Skyline Drive in Va.

[AClayton]

Planning a trip to Front Royal,Va. to see Skyline drive. There are several campgrounds in vicinity but the one that caught our eyes was the Big Meadows campground right on Skyline Drive. I have a MH with gen. so power is not the issue but have been told by friends in RV club that a 35'MH is too risky on the roads. I'm assuming they mean steep grades but I feel mine is capable as I use it to tow my ATV's to WVA on some pretty challenging roads. Needless to say,the better half is now skeptical about my plans and my explanation was that many of our club members are a little older{wiser?!!}and therefore,much more cautious. I don't want my family at risk but I just don't know what to expect. Help!!!



Thanks in advance! Alan

 

[jbossard]

I don't think you will have any trouble, I'd go for it.

I live in the general area, and have been up to Skyline many times. There is a significant climb up and descent down, maybe 3000', but once up there, the drive winds in and out of the mountaintops at a relatively consistent altitude. Uphill side of the access roads are usually 2-lane to allow for slower vehicles. Make sure you brakes are in good shape for the descent.

You will find everything from tired, ancient Winnies to Newells to motorcycles up there all the time. There are occasionally traffic jams, especially in the fall.

Might want to call ahead to the campground just to make sure you are all good.

Compared to what they have out west, it's nothin.

My favorite time in Virginia is spring, it's awsome. Have fun.

- Joel

 

[jandtjil]

Mary's rock tunnel max height 12'8"
Also I don,t remember a great deal of shoulder, but I wasn't pulling the last time I traveled over, so neither was a significant concern.

 

[DonTX]

I have been there, done that, with a little 21 footer Class C, I drove it all the way down to Georgia, absolutely beautiful drive for sure. The 35 footer will be a challenge at some of the hairpin curves and such, but nothing you can't handle. The campgrounds are super cheap, limited facilities, and very small.

 

[AClayton]

Thanks guys... this helps alot. It is always better to hear from others that have done it. We don't plan to tow a vehicle so the braking shouldn't be an issue. If a Newell can do it, than I'm sure I am up to the challenge at 10' shorter length.



Thanks again!

 

[KFranco]

Been to skyline drive camping many times. There are steep grades and sharp turns. We had no problem with our 30' TT. I figure you shouldn't either as we saw a 50' tractor trailer making his deliveries for local markets I guess... or was lost!

 

[dcoffman]

I have been there, done that, with a little 21 footer Class C, I drove it all the way down to Georgia, absolutely beautiful drive for sure. The 35 footer will be a challenge at some of the hairpin curves and such, but nothing you can't handle. The campgrounds are super cheap, limited facilities, and very small.

Don, I believe you are alittle mixed up. The Skyline Drive starts at Afton Mountain and goes north to Front Royal,and has a fee to travel it. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Arton Mountain south to Ashville N. C.

Clayton , I don't think you would have any problems. We travel the parkway ofter with a 31' 5er and see a lot of MH's. The terrain really likes fuel so we won't be going that way any more until my rich uncle gets out of the poor house,lol. Happy motoring to you.

 

[steved]

I have traveled the full length of the BRP and SLD... my take is this...

Roads are narrow... my 102 wide 18-foot equipment trailer was in the grass more than a couple times on corners (and yes, I know how to drive)... some of the corners are narrow enough to require the truck being over the centerline to keep the trailer on the road.

There are no berms... it is pavement or grass. But it is smooth most places...

There is at least one tunnel (I remember several myself) somewhere along there, so pay attention to height restrictions!

There are quite a few tight turns, and grades, and combinations of the two... it is fun to carve with a car, but not in a truck, or a truck with a trailer...

The main thing, don't expect to make any time... cause you won't!

 

[AClayton]

Thanks guys... I'm not planning to go fast anyway. If nothing else, plan on stopping several times. My family will be able to see more in the MH than with the car because of all the extra glass. Will go in a couple of weeks based on the trees budding and such.

 

[DonTX]

Not mixed up, just not clear. I started at the North end (my brother lives very near the north starting point) and took the ridgeline all the way to GA. It DOES CHANGE names on the way south, the Skyline Drive is only the first part of it as you correctly pointed out, but to me it is all Blue Ridge Mts ridgeline.

Don, I believe you are alittle mixed up. The Skyline Drive starts at Afton Mountain and goes north to Front Royal,and has a fee to travel it. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Arton Mountain south to Ashville N. C.

Clayton , I don't think you would have any problems. We travel the parkway ofter with a 31' 5er and see a lot of MH's. The terrain really likes fuel so we won't be going that way any more until my rich uncle gets out of the poor house,lol. Happy motoring to you.