View Full Version : Parking question in VA.
I am planning a section hike ending at Va. 43 (Blue Ridge Parkway). I have a map that shows a parking area at this location. Does anyone know if you can leave a car parked there for several days?
Pastor Bryon
05-09-2015, 10:19
Shouldn't be a problem. There is a Visitor Center there for Peaks of Otter. I would call there and just let them know your situation. They can give you an idea of where best to park. Number I found was (540) 586-4357. Can't verify it, but I'd start there.
If you have time, when you get there, drop pack, cross the street and hike up to the Peaks (Sharp Top Mountain). Easy hike and great views!
I've parked and sectioned from there twice (last year). Once north, and once south. No issues either time.
The area you are asking about is called Bearwallow Gap
Map Link Here (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bearwallow+Gap,+The+George+Washington+and+Jefferso n+National+Forests,+Blue+Ridge+Parkway,+Buchanan,+ VA+24066/@37.4834688,-79.6686491,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x884d20df6635fbab:0xb3817 cf18e718ee8)
HTH,
u.w.
johnnybgood
05-09-2015, 11:31
Parking area at VA.43, BRP milepost 90, is relatively small so I'd get there early.
Thanks guys, this is big help!
Pastor Bryon
05-09-2015, 19:55
2 parking areas that are being referenced here. One is just north of the BRP, and is just enough for a half dozen vehicles. The other is the visitor center. If you use the smaller one, I don't think you need to do anything, that is one typically used by section hikers. The visitor center one is where you probably should make contact with someone.
Sorry if this overstates it, but didn't want to leave any confusion, either.
Southerner
05-10-2015, 15:58
The Peaks of Otter Visitors Center is about four miles north of the intersection being referenced. Va. 43 and the Parkway are joined from Bearwallow Gap (the intersection being referenced) to the Peaks of Otter. Unless you want to end your journey with a substantial road walk, the Peaks of Otter is not a good option.