Starting from the North enter the parkway either at it's starting point or continue by beginning your trip on Skyline Drive. Either way the scenery is beautiful with mountain overlooks and lush forests. This is federally controlled land so the surface is very well maintained. Added bonus, the speed limit is 45mph (versus slower Skline) and entrance is FREE. You can stay on Blue Ridge Parkway until Otter Lake Falls. Pretty creek where locals fish, swim or just enjoy nature. Great resting point before either continuing on the parkway or head into town. Lynchburg is the next big town with decent food and shelter. But there are plenty of interesting points and food stops on the route. Being fairly rural any road off the parkway will be tons of fun. Surfaces can turn gravel quickly but are generally well compacted.