For spectacular scenery, Civil War historic sites, and an exhilarating yet leisurely ride, try the Blue Ridge Parkway of Virginia.

This 367-mile-long motorcycle tour runs from Afton, VA south to Cherokee, NC. The northern half runs from Afton south to I-77, and you’ll find several Civil War sites among the breathtaking, lush country you find only in Virginia. The southern half runs from I-77 to the Cherokee Indian reservation and takes you through North Carolina’s picturesque Smokey Mountains and the town of Asheville. You’ll see blowing rock and Civil War era plantation houses as you wind your way through the mountains.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has limited access for trucks and commercial traffic, and its lower speed limit (45 mph) allows you to enjoy the ride at a relaxed pace. The road is well maintained and easy to ride, with plenty of spaces to pull off and take in the scenery or camp if you choose. If you’d like to venture off the path a bit, you can ride to the town of Mt. Airy, NC, known to the world as Mayberry from “The Andy Griffith Show”.

Each half of the parkway has a service station, and while some of the small towns have lodging, the northern part of the parkway has a motel and the central area has a bed and breakfast. You’ll want to carry a map, as the parkway has very few signs to show you where the small towns are—and you’ll definitely want to explore those and experience incredible cuisine and hospitality.

No matter where you live in South Carolina, whether in Columbia, Monks Corner, or James Island, you’ll want to make the time for this incredible journey. Riders who travel the Blue Ridge Parkway (known to them as BRP) note that the area south of Asheville, NC, on the southern half of the road, is the most spectacular part of the ride. Many of them ride during the fall when the leaves are changing, and report that it’s one of most amazing rides they’ve ever taken.

Click here for more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway.