Route options? Peaks of Otter, BRP, to Big Meadows, Shenandoah NP

[chriscowles]

We're traveling from Roanoke to Peaks of Otter campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway, then on to Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah NP. RVTW is routing us on I-81 to US 11 at Exit 162*, then to SR 43. At that point the climb gets steep but it seems like the best option. Is there something better?

From Peaks of Otter we again take I-81, to US 33 at Exit 247 in Harrisonburg. US 33 takes us to Skyline Dr where the grade goes up again. Is US 211 at Exit 264 a better option? I'm not worried about missing the scenery on Skyline Dr. I'll get plenty of that in 4 days at the park.


*Did you know the exit numbers can be seen on the map if you zoom in close enough?

[Jimbo K.]

I'm a little confused about your itinerary. If you're taking the BRP from Roanoke, then you avoid 81 and 43 (except where 43 runs along the BRP) to Peaks of Otter completely. That also accomplishes something you recently stated a preference for in another thread: avoiding interstates.

Taking that approach one big step further, why not just go all the way up the BRP to Shenandoah NP/Skyline Drive? It might take more time but you'll avoid the twisties on 43, 33, and 211. The Parkway and Drive have lots of curves but few are as tight as many of the side roads connecting to them. Some of the grades may be longer but generally are more gradual. If time is not an issue (speed limit is 45 on BRP and 35 on Skyline Drive), that's the route I would take.

Having said that, I'll tell what I know or remember about the other routes you mention. I've either driven (with RV in tow) or ridden my Gold Wing on all of them in the last couple of years.

I81: Beautiful drive but heavy truck traffic and, in the summer, vacation traffic. It doesn't take much of an incident to cause a miles-long backup. Plus I get a little antsy when my RV and I are boxed in by 18-wheelers on all sides.

VA43 between BRP and 81: I've ridden my bike on it a couple of times in the last 2 or 3 years. That was pre-RV days so I wasn't consciously thinking, "This road would be [great, OK, or terrible] for an RV." I do remember it was a fun bike ride, which may be inconsistent with a fun RV ride.

US33: Two lanes, and you've got a few switchbacks going up the mountain to SNP. Wouldn't be my first choice to get to the park towing an RV.

US211: Similar to 33, best I remember from my last bike ride there two years ago. If I had to pick between the two, I would take 33 because it's a shorter route to your destination coming from the south on 81. If you've done your homework you know that Big Meadows is roughly halfway between 33 and 211 on the Drive.

Better from I81 would be to take I64 from 81 at Staunton to the US 250/Afton Mountain exit. That puts you within a quarter mile of the BRP and within a mile or so of the south entrance station of SNP. You do have about 50 miles of the Skyline Drive before Big Meadows, though.

Have fun, and spend lots of money in Virginia!

[chriscowles]

I think my description regarding Peaks of Otter and the BRP was confusing. I'm not traveling extensively on the BRP but we are camping at Peaks of Otter. RVTW routed us from Roanoke on I-81 to the exit closest to Peaks of Otter, which is US 11 at exit 162.

For this stretch of a long trip, the interstate seems preferable due to grade limits, vs potentially countless switchbacks on unfamiliar mountain roads, some of which may have inadvisable curves.

I appreciate your sharing your experience. I'll check out the routes you described.

[chriscowles]

Jimbo, when heading N out of Big Meadows, is Skyline Dr -> US 33 -> US 340 -> US 211 -> I-81 advisable? RVTW puts the drive time to my destination at about the same as taking US 33 to I-81 and it's a bit less time on I-81. Skyline Dr -> US 211 -> I-81 is about the same drive time, as well.

Thanks

Chris

[NJKris]

Smart not staying on BRP too long. I enjoy it in my Corvette, I'm thinking I would not enjoy towing on it. I do not know the area well enough to advise further. Good luck and happy travels.

[kcmusa]

211 then the parkway , to big meadows there is a 12 foot something tunnel I believe. Check the parks web site.

Here it is. https://www.nps.gov/places/000/marys-rock-tunnel.htm

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by kcmusa

211 then the parkway , to big meadows there is a 12 foot something tunnel I believe. Check the parks web site.

Thanks. I have a Mini-Lite 2507S for which Rockwood describes the exterior height as 10' 11". I haven't added anything to change that or lifted the suspension, so I should be good. That is not to say I won't be seriously puckered at every tunnel entrance.

Are tunnel heights given as the lowest point over the roadway, as in at the right curb rather than at the center line, with consideration given to obstructions such as light fixtures, if any?

[NJKris]

It only makes sense that if a tunnel is marked 12', that a 12' box truck or whatever should be able to make it within the lane marking.


**You'll encounter no light fixtures in BRP tunnels. They are dark as coal. Makes it fun to drop into 3rd gear and hammer it in the appropriate vehicle, shoot out the other side like a sky rocket!

[tinkerreknit]

I clear the tunnel with my 12'6" height, but just to feel better, I stay toward the center line. How about avoiding Rt. 43 and traveling the Parkway from Roanoke to the Peaks of Otter?

