes anytime before 2:00pm.
• For advice on staying after the trip, please call the office. Our owner lives near Asheville.

Travel Note

If driving to the start of this tour, consider a one-way car rental to return home or back to your car. Shuttle service is not available.

Accommodations

All lodging is included

Highlighted Inns:   Pisgah Inn ;  Peaks of Otter Lodge ;  The Lodge at Big Meadows

Profile map is included in our  EPIC Appalachians Bike Tour

Itineraries

June 9, 2023.

Meet up day in Gettysburg. Enjoy the day in the battlefields by vehicle, walking, or bike. Group Dinner.

June 10, 2023

Gettysburg, PA – Harpers Ferry, WV (61 miles; 2452′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Today we gain two more states: MD and WV. We travel more back roads through farmland and around the battlefields of Boonsboro and Gettysburg. We do travel through the city of Frederick, MD, but try to stay on more residential and farming roads which parallel the new interstate and highway systems. We use part of the C&O Towpath to make our way into downtown Harper’s Ferry.

Accommodations: Quality Inn located in Historic District (casual)

June 11, 2023

Harper’s Ferry, WV – Front Royal, VA (51.5 miles; 2900′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Scenic riding in the valley along the river in Shenandoah National Park.

Accommodations: Hampton Inn (casual)

June 12, 2023

Front Royal, VA – Big Meadows, Skyline Dr (56.5 miles; 7480′ elevation gain)

Highlights: This is the first of the “Big” riding days. Here, we start the Skyline National Parkway with spectacular scenery at numerous overlooks and a wonderful dinner at the National Park Lodge.

Accommodations: Big Sky Meadows Lodge National Park (casual)

June 13, 2023

Big Meadows, VA – Waynesboro, VA (64.5 miles; 4573′ elevation gain)

Highlights: This is day two of Skyline Drive. We have numerous crossings of the Appalachian Trail. Quiet and low volume traffic on very nicely paved roads. There is no commercial traffic and no billboards on Skyline Dr. We take Skyline to its terminus where the next morning we start our venture southbound on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Accommodations: Best Western Plus (casual)

June 14, 2023

Blue Ridge Parkway entrance – Buena Vista/Lexington (58.5 miles; 5796′ elevation gain)

Highlights: The Blue Ridge Parkway was a Civilian Conservation Corp project started on September 11, 1935 for the purpose of connecting Shenandoah National Park to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are 27 tunnels on the Blue Ridge Pkwy: one in Virginia and the remaining 26 in North Carolina. Today you will take on the first 45 miles of the 469 miles of this beautiful scenic roadway – “America’s Favorite Drive”.

Accommodations: Hampton Inn Historic District

June 15, 2023 (Off Bike Day)

Highlights: The historic town of Lexington, VA. Horse capital of VA, Natural Bridge Park, Washington and Lee University, Virginia Military Institute. Do get lots of rest. The next two days are strenuous.

June 16, 2023

Buena Vista, VA – Peaks of Otter National Park Lodge (57.5 miles; 6557′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Falling Waters Cascade, 15 overlooks, spectacular lodge setting at The Peaks of Otter National Parks Lodge. On today’s route, you will be at the lowest and highest elevations of the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, that means some hill climbing.

Accommodations: Peaks of Otter Lodge National Park Service (casual)

June 17, 2023

Peaks of Otter, VA – Floyd, VA (79.5 miles; 6823′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Big climbs out of the Roanoke area of the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Due to heavy rains in Spring of 2020, we will have a detour from mile post 112 to 136 to reroute us around a road-wash and land slide. Specific stopping points are Mabry Mill and Rocky Knob Visitors Center and overlook.

Accommodations: Pine Tavern Lodge (casual)

June 18, 2023

Floyd, VA – Glendale Springs, NC (102 miles; 9226′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Great quiet riding of the VA section of the Blue Ridge Parkway – 18 overlooks. Some of the quietest and most rural parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cross into NC. If you ever get the opportunity, come back one summer evening to enjoy an outdoor music presentation at the Blue Ridge Music Center located at the state line.

Accommodations: New River Inns and Cabins

June 19, 2023

Glendale Springs, NC – Linville Falls, NC (60.7 miles; 6376′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Great riding on the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Linville Falls, the most viewed water falls along the parkway. Moses Cone Manor Museum, Arts and Craft center housed inside of the manor home to Moses Cone, the Levi Straus of the East Coast. Famous Linn Cove Viaduct was the last 7.5 mile section on the Parkway completed in 1987. This is 52 years after the start of the BRP. Grandfather Mountain is private property and the owner would not give the National Park Service permission to dig on his mountain. Thus, the suspended Linn Viaduct.

