Planning an East Coast Trip

[AaronC50]

Hey guys,

I've been putting some thought into what I want to do this summer as far as vacationing goes. I decided to take a bike trip longer than I ever have before (which isn't saying much).

I live in midwest ohio and I want to take my bike in somewhat of a circle that looks something like this:

Southern KY,
Gatlinburg TN,
Somewhere SC,
Somewhere NC,
Somewhere VA,
Somewhere DW/MD
and from then on im not sure.


I want to stop on some beach areas and camp around for free or as cheap as possible. I also would like to hit up the blue ridge parkway as I make my way east.

Can anyone tell me some things that I should prepare for? For better or for worse. Also any suggestions on places to stop would be great!

[moodfart]

No interest in the north east? Maine Vermont new Hampshire are beautiful in the summer!

[AaronC50]

Originally Posted by moodfart

No interest in the north east? Maine Vermont new Hampshire are beautiful in the summer!

I have quite some time to pan it all out. I did grow up in the north east though and I agree it is very beautiful.

[kitesurfer]

you didn't mention florida. if that was on your list, you could camp on the beach for $12 a night at Hugenot Park in jacksonville.

TWO in north ga should be open spring/summer. Good riding in the north ga mounttains...near Helen ga. south carolina has Table Rock State park...good camping and a half day hike on the table to stretch the legs.

i can go on forever but that's enough opinions from me. but riding the blue ridge parkway, every exit will give you 5 miles or more of very good twisties...ride the gap and turn around and come back....

[woodly1069]

Well to me at least, I would want to know what you are planning on riding because that will make a big difference. Mostly, I would advise to stay away from larger/busier routes and try to concentrate on more rural routes as there is more opportunity to see the countryside

[AaronC50]

Originally Posted by woodly1069

Well to me at least, I would want to know what you are planning on riding because that will make a big difference. Mostly, I would advise to stay away from larger/busier routes and try to concentrate on more rural routes as there is more opportunity to see the countryside

My bike is an 09 suzuki VL800. I hate the highway, I would never sacrifice the purpose of the trip just to get there faster.

Also to the gentleman above, I wasn't planning on going that far south. This is my first solo ride so I sort of want to stay in the same region. If I do hit Georgia it will only be for a short while. I want to concentrate mostly on the coast lands as my "destinations" because as I've mentioned, I'm from Ohio and was only ever at a beach a few times in my early childhood.

I really appreciate all the feedback guys! Thank you!

[GeorgiaBound]

Originally Posted by AaronC50

Hey guys,

I've been putting some thought into what I want to do this summer as far as vacationing goes. I decided to take a bike trip longer than I ever have before (which isn't saying much).

I live in midwest ohio and I want to take my bike in somewhat of a circle that looks something like this:

Southern KY,
Gatlinburg TN,
Somewhere SC,
Somewhere NC,
Somewhere VA,
Somewhere DW/MD
and from then on im not sure.


I want to stop on some beach areas and camp around for free or as cheap as possible. I also would like to hit up the blue ridge parkway as I make my way east.

Can anyone tell me some things that I should prepare for? For better or for worse. Also any suggestions on places to stop would be great!

I might add a few suggestions if I knew more about what you like to do ect.... ive lived in NC, SC, ect... Asheville NC is a cool town with lots of diverse people and styles. Its kinda like a mini Portland OR. Greenville SC has a very cool downtown area. From there you could ride to Charleston SC and hit downtown and the Isle of palms or Folley beach they are both small beaches without the endless string of hotels and tourist stuff. If the tourist stuff is your scene then Myrtle beach is the placr to hit. I would also suggest going to savannah GA. Savannah has an amazing amout of diversity with restaurants bars food ect... I live in Charleston now and hopefully will be moving to Savannah very soon. Both are very cool towns Charlestons experience can vary depending on where you go. Either way your trip should be a good one. If I can help I will heck PM me with your schedule if your anywhere near me ill buy ya a drink man!

[AaronC50]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaBound

I might add a few suggestions if I knew more about what you like to do ect.... ive lived in NC, SC, ect... Asheville NC is a cool town with lots of diverse people and styles. Its kinda like a mini Portland OR. Greenville SC has a very cool downtown area. From there you could ride to Charleston SC and hit downtown and the Isle of palms or Folley beach they are both small beaches without the endless string of hotels and tourist stuff. If the tourist stuff is your scene then Myrtle beach is the placr to hit. I would also suggest going to savannah GA. Savannah has an amazing amout of diversity with restaurants bars food ect... I live in Charleston now and hopefully will be moving to Savannah very soon. Both are very cool towns Charlestons experience can vary depending on where you go. Either way your trip should be a good one. If I can help I will heck PM me with your schedule if your anywhere near me ill buy ya a drink man!

Hmm... Sounds good. I would like to avoid as much traffic as possible, so myrtle beach is probably out of the question. I could certainly take up your suggestions about the Carolinas. I also may take you up on that drink! haha

[wipfel]

The Lodge at Tellico is a good place to stay and is at the start of the Skyway and close to the Dragon.

