Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ADVANCE PLANNING
»
Join an automobile club (
Click here
) that provides 24-hour emergency roadside
assistance and discounts on lodging and attractions.
»
Some international automobile associations have reciprocal agreements with US
clubs, so check first and bring your member card from home.
»
International travelers might want to review the USA's road rules (
Click here
)
and
common road hazards (
Click here
)
.
»
Make sure your vehicle has a spare tire, tool kit (eg jack, jumper cables, ice
scraper, tire pressure gauge) and emergency equipment (eg flashers).
»
Bring good maps, especially if you're touring off-road or away from highways.
Don't rely solely on a GPS unit - it can malfunction, and in remote areas it may not
even work.
»
Always carry your driver's license (
Click here
)
and proof of insurance (
Click here
)
.
Resources
Blue Ridge Parkway
(
www.blueridgeparkway.org
) Maps, activities and places to stay
along the way. Also offers the free
Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner
to download.
Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway
(Randy Johnson; 2003) In-depth trail descriptions, topo-
graphic maps and other essential info for hikes both short and long.
Skyline Drive
(
www.visitskylinedrive.org
) Lodging, hiking and wildlife along the pictur-
esque addendum to the parkway.
Time & Mileage
»
Time: At least two days, but allow five days to do it right. It's slow going on the steep,
curvy roads, plus you'll want to pit-stop for hiking, eating and sightseeing.
»
Mileage: 469 miles.
»
Start/End: Front Royal, VA/Cherokee, NC.
DOWNLOADS: BLUEGRASS SOUNDS
»
'Blue Moon of Kentucky' - Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys
»
'Foggy Mountain Breakdown' - Earl Scruggs