Accommodations: Linville Falls Lodge (rustic)

June 20, 2023

Linville Falls, NC – Asheville, NC (67.7 miles; 7709′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Blue Ridge cycling, Little Switzerland, multiple tunnels, Crab Tree Falls, and Mt. Mitchell, if you choose. Enjoy a nice evening out in downtown Asheville, my favorite small city in America. This vibrant downtown is packed with art, culture and dining opportunities ranging from upscale tapas bars to gourmet tacos. America’s largest private home, Biltmore, is located in Asheville..

Accommodations: Sheraton Downtown (business casual)

June 21, 2023

Asheville, NC – Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Inn (50.4 miles; 6943′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Blue Ridge Parkway riding, 11 tunnels, beautiful spot atop Pisgah Mountain for a wonderful dinner together at the lodge.

Accommodations: Pisgah Lodge (National Park Lodge)

June 22, 2023

Pisgah Inn to Cherokee, NC to the terminus of the Blue Ridge Pkwy (51 miles, 5518′ elevation gain)

Highlights: Shuttle back to Asheville Sheraton for our last night together. Choose to stay longer or catch a flight out of Asheville in the morning.

June 23, 2023

Leisurely breakfast and some souvenir shopping before catching a lift to the airport.

Pat yourself on the back! You have just completed 780 miles and 72,353 ft of elevation gain on this southern segment.

ENTIRE TOUR: Total Miles – 780 Total Elevation Gain – 72,353 Average daily riding mileage – 65mi Average elevation gain – 6029 ft

• All lodging
• Transfers to and from the airport
• All breakfasts, dinners and picnic lunches on riding days
• Cocktail social hour on the 1st evening of each tour
• Van support
• GPS mapping
• 2 or more experienced guides

Not Included

• Meals on off days
• 12% gratuity for guides, mechanics, volunteers and tour staff is not included, but greatly appreciated

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Cycle of Life Adventures is a boutique-style bicycle and active vacation company, focused on providing excellent service to intimate groups. We are a very personal business with the singular goal of creating exceptional trips for all of our guests at an incomparable value.

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Contact Info

402 Spruce Pine Trail  Blowing Rock, NC 28605

(303) 945-9886

[email protected]

Tour Companies Local Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours Bikepacking Routes Tour Calendar – Road Tours – Gravel Tours – MTN Bike Tours

A cycling holiday is what you make it and is a fantastic way to explore new destinations, meet new people, make new friends, and experience new cultures, foods, and drinks. There are many great places to cycle in Virginia. From the ocean to the mountains, city cycling to rural biking, gravel roads and mountain bike trails, historic towns and cities to award-winning wineries and breweries. Whatever your preferred cycling terrain and your level of expertise on a bike, Virginia has something to offer you. Your bicycle touring experience can range from single-day trips to extended travels spanning weeks or months. Whether you are looking for a guided or self-guided bikepacking, gravel, mountain, or road biking vacation, you’ll find it here.

TOUR COMPANIES

Discover the very best Virginia has to offer with the help of a knowledgeable cycling tour company. Take advantage of a local, regional or a national company, and come experience Virginia’s landscape from the ocean to the mountains, visit historical cities and towns, breweries and wineries, and take in the southern charm that makes Virginia one of the best places to ride. Virginia is  Ranked 7th  in the nation for being a “ Bicycle Friendly State ” and number one (#1) in the southern region out of 13 states by the League of American Bicyclists.

Virginia’s tour companies offer many riding options, not just on set dates, but throughout the riding season including guided and self-guided tours. While regional or national bike tour bike companies offer great experiences on specific dates. So, whether you’re interested in a unique personal experience, group ride, family outing, or corporate team-building event, come to Virginia and “Find Your Ride.”

VIRGINIA TOUR COMPANIES

Blue Ridge Bicycle Tours provides tours of the Virginia’s Blue Ridge and of the City of Charlottesville.

Burg E-Bike Tours offers E-bike tours of Skyline Drive and a scenic ride along the country roads of Shenandoah County stopping at three Virginia wineries along the way.

Lost Trail MTB offers guided mountain bike services in Roanoke and Blacksburg area to both new and seasoned riders.

Magical Mystery Bike Tours travels to several destinations throughout Virginia.  The company provides tours from the ocean to the mountains of Virginia, and provides road and gravel experiences. Bicycle tours are all-inclusive, all you have to do is pack your bike and get ready for an adventure.

Roanoke Mountain Adventures offers individual, group and custom ride experiences on mountain and gravel bikes in the Roanoke region. They also have both bicycle and E-bike rentals.

Shenandoah Mountain Touring offers individual or groups of all levels and abilities full, multi-day and specialty tours including mountain, road and gravel biking.

Take Aim Cycling provides mountain biking instruction, guided tours and shuttling services in the Shenandoah Valley region.

LOCAL GUIDED TOURS

Richmond/williamsburg region.

Basket & Bike provides tours throughout Richmond, the Capital Trail, James Town Island, as well host custom and corporate team building tours.

