11 to 13 hours (Approx.)

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Overview

Embark on a captivating journey from Asheville to Cherokee with Shaka Guide's Blue Ridge Parkway 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? Shaka Guide's 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 Shaka Guide be your compass on this remarkable voyage through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Get ready to create cherished memories and uncover the hidden gems of this breathtaking region. Your adventure awaits!

Description

Stop At: The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, North Carolina 28806

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 beverage.

Those looking for easy or accessible walks through beautiful gardens and trees should prioritize this stop.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bad Fork Valley Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Arden, NC 28704, USA

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Beaver Dam Gap Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Candler, NC 28715, USA

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 parking lot.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Mt. Pisgah Trailhead, 8682-38-7258-000, Canton, NC 28716, USA

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 kilometer, round-trip hike to the top, and rated moderate to strenuous. It’s a rewarding view when the summit’s not covered by clouds.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Pisgah Inn, 408 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA

A touch of civilization 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 marvelous view of the mountains.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, Canton, NC 28716, USA

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 round trip.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Cradle of Forestry, 11250 Pisgah Hwy, The hours have been changed and it closes at 4pm now., Pisgah Forest, North Carolina 28768

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

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Cradle of Forestry in America, 11250 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, USA

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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sliding Rock, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

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

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Looking Glass Falls, Hwy 276, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

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.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Coon Tree Picnic Area, US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Skinny Dip Falls, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, North Carolina 28716

The trail to Skinny Dip Falls is about a mile round trip 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.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Graveyard Fields, North Carolina 28716, USA

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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Black Balsam Knob, Asheville, North Carolina 28712

Just off the Parkway, this trail is about one and a half miles round-trip. 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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Devil's Courthouse, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 422.4, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

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 round-trip, and will probably take around 45 minutes. But it’s also a pretty steep hike.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Cowee Mountain Overlook, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, North Carolina 28716

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA

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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Richland Balsam Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA

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 meters. There’s a sign designating the overlook as the highest point, which is a popular photo opp.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Lone Bald Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Standing Rock Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA

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

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Waterrock Knob, MP 451 Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, North Carolina

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 center.

There’s also the Waterrock Knob Trail. This 1-mile round-trip hike is not especially easy, but it goes to the top of Waterrock Knob for another incredible view.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA

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

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Soco Falls, Soco Falls, North Carolina 28751, USA

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 parking lot. But, if you’re game for a little scramble, the best view is at the base of the falls.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Bunches Bald Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA

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

After you complete the last stop on the tour, feel free to enjoy nearby Smoky Mountain National Park!

Duration: 5 minutes