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by NJKris

It only makes sense that if a tunnel is marked 12', that a 12' box truck or whatever should be able to make it within the lane marking.

**You'll encounter no light fixtures in BRP tunnels. They are dark as coal. Makes it fun to drop into 3rd gear and hammer it in the appropriate vehicle, shoot out the other side like a sky rocket!

Thanks, Kris. I make no assumptions and don't want to be featured in a stupid driver tricks video.

[NJKris]

Smart man! You just can't stop watching this. I love the way the RV AC units get cleaned right off like a knife through the head of a tall glass of beer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USu8vT_tfdw

[Homebrew]

I was not aware of the tunnel my first trip. We arrived around midnight with thick fog. My RV is 13’6” at the highest point, there was no turning around so we opened the windows on the truck and drove down the center of the tunnel listening for the AC to hit the tunnel.
We got lucky and now check every road for overpasses and tunnels.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by tinkerreknit

I clear the tunnel with my 12'6" height, but just to feel better, I stay toward the center line. How about avoiding Rt. 43 and traveling the Parkway from Roanoke to the Peaks of Otter?

There is construction on the BRP from MP 115.5 to MP 121.4 (US 220) so I could enter at the VA 24 bridge (MP 112) or the US 460 bridge (MP 106), if I take the BRP as you suggest. The latter would be more likely.

RE: Rt 43, I see from map details that is the state road from Buchanan to Peaks of Otter. Is there a reason I should avoid it? I know nothing about it other than the elevation changes depicted in RVTW. Those changes (~900' to ~2470' over 6-10 mi.) are similar whether approaching from Buchanan or Roanoke.

[tinkerreknit]

It's been years since I towed on Rt. 43. It was uncomfortable, and I'm not sure but I was thinking there are restrictions on that road. I did try to google for restrictions and came up empty, so I could very well be wrong.
Maybe someone else will post information about that.
Also, I would go with Rt. 460 rather than Rt. 24 also, although either is OK.

[Jimbo K.]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

Jimbo, when heading N out of Big Meadows, is Skyline Dr -> US 33 -> US 340 -> US 211 -> I-81 advisable? RVTW puts the drive time to my destination at about the same as taking US 33 to I-81 and it's a bit less time on I-81. Skyline Dr -> US 211 -> I-81 is about the same drive time, as well.

Thanks

Chris

I'm still a little confused. First, is this for the return trip out of Big Meadows? Assuming so, if you head north out of the campground then your first route out of the park will be 211. South out of the campground to 33.

I tried to plug multiple options into my RVTW (configured for my RV) to approximate what you might be trying to do in yours. Oddly, it wouldn't let me route directly north from BMCG to US211 or vice-versa, as though it thought the road wasn't navigable by my RV. And it wasn't the tunnel (thanks to others for bringing that up; I had forgotten about it). The "roadblock" was well south of that. It kept trying to take me off Skyline Drive onto backroads that AFAIK are not accessible to the Drive. The only entrance stations to the Drive and SNP are at US250 at Afton Mountain (the Park calls it the Rockfish Gap station), US33, US211, and Front Royal.

I also tried to make it route me to BMCG via the Drive from Afton Mountain, and it refused that as well. Maybe it thinks the grades are too steep or the turns too tight, there as well as north of the campground. RVs of various sizes are on the Drive all the time, but what do I know?

So maybe the simplest thing is just to take 33 from 81 to SNP. US211 will take you out of your way if you're approaching from the south. Plus there's a second peak, Massanutten Mountain, to climb between SNP and 81 on 211. Elevation is lower than SNP but it's another segment of typical mountain road. US33 avoids that because the mountain gradually diminishes until just north of there.

[YoBobH42]

Although why anybody would want to camp there is beyond me. The camping there is pretty bad, grass grows high and they don't cut it much.

If I was driving from Roanoke I would not take Route 43 to the Peaks. I would go 460 to BRPW and north from there. That part of the BRPW is mostly up but is not loaded with switchbacks. It joins with 43 at Bear Wallow gap which is where more switchbacks are but you have to go through those anyway if you are going to the Peaks.

Big Meadow I have camped at and even though I live in Montvale and pass under the BRPW on my way to Big Meadow I don't take the BRPW to Big Meadow. If I was at the Peaks though, I would consider taking the BRPW all the way though.

I have driven 43 and 33 with a 28 foot class C, and drive 43 now pulling the 22 foot TT with an F150. Yes, there are switchbacks but it is quite navigable. The signs will say no tractor trailers and RV's not recommended but people drive 43 every day pulling a trailer. I wouldn't want to pull a long one though.

Keep in mind that if you take the BRPW to Big Meadow, when you get to Skyline Drive the speed limit lowers to 35 MPH. And believe me, it seems to take FOREVER to get inside of SNP where much of anything is happening. The entrance there is located on a very narrow strip of NPS land and there are few recreational activities for a while.

