RTD 2018 DC/Balto Caravan
 

Looking to get the Mid-Atlantic, DMV and Delaware Valley folks together for the drive down and back for even more fun.

Possible options to join into existing drives from further north (New York, New England, Philly) on either I-95 to I-66 and I-81 or to just head out I-70 and meet the I-81 group(s).

Jan is seeking a ride in ANY support vehicle going down so she doesn't have to do 9-12 hours each way in the S2Ki so let me know and I'll deliver her to your spot for a ride down/back. She can also drive her car down and share with others.

I may leave on Tuesday and overnight in Roanoke (airport Courtyard is good and usually reasonable) to split the trip in two (5 hours + 7 hours with stops) and do the same on Sunday night on the way back. Can also do the whole thing at once if Jan isn't riding with me. Other options are to detour on Back of the Dragon (near Wytheville) or to do really crazy stuff like drive down Skyline Parkway and/or Blue Ridge Parkway for a mega-scenic (and long) drive down and/or back.
https://roadtrippers.com/trips/19897...&a2=t!19897500

Post your interest, in points, days/times and let's try to get a like minded group drive together.

I'm leaving Alexandria Wednesday morning around 0500 and heading straight to Fontana. I'm doing the super-slab route (395--66-81) to Maryville and may take Hidden Valley Road to 129. What time are you leaving, Stuart?

take happy valley road. I made my wife sick on that one. She was not happy.
darcy

That's the way I went last Fall. It's even better coming from Maryville.

Ok Ken, that is a possibility though wasn't planning on rolling out of here at 4am (to get to Alex by 5) but entirely possible.
A lot depends on if Jan is driving her car, flying, riding with someone else or coming with me. After last time, I doubt with me but if she is, we'll leave Tuesday and stop in Roanoke or Blacksburg (there is a nice B&B we like in Christianburg).
Let's see what kinds of plans develop over the next five months, might get a bunch of NE'sters going down together if we time I-81 at the right time.

Imagine Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway in early to mid-May.
https://roadtrippers.com/trips/19897...&a2=t!19897500

I charted out the entire way but would likely cut off the last few out of the way stops at the end unless you just wanted to be able to say you did the entire thing. Get off at Clingman's Dome and come into FDR the back way.

Of course, you go from under 600 miles and 10-12 hours to 1000-1200 miles and 25-28 hours but wouldn't it be just awesome to do it all once in your life (assuming weather good). It's recommended as a week vacation trip. I'd say three days would be appropriate and would leave time for stopping at overlooks.

I did this trip my first year down with the wife. I figured I better get some driving in before I got to the event with a bunch of old guys who would just cruise around slow. LOL
Its a great trip. At least 3 days. So many overlooks you will skip most of them. Several stops that you will spend more time at and so many waterfall hikes that you will have to skip most of them or it will take two weeks.
Trying to keep your speed in check is kinda like on the Cherohala.

I think the speed limit on the BlueRidge is only "45" MPH all the way. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. That would make for a long drive- scenic- but long.

darcy

Yep, it's 45 and it's a Federal park. Makes for interesting court cases.

I'm in Arlington and wouldn't mind meeting up with some people for the drive down. Definitely will pass on driving through the park/Skyline drive.