Kul Wheels provides E-bike tours, both one-way and round trip, along the Virginia Capital Trail with stops at eateries, plantations and a winery. They also provide hourly rentals for your use.

Williamsburg on Wheels an E-bike tour around historic landmarks in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and surrounding areas! As you glide along scenic routes, you’ll come across some of the city’s most popular attractions, parks, and restaurants. They also provide flexible E-bike rentals to get around.

Stafford County, VA

FXBG E-Bike Tour provides E-bike tours of Stafford County and travel along the Belmont and Ferry Farm Trails which include the Rappahannock River, Chatham Manor, Belmont Plantation, Town of Falmouth, Ferry Farm and several not so known sites.  

SELF-GUIDED TOURS & ROUTES

For a complete list of Trails in Virginia , visit the Resource page.

Arlington County self-guided history tour is a 26-mile self-guided tour with 13 stops along Arlington County’s bikeway, a low stress route.

Beans Bikes & Blooms (Arlington County) website has a 12-mile self-guided tour and rental information.  This is a safe 11.5-mile route taking you on trails and past several D.C. attractions.

Bike the Valley – Shenandoah Valley’s Ride Guide is a website that encourages bicycling in the Central Shenandoah Valley, and includes road, trails, gravel and MTB routes and maps covering the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham; the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro; and the eleven towns that lie between.

Biking in Roanoke – this site provides information on places to ride in and near the City of Roanoke; road & mountain biking, urban trails and links to guided trips, tours and other experiences.

Biking Shenandoah County  – this is an excellent site for road and mountain biking information in Shenandoah County and includes GPS route information. Shenandoah County has an abundance of cycling and outstanding scenery.

Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Bike Tour – The tour our includes options for 7- or 8-day trips; on those options some days will have longer riding. Complete list of dining and accommodations, and over 100 things to do and things to see.

Map My Ride, Virginia Cycling Routes – Map My Ride has a number of cycling routes listed for many of Virginia’s localities. Download the GPS routes for your use.

Road Tested Bike Tours options abound throughout Virginia with your Road-Tested Bike Tour. You can plan your tour for any day of the year and for any number of days. Side trips off the beaten path can easily be incorporated as can rest days.

Roanoke, VA , the bike routes on this page, which was created in partnership with RIDE Solutions, have been organized by subject and include arts & culture, history, scenic views, food & drink, scavenger hunts, and nature and the environment.

Shenandoah County biking page has a complete list of Ride with GPS routes for road and mountain bike enthusiasts.

Virginia Beach Cycling and Bike Trails – there are over 200 miles of bikeways and trails. Plus, there are 23 miles of unpaved paths in 2 state parks and a federal wildlife refuge.

BIKEPACKING ROUTES

Bikepacking in Virginia will allow you to experience the Appalachian Mountains, and beautiful forests, visit historic towns, and off-the-beaten-path locations you would have missed. Virginia has some incredible bikepacking routes ranging from an overnighter to several days. If you have a passion for outdoor adventure and favor riding predominately off pavement, on gravel roads, and occasionally a little singletrack, then you are invited to “Choose Your Adventure . “ Just remember to respect your surroundings – “Leave No Trace,” and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Special thanks to those who took the time to develop these routes, and willingness to share their knowledge so others can enjoy the experience. Big shout-out to Virginia’s David Landis who put together the majority of the bikepacking and gravel routes and resources listed here. Please consider supporting his efforts to continue to provide regular updates to the routes as well as develop new places to ride.

Valley View Stokesville – 1 day , 49.2 miles, 100% unpaved; this is a looped route, beginning and ending in Harrisonburg, VA.  Need to park in the parking deck downtown and ask permission to leave the car overnight, they will let bikepackers if you ask. Route includes camping and places to resupply.

Slate Springs Overnighter – 1 day , 52 miles, 75% unpaved; this is a looped route through the George Washington National Forest just west of Harrisonburg, VA .

Grayson County Traverse – 2 days, 72-mile mixed-surface gravel bike route that connects the  Virginia Creeper Trail  and  New River Trail over well-maintained and remote roads featuring a variety of challenging climbs. The route follows optimal west-east gravel corridors just south of the Grayson Highlands area, in the foothills of Virginia’s highest peaks, crisscrossing the creeks that carry water from the high mountains down to the New River. This overlooked gem of Virginia presents some of the best gravel cycling in the state, mostly unridden and undiscovered.

Cyclist Guide to Bikepacking Skyline Drive – 2 days , 210 miles, 100% paved; the ride begins in Front Royal, Virginia and ends in Afton, Virginia and then you turn around and head back to Front Royal. The Southern Terminus is also the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Unlike the parkway, the National Park Service charges an entrance fee: $30 gets you unlimited access to the park for 7 days. The riding isn’t overly difficult. Most sections top out at a reasonable 6-7 percent grade. You may be climbing for a while, but nothing is “fall-over steep.”

