Just so you know, unlike the BRP, the Skyline Drive has, I believe, only two exit points between the north and south entrances. Pretty as it was I was frustrated with an average speed of about 25mph during one ride and couldn't just duck off easily.
If you are coming down the BRP a nice side route is US 221 between Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain were you can get back on the Parkway. You will miss the Linville Viaduct which is interesting, but you will also avoid the 35 MPH speed limits around the Moses Cone and Julian Price Parks.
If you are coming down the BRP a nice side route is US 221 between Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain were you can get back on the Parkway. You will miss the Linville Viaduct which is interesting, but you will also avoid the 35 MPH speed limits around the Moses Cone and Julian Price Parks.