Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour

Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour

By Shaka Guide Apps

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
13h
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Overview

Embark on a captivating journey from Asheville to Cherokee with this Blue Ridge Parkway self-guided driving tour.

As you set out on this scenic drive, our audio tour guide will be your trusty companion, sharing intriguing stories about the region's past and present.

The journey from Asheville to Cherokee is more than just a drive; it's a chance to immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Explore the diverse ecosystems of the mountains, take leisurely strolls through vibrant forests, and take in views from scenic overlooks.

Feel like stretching your legs? We've got you covered with suggestions for scenic hikes and outdoor activities that cater to all levels of adventurers.

So, book your experience now and let us be your compass on this remarkable voyage through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

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Activity location

The North Carolina Arboretum
- 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way,
- 28806-9315, Asheville, North Carolina, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Asheville
- Asheville, North Carolina, United States

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Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour in English

13h
Opening hours: Mon 5:00 am-6:00 pm
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Price details

AU$18.43 x 1 TravellerAU$18.43

Total

What's included, what's not

Tours NEVER expire
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Private Transport
Parking Fees
Meals & Refreshments
Cradle of Forestry in America (price varies)
Sliding Rock
North Carolina Arboretum

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travellers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travellers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
Plan for a full day (~8 hours)
Parkway open 24/7, year-round — roadwork may cause disruptions; check NPS website before heading out
Visitor centre hours vary — some facilities and attractions are seasonal

Activity itinerary

The North Carolina Arboretum

This elegant arboretum is a massive 400-acre park with cultivated gardens, a cool Bonsai tree display, and some hiking trails through forests and mountains. There’s a small cafe that’s handy for a light meal or drink. Those looking for easy or accessible walks through beautiful gardens and trees should prioritise this stop.

Bad Fork Valley Overlook

Heading south from Asheville, this is the first overlook after you’ve driven up into the mountains and gained some more elevation. But, there are plenty of overlooks to come.

Beaver Dam Gap Overlook

Most overlooks along the Parkway offer a view pointed in one direction. But here, up on a ridgeline, you can get a lovely view in either direction from the car park.

Mt. Pisgah Trailhead

Mt. Pisgah is easily visible from the Asheville area, and now you have the opportunity to hike to the top. It’s about a 4.5 mile, or 7 kilometre, return hike to the top, and rated moderate to strenuous. It’s a rewarding view when the summit’s not covered by clouds.

Pisgah Inn

A touch of civilisation before heading further into the woods. Grab a meal at the restaurant, or some grab-and-go food and snacks at the shop or wayside building. But make sure to check out the observation deck and rocking chairs, just behind the restaurant, for a really marvellous view of the mountains.

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower

This hike is a little different, following an old gravel road instead of a trail. It’s a moderate hike uphill, but it ends at an old, steel lookout tower, and the view from the top is outstanding. The hike is about a mile and a half return.

Cradle of Forestry

This overlook stands above the site of an old forestry school owned by the Vanderbilts. Today, the grove of trees is still going strong.

Cradle of Forestry in America

Learn about the birth of forestry education at this tidy little museum. The interactive exhibits are a nice change of pace for kids in tow, and everyone will enjoy the air-conditioning and history. The grounds include easy, paved trails that pass the buildings from the school.

Sliding Rock

This gently-graded waterfall doubles as a natural waterslide! Don your swimming costumes, then wait in line to slide down into the chilly pool below. A lifeguard is on duty during the busy summer months.

Looking Glass Falls

This 60-foot, or 18-meter waterfall, is one of the most popular in North Carolina because you can see it from the road! There’s no need for a hike for this one.

Coon Tree Picnic Area

Flush toilets and picnic tables are the highlight here, and it’s also a handy spot to turn around and park for Looking Glass Falls.

Skinny Dip Falls

The trail to Skinny Dip Falls is about a mile return and is easy to moderate. It’s not the most impressive waterfall on the tour, but some people enjoy taking a dip in the pool. The trailhead is across the Parkway from Looking Glass Rock Overlook, which is a great view of the granite monolith Looking Glass Rock.

Haywood County

Graveyard Fields got its spooky name, and look, from a series of natural disasters. But it’s also one of the most popular hiking spots on the entire Parkway because there are two waterfalls. The first waterfall is on a fairly easy loop trail, about a mile and a half long. To see the other waterfall, add another mile and a half on a connected spur road.

Black Balsam Knob

Just off the Parkway, this trail is about one and a half miles return. The moderately-difficult hike takes you to a 360-degree panorama of the mountains. So if the weather’s nice, this could be the best view of the day. The view is open most of the way up, so the reward is well worth the effort.

Devil's Courthouse

You can enjoy this impressive cliff from the overlook, or you can hike to the top. A path heads up through the woods and comes out at the summit, where you can see four states. It’s under a mile return, and will probably take around 45 minutes. But it’s also a pretty steep hike.

Cowee Mountain Overlook

Our vote for the best overlook on the tour! There’s nothing blocking your view as you gaze at miles upon miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Richland Balsam Trail

The view from the overlook is just okay, but the main attraction here is the Richland Balsam Trail, a moderately difficult one-and-a-half-mile loop through the forest. It’s a nice walk through the woods if you have time.

Richland Balsam Overlook

The view from this overlook is mostly concealed by trees, but it’s the highest point on the entire Parkway at 6053 feet or over 1800 metres. There’s a sign designating the overlook as the highest point, which is a popular photo opp.

Lone Bald Overlook

There are a series of excellent overlooks in a row on this stretch of the Parkway. We like this one because of the nice layered look of the mountains marching away in the distance.

Standing Rock Overlook

Near the entrance to this overlook is a large, standalone boulder that’s a popular photo op.

Waterrock Knob

The view from this large overlook is one of the best on the entire Parkway, from over 6,000 feet up. There are plenty of picnic tables, as well as a small visitor centre.

Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook

This is another splendid overlook of the layered mountains and valleys beyond.

Soco Falls

Just about a mile off the Parkway, Soco Falls is a double waterfall, with two cascades meeting together at a pool. The waterfall is actually visible a few steps from the car park. But, if you’re game for a little scramble, the best view is at the base of the falls.

Bunches Bald Overlook

A lower elevation overlook, compared to the heights up near Waterrock Knob, but still lovely and possibly a terrific spot for fall colours.

Location

Activity location

The North Carolina Arboretum
- 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way,
- 28806-9315, Asheville, North Carolina, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Asheville
- Asheville, North Carolina, United States

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