Sky Meadow Overnighter – 2 days , 84 miles, 67% unpaved; this route takes you to Sky Meadows State Park in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Delaplane, Virginia .

Harrisonburg-Little Dry River Loop – 2 days , 121.2 miles, 24% unpaved; This is a loop route starting Harrisonburg, VA and back and is a great overnight or big day ride. Best when water is low on Rough Run (max 7 stream crossings).

Harrisonburg/Fort Valley/Wolf Gap – 2-3 days , 130.7 miles, 42% unpaved; This is a loop route starting in Harrisonburg, VA with nice rolling hills without any crazy climbs. These are beautiful gravel roads which traverse around the edges of the Shenandoah Valley.

Grayson Gravel Circuit – 2 to 3 days , 143.4 miles, 47% unpaved; is a looped route starting at the Virginia Creeper Trail Whitetop Station Visitors Center parking lot. This mixed-surface gravel bike route that connects the Virginia Creeper Trail and New River Trail over well-maintained and remote roads featuring a variety of challenging climbs.

Grayson Gravel Long Haul – 2-3 days , 150.8 miles, 72% unpaved; this is a northward route starting in Abingdon, VA , and ending in Pulaski, VA , and runs on the Virginia Creeper Trail , Grayson Gravel Traverse , and the New River Trail .

Blue Ridge Wrangler – 3-4 days , 158 miles, 76% unpaved; this is a circumnavigation of the Glendwood-Pedlar Ranger District , in the eastern reaches of George Washington National Forest.

America’s Gravel/Loudon Loop – 3 – 4 days , 193.6 miles, 58% unpaved; Only 20% of the entire route is on paved roads shared with cars. Explore centuries-old dirt roads, canalways and rail corridors west of Washington DC along the Potomac River and into northern Virginia which date back more than 250 years. This four-day journey leaves the nation’s capital along the famous Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) canal towpath to enter Loudoun County. You’ll return to DC on the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) paved rail trail to finish the loop back at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.

DC/Harrisonburg 215 – 3-4 days , 213.3 miles, 54% unpaved; starting in DC and ending in Harrisonburg, VA . The ride progresses from flatter rail trails leaving the capital to cross the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah River, following the western edge of the Shenandoah Valley along the George Washington National Forest to Harrisonburg, VA .

Rockstar Gravel – 4-5 days , 255.4 miles, 48% unpaved; this is a classic ride heading south from Harrisonburg, VA to Roanoke, VA .  You can overnight at  Braley Pond ,  Douthat State Park  and  Eagle Rock .

Hotchkiss South Valley Ultra Endurance – 4-5 days , 262.3 miles, 31% unpaved; this looped route starts and ends in Buena Vista, VA. This is a challenging route with over 25,000 feet of climbing and an average grade of 12.9%.

Blacksburg Bikepacking Bonanza – 4-5 days , 274.4 miles, 65% unpaved, 5% is bikepath. The remaining paved roads are mostly quiet back roads. This is a loop route begins and returns Blacksburg, VA , home to Virginia Tech.

The Sods Circuit – 4-5 days , 287.8 miles, 45% unpaved; This loop route starts and ends in Harrisonburg, VA . Items in this list include lodging (hotel, hostel, cabin, campground, primitive campsite), food (restaurant, country store, supermarket, gas station/ convenience store) and water (public taps, springs or natural water source requiring treatment). Picnic and rest areas are also noted, as well as some points of interest.

Blue Ridge Hills & Hollows – 4-6 days , is a gravel bikepacking loop connects eight county memorials via a 300-mile mixed-surface cycling route around Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. The multi-day route connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, and can be approached from numerous starting points for camping and hotel-based itineraries.

Breakdown Bikepacking Route – 4-7 days, 35% unpaved; This route explores the vastness of the Pine Mountain region starting at Breaks Interstate Park , Breaks, VA   home to the Breaks Canyon, which is one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River.  Then heading off west towards the sunset and the infamous Wardaddy Loop . Traversing the Grand Canyon of the South, it is a showcase of the best these rugged and historic Appalachian Mountains has to offer. Superb mountain-line scenery tracing the Virginia/Kentucky border and a tradition of pure, hard adventure.

DC/Harrisonburg 400 Loop – 5-7 days , 397.7 miles, 41% unpaved; Starts at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. to Harrisonburg, VA , and loops back to the Lincoln Memorial. Items in this list include lodging (hotel, hostel, cabin, campground, primitive campsite), food (restaurant, country store, supermarket, gas station/convenience store) and water (public taps, springs or natural water source requiring treatment). Picnic and rest areas are also noted, as well as some points of interest.

