The BRP in Virginia is not spectacular to drive but it is substantially less crowded. This probably has something to do with the population densities of NC versus VA (I expected App state and Boone to be a deserted college town like Harrisonburg VA or Clemson SC). However, the roads leading up to and intersecting the BRP in Virginia are very fun for at least a few kilometres.

VA 684 Reeds Gap Rd. in Augusta County
US 60 in Rockbridge County
US 501 in both Rockbridge (VA-130) and Bedford County

VA 43 in Botetourt County, the very last hairpin is incredibly steep- many scrapes on the road. (It's not the curve in this picture though)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...way/BRP022.jpg

There were a few fun spots near Boone; I tried US 221 but the curves were in a semi-residential area with too much traffic. NC-194 had a few good curves but once again, too much traffic, and the road was not smooth.

I will admit that WV has some of the best mountain roads because they engineer "truck" lanes and larger banked areas on the mountain passes, allowing one to get around slower traffic and/or do higher speeds (read: sliding burnout). The gradients are also clearly marked, similar to NC. In Virginia, there are no overtaking lanes, turnouts or widened hairpins, and no gradient information.

WOW, never knew! I just always drove from Asheville to MM430, but no further. I thought it was blah, so I would head towards hwy 276 (mega fun and often empty)

Most of the roads dump onto I-40 if you keep going... Usually coincided with nausea from the curves on them, or the nerves after finding the one road that still isn't paved...

VF, Yes...I have run 276 many times: it's the 'other way', as in over the mtns, to get from W'ville to Brevard. Fun road, if a tad tight/blind cornered in spots. 215 is ok too, though its condition is failing lately. Next time you are on 276, and you come up on the BRP, turn and go south; that's where the BRP gets fun.

And, Meiac knows most/all of the good Western NC roads too. Especially well for someone 'trapped' in South C. ;)
GL, mD

Not so much this year mD... My family bought a house in Cashiers so I was usually in traffic or a Honda Pilot for those trips. I'll hit them when I get back. Boone doesn't count. They make the roads straight so that people won't run off when they're stoned.

Hey, D...congrats on the joint in Cashiers! Did your 'Rents move, or is that just a seasonal/investment place? Cashiers is nice area, if a bit remote.

Is that an AppStateU dig?! :D

:rofl: There are many App State grads in my programme........