I’ve been watching the leaves turn yellow to brown, and then slowly drift down from the huge poplar tree in my back yard. The dogwoods are taking on a red hue and will soon shed their leaves, almost as soon as the poplar tree is completely bare. The hummingbirds have stopped visiting my feeder, and I awake to cold air rolling across the warmer lake water in tufts of fog that look like clouds skittering across the sky. All are sure signs that it’s time for me to head to the mountains for leaf-peeping! Ongoing recoveries – both of western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene and me from total hip replacement – altered my usual routine of riding to Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests on my motorcycle to take in the fall foliage and twisty roads. The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, from mile markers 0 to 200, recently reopened, so I jumped in the truck and headed northwest towards Floyd, VA and Tuggle’s Gap.
I returned to the quaint Tuggle’s Gap Roadside Inn, where I stayed back in May (click HERE to read blog post about it). Only 1 mile off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and about 6 miles from downtown Floyd, VA, this iconic moto lodge turned boutique inn is the perfect location from which to base sightseeing and to meet other travelers. I ended up talking motorcycles and road trips over breakfast with Rosa, another woman rider staying at the Inn.
I went to the Floyd Country Store to enjoy a hearty mountain meal and the weekly music jam. The place was packed, but I spotted an older gentlemen sitting alone enjoying the music, so I asked if I could join him at his table. Randy, a Vietnam Veteran, happily obliged and provided delightful company for an afternoon of Bluegrass and mountain music. I was thankful for the dining companionship and meaningful conversation. It’s always powerful to share a connection with fellow veterans.
Blue Ridge Parkway Sites
The Saddle Overlook (Mile Marker 168), is a plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains less than 4 miles from Tuggle’s Gap Roadside Inn. It sits at an elevation of 3,388 ft and provides a great location for viewing both the sunrise and sunset.
Sunrise from The Saddle Overlook (Mile Marker 168) over the Piedmont lowlands to the east.
Sunset from the Saddle Overlook (Mile Marker 168) over Buffalo Mountain to the west.
Mid-October was a little early for peak fall foliage in the Floyd, VA area this year, but there was still some beautiful color along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mabry Mill, one of the most photogenic sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Mile Marker 176) captures the essence of early rural settler Appalachian life. The 100+ year old mill, built and worked by Ed and Lizzy Mabry, was a water-powered grist mill, sawmill, and blacksmith shop.
Water still powers the Mabry Mill, which is now home to cultural demonstrations, including traditional music and dancing.
Albeit on four wheels instead of two, this leaf-peeping mountain trip was a great fall getaway. Hurricane Helene and my hip replacement caused me to explore a different section of the Blue Ridge Parkway this fall, resulting in seeing my usual spring/summer riding spot through a new lens. Though I was a little too early for peak fall foliage, the scenery was still beautiful, the food delicious, and the people I encountered delightful. If you are looking for a Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway section for fall leaf-peeping, consider adding Floyd, Virginia to your itinerary. Between quaint lodging at Tuggle’s Gap Roadside Inn, small town dining and music options like Floyd General Store, and gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway scenery like Mabry Mill and The Saddle Overlook, you can find lots to do within a 20-mile radius. Enjoy!
Keep stalking the “older gentlemen” and you will snag one someday. Beautiful pic, Darlin.
Looks like Babycakes is going to get a hip replacement BEFORE the knee replacement. Doc wants her to do some physical therapy to build up the muscles around her hip and crotch. He said it will make recovery better and easier.
FitHippie Adventures 
Keep stalking the “older gentlemen” and you will snag one someday. Beautiful pic, Darlin.
Looks like Babycakes is going to get a hip replacement BEFORE the knee replacement. Doc wants her to do some physical therapy to build up the muscles around her hip and crotch. He said it will make recovery better and easier.
Chief
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