AML 400 – 6-7 days , 403.3 miles, 29% unpaved; This looped route starts and ends in Blacksburg, VA, and traverses into West Virginia though hills, valleys and several scenic small towns as well as forests and parks including Watoga State Park , Seneca State Forest , and the Monongahela National Forest .

TransVirginia Mountain 565 – 7-9 days , 565.5 miles, 60% unpaved, rail trail and pave; Starts at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and travels south to Damascus, VA . Items in this list include lodging (hotel, hostel, cabin, campground, primitive campsite), food (restaurant, country store, supermarket, gas station/convenience store) and water (public taps, springs or natural water source requiring treatment). Picnic and rest areas are also noted, as well as some points of interest.

TransVirginia Valley 535 – 7-9 days , 536.8 miles, 40% unpaved, rail trail and pave; begins at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and travels south to Damascus, VA . Items in this list include lodging (hotel, hostel, cabin, campground, primitive campsite), food (restaurant, country store, supermarket, gas station/convenience store) and water (public taps, springs or natural water source requiring treatment). Picnic and rest areas are also noted, as well as some points of interest.

VA/WV Gravel Bikepacking Route Collection –  a collection maintained by David Landis , and currently includes 17 routes.

Basket Bike Tours – Upper Shirley Vineyards

Ride the ridge bicycle tour, discover the shenandoah valley, shenandoah county wine tour – sunday’s, 9/11 national memorial trail bike tour, crozet wine tour (select dates only), shenandoah county wine tour – saturday’s, bike virginia – two valleys adventure 2024, grayson packin’ n’ grinnin’ bikepacking – 2 days, discover virginia’s blue ridge, bicycling the eastern shore of virginia, 22nd annual tour de skyline: 2 days of cycling skyline drive, virginia blue ridge, shenandoah valley 4-day bike tour in virginia’s wine country & culinary cradle, blue ridge parkway bike tour, fall blue ridge parkway tour, southern shenandoah, shenandoah & skyline drive 6-day bike tour, 6-day colonial virginia tour, cycling virginia’s historic triangle tour, fall foliage tour 1, gravel tours, trek travel – shenandoah valley gravel bike tour (offered weekly), mtn bike tours.

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This trip is filling up for 2024! Check out our Carolinas Multi-Adventure Tour with new dates just added

The Carolinas Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+ Women's Adventures Women 18+ Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18) Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14) Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

From $3,749 - $4,199 /person

Activity Levels 2-5

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2024 : Jun, Sep-Oct 2025 : May-Jun, Sep-Oct

Outdoorsy Greenville to Artsy Asheville & the Blue Ridge Mountains

This trip is all about natural splendor, Southern Appalachian culture and some of the most glorious riding on the Eastern Seaboard! From outdoorsy Greenville to artsy Asheville and on routes through a cyclist's paradise. From George Hincapie’s cycle-centric hotel to George Vanderbilt’s historic and opulent estate, experience one of our most pedal-perfect offerings yet.

• Marvel at sweeping vistas and stunning colors in the storied Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling hills of the Piedmont region
• Tap your feet at a performance of bluegrass—music born and nourished in North Carolina's mountains
• Bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway, famous among cycling enthusiasts for its picturesque views and thrilling elevations
• Delight your taste buds with regional specialties of the Carolinas, including farm-to-table cuisine and a plethora of craft brews

South Carolina & North Carolina

Start Greenville

End Asheville

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina (GSP) and out of Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina (AVL).

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, complete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail, one of Greenville’s famed Rails-to-Trails pathways, along the Reedy River • Set out on a peaceful ride through the Greenville Watershed Area and visit the historic Victorian mountain town of Saluda • Relax at our Mediterranean-style hotel and fuel up with a wonderful farm-to-table dinner at the stylish Restaurant 17 • Embark upon Hincapie’s Gran Fondo route or choose a leisurely spin past the North Saluda Reservoir.

Set amid the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, this stylish boutique hotel is the brainchild of 17-time Tour de France competitor George Hincapie and his brother Rich. (pool)

Cycle north at the foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina • Tackle the ascent of Caesars Head—spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains await at the summit • Ride a gradual descent across the state line into North Carolina • If you enjoy rolling terrain, you’ll love pedaling through the afternoon stretch of Southern Appalachia and classic Carolina farmland • Enjoy bluegrass music over a traditional barbecue dinner.

Bordering Pisgah National Forest, the modern cabins at Pilot Cove are designed to blend into their verdant setting and have easy access to area trails.

Head out on a peaceful ride through Pisgah National Forest, home to Sliding Rock and the Cradle of Forestry heritage site • Wonder at the numerous white-water rivers and waterfalls, including Looking Glass Falls, with its spectacular 60-foot cascade  • Cycle down an exhilarating portion of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, the longest stretch of protected parkway in America and known as "America's most scenic drive" • Bike through tunnels and past scenic overlooks • Explore George Vanderbilt’s magnificent Loire Valley-inspired château and gardens, set within the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate • Enjoy a leisurely spin through the Biltmore Forest before we savor a farewell lunch.

