We will be making a diversion to Hendersonville Wed morning before arriving at Fontana. Does anyone have a nice route for me to take? Here is what Googl shows but how is Blue Ridge Parkway?
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...2,0.42984&z=12

 

You might want to look at the return leg from my drive down to Highlands. It comes back via some beautiful twisty roads and runs along Wayah Road that is supposed to rival the Dragon for twisties. http://www.minisonthedragon.info/highlandtrip.html

I've heard that the speed on the Blue Ridge Parkway can average around 45 MPH (speed limit is a strictly enforced 55 MPH) with all the snowbirds and their trailers, so if you are looking to make good time, it might not be the best route.

 

I was just on the BRP week before last, I use it everytime I am up there, totally love it. Speed limit is 45 max in most areas but have never seen a cop with radar on it, go figure. I never drive much avove that 50 - 55 range since the views are very distracting
The issue right now is that parts may be closed for repair. Check the website to see if they have opened it back up just past Mt Mitchel. If so, make it a point to take time to drive up there to the top. Really awesome spot. Highest point on the entire east coast. Good food at the cafe on top too.
Mid week the traffic is usually very light.

Wayah rd is really cool but traffic around Highlands/ Cashers is off the charts bad. Did a 890mi loop week before last and swore I would never go near there again if work did not demand it.

Enjoy the ride!!!
Tim

 

Here's one to try:

Take 64 out of Hendersonville toward Brevard, then right on 215. Hop on BRP and take over to 23 just NE of Sylva/Dillsboro. Follow 23 down to Franklin (boring 4 lane) and take 28 to 74/19/28. Turn left and follow to right turn to continue on 28 to Fontana

OR continue on 23 to the west end of Franklin and turn right on Patton and then left on Wayah Rd. Take Wayah to 19, turn right, go through the Nantahala Gorge and then left on 28 to Fontana.

Wayah is one of my favs but can have some gravel. 215 is fun and no traffic. I've not seen radar on BRP but I've no doubt they are at times.

 

In that neck of the woods, I assume that there will be radar on anything that looks like a highway (more than 1 lane, side-by-side). I'm running my detector all the way too... just to be safe.

 

I'm partial to 64/276/74/BRP/441/19 to Bryson City, stop at Soda Pops for refreshment then jump on 74/29 to Fontana. BRP from 74 to 441 is max 1.5 hrs even with snow birds. Bryson City to Fontana < 40 min.

 

We will be leaving from Etowah so I think your route looks the best!

Thanks

hank

 

I am VERY, VERY partial to 215 from Rosman to 276 near Waynesville.... that's my favorite drive in the entire area... I frequently go WELL out of my way to take that stretch of road...

 

Ooh Yeah! Very awesome route indeed.
276 will take you through the Heart of the Pisgah Forest (Looking Glass Falls) and the BRP (if open) will definitely make it one of the most scenic routes I know of in this area.

 

276 is definitely scenic... if trees and waterfalls and SUVs filled with vacationing families are your thing. But 215 is a better "driving" road with many more challenging corners, more elevation change, more challenging road surface, no park rangers patrolling, etc. Sometimes I do a loop with both roads... but if I can only drive one, 215 wins, hands-down. The spot where 215 crosses the parkway is near its highest elevation, at Devil's Courthouse. The view from 215 there is spectacular...



and so little traffic (usually) you can stand in the middle of the road and take pix...

 

A bunch of us are leaving from Hendersonville on Wednesday too.

We are meeting at the Walmart off of I26/ exit 49A. Our route is taking us to the resort but it looks like the same route you are taking.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=...-8&sa=N&tab=wl

What time are you leaving? We are thinking around 12N or 1pm.