I live very close to Skyline Dr Va / Blue Ridge parkway. Above Skyline /Blue Ridge parkway in this area are several gravel roads most don't know about. Lots of climbing. Beautiful roads. I'm hitting the Blue ridge parkway tonight! Here are some pics you won't see everyday- first is a back way to top of mtn on fireroad. It is hard to get a feel for how steep this is. To put it into perspective, the bike is pointing straight up. I am standing below the bike. If you miss one pedal stroke, you are toast. :

Several more fireroads above skyline. Up here, you look down to the parkway.


Finally, a pic from the south end of skyline, overlooking rockfish valley during a forest fire several years back. The smoke over the valley gives the sky a distinct look.