Savor turn-of-the-century elegance and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at this gracious inn, nestled on Biltmore's majestic estate. (pool, spa)

Our trips range in activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between. Several routes are offered each day so you can choose your perfect amount of activity. Learn more

*Includes shuttle

• Activity Level

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

What's Included

• All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
• Snacks and beverages between meals
• Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
• Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
• Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
• Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
• Park and other entry fees
• Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
• Select coach transfers
• Baggage transfers and porterage

Not Included: Leader gratuities, transportation to and from your Backroads trip start & end locations, and on-your-own meals & activities.

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Premiere Hotel

* Casual Hotel

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Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Included in your trip price

• Ideal for avid cyclists
• Redesigned for 2024
• Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
• Responsive, efficient and comfortable
• Drop handlebars only

Backroads Next Generation Performance Road Bike Sizing & Geometry

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• Suited for a wide range of cyclists
• Comfortable ergonomic seat
• Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
• Upright handlebars only

Backroads Touring Bike Sizing & Geometry

• One of the lightest e-bikes available
• Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
• Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike Sizing & Geometry

• $650 rental fee; subject to availability
• Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Canyon Endurace CF SLX 9 Di2
• Perfectly balanced comfort and performance with a Grand Tour pedigree
• State-of-the-art components and precision German engineering

Canyon Endurace SLX 9 Di2 Sizing & Geometry

• $400 rental fee
• Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
• Custom upgraded wheelset
• Best for riders with some tandem experience.

Tandem Bike Sizing & Geometry

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Dates & Prices

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If you require more than 4 rooms or more than 2 beds per room please contact us.

If you require more than 4 rooms or more than 2 beds per room please contact us .

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You may only reserve one Stateroom Category at this time. Please call 800-462-2848 if you would like to make other arrangements.

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We're always seeking opportunities to enhance our itineraries; published trip details including routes and activities, as well as trips start and end locations, are subject to change and can vary by departure. Please do not use this itinerary to schedule your flights or any other travel. A Travel Planner, complete with the trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at the time of booking or soon after.

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Blaze Adventure Tours

Ride the Ridge Bicycle Tour

Highlights of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Dates available upon request (example itinerary below)

Contact us now to start planning your private epic adventure tour!

Please review our cancellation policy before booking.

Rider Level

Intermediate -Advanced

Distance, Parcours, and Accommodation

33-65 miles daily, 6 days, mountainous terrain, paved surface. Premium hotels and lodges

Daily long or short ride options

What’s Included:

• Hotel Accommodation
• Daily baggage transfer
• Fully guided tour with two (2) guides
• Pre-tour consultation to make sure you are ready to go
• All breakfasts and lunches unless otherwise specified
• SAG support and water stops with snacks
• Blaze Adventure Tours tri-blend T-shirt and water bottle
• Free photos and trip video
• Bicycle Rental
• Hotel the night after the trip
• Shuttle Service before or after trip

What’s not Included:

• Bicycle – Recommended touring or road bike with 23mm-32mm tires. (Need help bringing your own bike? We will handle the logistics and can facilitate bike rentals)
• Alcohol and souvenirs
• Dinners (excellent options will always be close at hand)

The Lowdown

The Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest linear park, spanning 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. It connects Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, VA (Milepost 0) to Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, NC (Milepost 469). Littered with gorgeous overlooks, breathtaking views, and winding scenic roads, the parkway is a highly sought-after destination for East Coast cyclists. Our Journey will take us from Asheville, NC to Charlottesville, VA to see all the highlights of the Blue Ridge Parkway!

What You’ll Love

The magic of the Blue Ridge Parkway is hard to put into words. Every morning there is a more beautiful sunrise and every evening there is a more stunning sunset. Evenings are best spent recounting the day around the campfire with your fellow riders. If the clouds behave at night, you might even get to see the Milky Way. Embrace the ride, embrace the experience, embrace your companions and leave the parkway with memories that you’ll never forget. Join us for a guided Blue Ridge Parkway bicycle tour!

The Night Before

Riders will settle in at the Springhill Suites by Marriott just a mile off of the parkway. Enjoy a day in Asheville and hit some of the highlights before setting off into the Mountains. Meet us at Highland Brewing Company for a get-to-know-us drink! These will be the people you’ll spend the next 6 days touring the Blue Ridge Parkway with, so the bonding starts now. We will have a beer (or whatever you prefer) and get excited about the epic trip awaiting us. Don’t stay up too late, because we will have an early start in the morning!