[patmo]

I will 2nd the recommendation about visiting Savannh and Charleston, as well as the coastal area between the two. Both are very cool cities with a very very nice historical downtown that is easy to walk around. Lots to see and do, and some great restaurants/bars to visit. Wold also recommend going to the outer banks of North Carolina, but need to avoid that area during peak vacation period and on weekends from what I hear. Been several years (Ok, a few decades ) since I was there, and it has grown up a lot, but I hear it is still nice to visit. Beaufort and Aiken are very cool towns to visit in SC. Asheville, NC is certainly worth a visit as well. Might want to come up with a theme such as visiting breweries of BBQ places, or maybe Civil War sites and see what kind of route you find. Camping is avaliable at most state parks, so put some of those on your route as well.

Enjoy yourself!

[AaronC50]

Originally Posted by wipfel

The Lodge at Tellico is a good place to stay and is at the start of the Skyway and close to the Dragon.

How much is it per night?

Originally Posted by patmo

I will 2nd the recommendation about visiting Savannh and Charleston, as well as the coastal area between the two. Both are very cool cities with a very very nice historical downtown that is easy to walk around. Lots to see and do, and some great restaurants/bars to visit. Wold also recommend going to the outer banks of North Carolina, but need to avoid that area during peak vacation period and on weekends from what I hear. Been several years (Ok, a few decades ) since I was there, and it has grown up a lot, but I hear it is still nice to visit. Beaufort and Aiken are very cool towns to visit in SC. Asheville, NC is certainly worth a visit as well. Might want to come up with a theme such as visiting breweries of BBQ places, or maybe Civil War sites and see what kind of route you find. Camping is avaliable at most state parks, so put some of those on your route as well.

Enjoy yourself!

Noted! Could you point out any free/cheap camping grounds?

[kitesurfer]

FREE camping can be found on the banks of the Amicacola River, on a dirt road 7 miles north of the georgia hwy 53 bridge...a few miles west of dawsonville ga. no facilities, but on the river banks..very clean..police patrolled. under $10 a night campiing at DEAL'S GAP. (NC)

South Carolina--free camping on the banks of the Chatooga River (but a short hike down, unless you can ride your bike on a trail)

[patmo]

Originally Posted by AaronC50

How much is it per night?



Noted! Could you point out any free/cheap camping grounds?

I stayed at Fontana Village last year and it's a bit pricy, especially when compared to other places around there. Deals Gap hotel has camping right on site, and I have camped there as well. Seems to me it was maybe 10.00 a night. Camping at several other places in the area as well. Almost every state park will offer camping at a reasonable price. In Kentucky the "resort" parks will not only have camping, but also offer lodges (pricy) with restaurants(good and reasonable ) and swimming pools and/or lake swimming (free). I have not done any camping in NC or SC for many years. Can't comment on prices or conditions from current knowledge of any particularly, but state parks are usually nice and reasonably priced in my experience.

[AaronC50]

Originally Posted by kitesurfer

FREE camping can be found on the banks of the Amicacola River, on a dirt road 7 miles north of the georgia hwy 53 bridge...a few miles west of dawsonville ga. no facilities, but on the river banks..very clean..police patrolled. under $10 a night campiing at DEAL'S GAP. (NC)

South Carolina--free camping on the banks of the Chatooga River (but a short hike down, unless you can ride your bike on a trail)

Originally Posted by patmo

I stayed at Fontana Village last year and it's a bit pricy, especially when compared to other places around there. Deals Gap hotel has camping right on site, and I have camped there as well. Seems to me it was maybe 10.00 a night. Camping at several other places in the area as well. Almost every state park will offer camping at a reasonable price. In Kentucky the "resort" parks will not only have camping, but also offer lodges (pricy) with restaurants(good and reasonable ) and swimming pools and/or lake swimming (free). I have not done any camping in NC or SC for many years. Can't comment on prices or conditions from current knowledge of any particularly, but state parks are usually nice and reasonably priced in my experience.

Thanks guys! Ill have to look into these areas. I made up a rough draft of what I think I'll do. I've included everyones suggestions on here and it actually made a really nice circle. Here it is: http://goo.gl/maps/tLTmU

Ill try to include those camping areas as well. I don't plan on utilizing any hotels unless its absolutely necessary. Ill probably end up brushing my teeth in a starfucks or something and using their wifi and what not for uploading pictures.

I would still be more than glad to take anyone elses suggestions!

[JayS]

just remember this is YOUR trip, go where ever YOU want. i live in the northeast and have ridden all over new england/new york and lived in Delaware (DW i assume you meant DE). i loved de but not for riding, for living...it is all flat. it does have a beautiful coastline but in the summer at the expense of tons of traffic! may i suggest (might be far) but the NH/Maine coast. with some dips inland. maine is beautiful riding and if you go inland a bit you have so awesome mountain rides! now if you are looking to swim then stay southerly visit the mid atlantic maybe assateague island in md/va and go southerly. but wherever the bike takes you have fun!