Big Meadow is great. Great Visitor Center, ranger programs, and near a lot of nice recreational opportunities. Have fun!

[tinkerreknit]

YoBob, I can understand your post about the Peaks of Otter campground, but I'd like to say that it suits lots of folks. It's my life-time favorite, and I consistently hear compliments about the area and the campground. It is an older campground with no hookups and very limited cell service, but we like the rugged mountains and the peace. We go there often.

[Adrian Gordon]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

I think my description regarding Peaks of Otter and the BRP was confusing. I'm not traveling extensively on the BRP but we are camping at Peaks of Otter. RVTW routed us from Roanoke on I-81 to the exit closest to Peaks of Otter, which is US 11 at exit 162.

For this stretch of a long trip, the interstate seems preferable due to grade limits, vs potentially countless switchbacks on unfamiliar mountain roads, some of which may have inadvisable curves.

I appreciate your sharing your experience. I'll check out the routes you described.

Thousands of people drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive in all variety of class As, class Cs, travel trailers and 5th wheels every year without problem. Just get on the road and go.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Jimbo K.

I'm still a little confused. First, is this for the return trip out of Big Meadows? Assuming so, if you head north out of the campground then your first route out of the park will be 211. South out of the campground to 33.

I tried to plug multiple options into my RVTW (configured for my RV) to approximate what you might be trying to do in yours. Oddly, it wouldn't let me route directly north from BMCG to US211 or vice-versa, as though it thought the road wasn't navigable by my RV. And it wasn't the tunnel (thanks to others for bringing that up; I had forgotten about it). The "roadblock" was well south of that. It kept trying to take me off Skyline Drive onto backroads that AFAIK are not accessible to the Drive. The only entrance stations to the Drive and SNP are at US250 at Afton Mountain (the Park calls it the Rockfish Gap station), US33, US211, and Front Royal.

I also tried to make it route me to BMCG via the Drive from Afton Mountain, and it refused that as well. Maybe it thinks the grades are too steep or the turns too tight, there as well as north of the campground. RVs of various sizes are on the Drive all the time, but what do I know?

So maybe the simplest thing is just to take 33 from 81 to SNP. US211 will take you out of your way if you're approaching from the south. Plus there's a second peak, Massanutten Mountain, to climb between SNP and 81 on 211. Elevation is lower than SNP but it's another segment of typical mountain road. US33 avoids that because the mountain gradually diminishes until just north of there.

TL;DR: I got similar bizarre results from RVTW. I fixed it with waypoints. It shouldn't be necessary. The current plan is:

Roanoke -> US 221/460 -> BRP -> Peaks of Otter
Peaks of Otter -> SR 43 -> I-81 -> I-64 -> Skyline Drive -> Big Meadows
Big Meadows -> US 340 -> I-81 -> PA

Long version:
To clarify, my itinerary is from Roanoke to Peaks of Otter, camp 3 days, move to Big Meadows for 4 days, then head N to Pine Grove SP in PA. I'm pulling a 27' Mini-Lite with an F150 MaxTow. In my previous comments I may have interchanged use of the names of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

That RVTW proposed routing me as it did is what prompted me to ask here about the route. I'll direct some questions to RVTW's support forum on iRV2. I have seen mention in their release notes about "blocking" specific roads. E.g., "Blocked US 49 to RV routing." in the 6/21 update and "Blocked the 'Tail of the Dragon' road." on 5/24. You can find the release notes under "what's new" on the menu in the upper right corner under your account name.

Based on advice given here I forced RVTW to accept my idea of a logical route, using waypoints. I added one at MM 104 on the BRP (just N of the 221/460 entrance) by dragging the suggested route from Roanoke off I-81. (It doesn't help that some maps label that US 221 but not 460, while others label it 460 but not 221.) If you drag the waypoint around slowly along the BRP, you can watch as RVTW suggests different routes on the fly. Only by trial-and-error was I able to get it to make sense with a single waypoint.

From Peaks of Otter to Big Meadows, the RVTW route travels downhill on 43 to go N on I-81, then up 33 to Skyline Drive. I forced the route onto I-64, and entered Skyline Drive from it. I did that by placing a single waypoint at MM 93 on Skyline Drive. (Only the NPS map has mile markers. I determined where the waypoint was by comparing it to the RVTW map.)

Leaving Big Meadows, I got the route to go down US 340 to I-81 with a waypoint at MM 58 on Skyline Drive. RVTW was making crazy suggestions while I was dragging the point slowly S on Skyline Drive. It was literally making circular routes, but they were incomplete circular routes. It would drive in a full circle to the waypoint, then reverse the same route. Totally bizarre.

[Virginian]

Being familiar with the Parkway and Skyline Drive, I wouldn't hesitate to get on the Parkway at Roanoke, camp at Peaks of Otter, and continue straight through the Parkway and Skyline Drive to Rte. 340 at Front Royal, then back to I-81. It's a very scenic drive, and has to be better than getting off and on the route from those steep, winding roads like Rte. 43.