Day 1 – 45 miles; 6,133 feet of climbing OR 60 miles; 8,028 feet of climbing: Day 1 starts with a bang! The group will assemble outside of our hotel to pack up and head out. The first half of the day is uphill toward the highest peak east of the Mississippi. No Blue Ridge bike trip would be complete without Mount Mitchell which sits at an elevation of 6,684 feet. The air is a bit thin and the climb is steep, but the view is more than worth it. Our route takes us directly to the mountain. Riders will have the option to tackle the 4.8-mile climb up to the summit or shuttle up where we will have lunch with the best view in North Carolina. The rest of the day is mostly downhill to our hotel in Little Switzerland. Riders have the option to shuttle or ride to the mountain hamlet.

Day 2 – 36 miles; 3,631 feet of climbing OR 50 miles; 4,869 feet of climbing: The second day of our trip will be a bit shorter with less climbing to let our legs recover from our assault on Mount Mitchell. We will shuttle across the Linville River, home of the beautiful Linville Falls . The falls are 45 feet tall! A short hike will lead us to a gorgeous view before we start our day’s ride. Highlights of the day include a magnificent view of Grandfather Mountain ecological preserve and a ride over the Linn Cove Viaduct! We end in Glendale where we will tour the Church of the Frescos before shuttling to our hotel; the Hampton Inn Galax.

Day 3 – 34 miles – 2,993 feet of climbing: With one of the gentler elevation profiles, Day 3 should be a more laid-back day. Our series of ups and downs takes us to Floyd, VA . This unique town of about 700 people will give us a taste of civilization. Before that we’ll enjoy lunch at the historic Mabry Mill *. The mill was operated in the early 1900’s and has since been converted to a historic demonstration site. The restaurant serves pancakes until noon, so pedal fast! After lunch we stop at the Villa Appalachia winery and enjoy the incredible view from their Villa. A shuttle ride from the vineyard to Floyd leaves plenty of time to peruse the cute shops before dinner and our stay at the Hotel Floyd . *This lunch is not included

Day 4 – 34 miles; 3,011 feet of climbing OR 48 miles 3,857 feet of climbing The fourth day of the tour takes us all the way to Roanoke, VA ! It’s a faster day, so riders will have the opportunity for a great afternoon excursion. Options include Tuco’s Tacos, Big Lick Brewing Company, the pinball museum, the Green Goat Restaurant, and much much more! After enjoying all Roanoake has to offer we’ll rest our heads at the Springhill Suites Roanoake!

Day 5 – 35 miles – 4,001 feet of climbing: Say goodbye to Roanoke! But don’t worry, this is one of the most beautiful days of the trip. All of the climbing will be well worth it when we roll up to Peaks of Otter Lodge . The three peaks have been a vacation destination since the time of Thomas Jefferson…Although, we doubt he arrived by bicycle. Relax by the lake, grab dinner and a cocktail at the bar/restaurant, or take a hike in the hills. The breakfast* and coffee in the morning is to die for. For those feeling fresh there are fantastic hikes up to Sharp Top or Flat Top Peaks. *Breakfast this day is not included

Day 6 – 36 miles; 3,795 feet of climbing OR 47 miles; 5,014 feet of climbing: The final day of the tour won’t leave you disappointed. From Peaks of Otter, we climb to the highest point in Virginia on the Blue Ridge Parkway: the top of Apple Orchard Mountain . Enjoy the views at 3,900 feet, because we immediately descend to the lowest point of the parkway when we cross the James River, at only 650 feet above sea level. Rest your legs on that long descent because the next section takes us back up to ridge height for our lunch at House Mountain Overlook. Soak in the views as we say goodbye to the parkway. We will shuttle to King Family Vineyards for some goodbye drinks and food before making our way into Charlottesville.

Congratulations, you just cycled the Blue Ridge Parkway! Interested in other tours? Click here for our offerings! Need help training? Read our bicycle tour training guide

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Black Bear Adventures - Bicycle Tours

Questions? (888) 339-8687

Blue Ridge Parkway

Black Bear Adventures is the only Tour company confident enough in themselves and their guests to offer full traverses of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I am in love with this road and have been since I was a young man, as a native North Carolinian I have spent countless hours on what is quite possibly the finest cycling experience in the world!

For 469 miles the Blue Ridge Parkway weaves, rises and falls through the magnificent mountain ranges that make up the Blue Ridge. The Parkway stretches from the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. On this tour we will climb over 45,000 feet as we cycle the entire length of the Parkway and discover the beauty it beholds.

A quote from Elizabeth & Charlie Skinner’s book Bicycling the Blue Ridge best sums up the experience of cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway – “There is no ribbon of road in the country more ideal for bicycling than the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

Tour Mileage

Trip length.

10 Days/9 Nights

Trip Begins

Asheville, NC

$3950 Double Occupancy

$5100 Single Occupancy

Deposit Required

$500 Per person with the remainder due 60 days before the tour start date.

For 2024 we will only be operating private trips, please contact me for further information. – Available

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• Tour Image Gallery
• What's Included

Points of Interest

Blue ridge parkway tour gallery.

Day 1 Asheville to Staunton, VA

We leave Asheville at 10am to shuttle to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in historic downtown Staunton, VA. The Stonewall Jackson is a wonderful hotel and ideally situated as a place to stage ourselves for tomorrows tour launch.

Day 2 The Adventure Begins

We cycle from Rockfish Gap to the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Today’s stage has wonderful long range views of the Shenandoah Valley. After a moderate climb to start the day we roll along this narrow ribbon of road before descending to the lowest point on the BRP, the James River. After the descent comes what I consider to be one of the toughest climb of the entire tour, Apple Orchard Mtn. It climbs 3000+ feet in 12 miles and is the longest continuous climb on the BRP. Tonight we stay at the Peaks of Otter Lodge, which sits on the shores of Abbot Lake and offers wonderful views of Sharp Top Mountain.

Day 3 Peaks of Otter to Floyd, VA

After a thrilling descent into the Roanoke River Valley we climb out of the city before cresting and rolling through the Virginia countryside. Another long day in the saddle awaits us today but we cycle with the knowledge that ahead is the welcome oasis of one of my favorite communities on our journey, Floyd, VA. If we arrive in time we can stroll the streets and listen to some live bluegrass at the Country Store. Tonight’s inn and meal is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip.

Day 4 Floyd, VA to Sparta, NC

Day 5 sparta to blowing rock, nc.

Today’s 62 mile route begins with a beautiful climb through Doughton Park before before rolling towards a series of short climbs on our way to the beautiful resort community of Blowing Rock. Tomorrow you are rewarded with a well deserved day off. This evening we will relax at the luxurious Chetola Resort, which is within walking distance of the many shops and restaurants that make up this popular tourist destination.

Day 6 A Day of Recovery in Beautiful Blowing Rock

Enjoy a relaxing day at the splendid Chetola Resort and Spa, stroll around quaint downtown Blowing Rock or join your guides for a ride along local cycling routes. A day without schedules, you decide how to spend it!

Optional day of cycling!

Meals are on your own today, you are free to decide when, where and what you eat!

Day 7 Blowing Rock to Little Switzerland

We leave Blowing Rock and the Chetola Resort in route for Little Switzerland. Along the way we pass over and around some of the most distinctive landmarks of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shortly out of town we begin climbing towards Grandfather Mountain and over the renowned Linn Cove Viaduct. We descend over the Viaduct and down to the Linville River where there is an optional hike to view Linville Falls. After remounting our bikes we climb up to Switzerland Inn, our ridge line host for the evening, along the way we will go through the first of NC’s 26 tunnels.

Day 8 Little Switzerland to Asheville

Today we cycle into the highest mountain ranges along the Appalachian chain, the Black and Craggy Mountains. We spend most of the morning climbing to Mt. Mitchell State Park where we will tackle the eastern U.S.’s highest mountain. After our descent off the mountain we have one more major obstacle, the climb to Craggy Gardens, before a mostly downhill run into Asheville.

Day 9 Asheville to the Southern Terminus of the BRP

The final and quite possibly the most challenging day along this special ribbon of road. This remote stretch along the BRP is probably my favorite section and is stunning in its display of signature long range views. This is a day to appreciate all that cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway entails; the physical and mental challenge to complete such an endeavor, the magnificent beauty of this wonderful National Park, and the joy and camaraderie of sharing this marvelous journey! The tour ends with a glorious stretch that includes 13.5 miles of descending over the final 17 miles. After the completion of this unbelievable adventure we shuttle back to Asheville to celebrate our accomplishment!

Day 10 Our Final Farewells

After our night of celebration we gather to say our farewells and reflect on the experiences of the past week over our final group meal.

Included in the Trip Price

9 nights lodging beginning on Friday and concluding on the following Saturday

Food & Snacks

• All meals beginning with lunch on Day 1’s shuttle and concluding with breakfast on our final day in Asheville (the only exception to this are lunch and dinner on our day off in Blowing Rock, NC)
• All snacks and beverages during each day’s ride
• The knowledge, support and camaraderie of experienced guides
• Mechanical support as needed during your trip
• Daily route support plus detailed route maps w/ profile data
• Ride support vehicle accompanies Tour
• Shuttle service from Asheville, NC to Staunton, VA on Day 1
• All necessary transportation and luggage transfers during your trip

BBA Swag including water bottles, cycling jersey and other goodies

Not Included

• Airfare to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
• Personal items purchased during the trip
• Gratuities for your Black Bear Adventures Guides

Below are a few links that will help you research the area associated with the Blue Ridge Parkway bicycle tour.

• BRP Virtual Visitor Center
• Blue Ridge Parkway Association
• National Park Service
• Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Guide
• Blue Ridge Parkway Essay