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Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
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Overview
Experience the beautiful southeast along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Cruise from the edge of the Great Smokies National Park to Shenandoah on this scenic highway bathed in blue mist. Snap photos from jaw-dropping overlooks, spot incredible wildlife, and uncover fascinating history and legends of the Cherokee as you drive. This self-guided driving tour reveals the parkway’s best sites and the hidden history behind it all!
Begin your tour in Cherokee, Asheville, Roanoke, or Afton and drive in either direction.
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!
After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access.
This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
Description
Stop At: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
As we drive along the parkway, you'll notice spots on the road where you can pull your vehicle to the side. These overlooks are designed to spotlight the mountains' most scenic vistas. There are over 200 of them along the whole Blue Ridge Parkway!
Each one features a large wooden sign that lists the name of the mountain or ridge you're looking at, and your current elevation. It's nice to give a little personal touch to the otherwise anonymous and similar-looking mountains that you drive through.
NOTE: This 550+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Blue Ridge Parkway in 5+ hours.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Oconaluftee Visitor Center Parking C, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, North Carolina 28719, USA
Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway! The scenic drive follows the iconic Blue Ridge–– that's what we call the eastern side of the Appalachian mountains. As you drive through scenic vistas of majestic mountains, we'll learn about the native Cherokee, the pioneer settlers, and Appalachian culture today. When you’re ready, exit the Visitor Center parking lot and turn left onto the main road.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Ballhoot Scar Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
If you look out at the ridge beyond, you'll notice a blemish on the landscape, where it looks like the surface of the mountain was scraped off. The scar resembles the aftermath of a landslide. And it kind of was a landslide…. a man-made one.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA
This land was once home to the Cherokee. No one knows exactly how long they lived here, but archaeologists have found artifacts dating back 11,000 years!
The Cherokee refer to themselves as "Aniyunwiya," or "the principled people." But when Spanish explorers arrived, they recorded the name as "Chalakee" instead
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Thomas Divide Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Folks have reported seeing ghost lights–– dancing white orbs that have no known explanation. These reports aren’t new either. Some locals recall family stories of the lights that date back to the 1700s! At night, you may find dozens of cars parked along the side of the road, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious mountain lights.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Big Witch Overlook, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Big Witch was the name of a Cherokee medicine man. But Big Witch didn’t just mix poultices and perform rituals. He was also an eagle hunter! You might be thinking, what kind of doctor kills birds in his line of work? You see, eagle feathers were considered sacred, and they were necessary for healing ceremonies
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Bunches Bald Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
The Appalachian mountains are generally covered in trees from base to peak, but a few mountaintops look more like a grassy prairie than a dense forest. These patches are known as Appalachian Balds, and Bunches Bald is one of them.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Plott Balsam Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
The Plott name is still famous in the Appalachian region, but you’ll never guess why!
Henry Plott's family immigrated here from Germany in the late 1700s. They decided to settle in the Blue Ridge Mountains with their children… and five German hunting hounds.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Soco Gap, Soco Gap, North Carolina 28751, USA
In the early 1700s, the Cherokee were at war. Not with the encroaching settlers, but with another tribe, the Shawnee. The two tribes were naturally separated by the Blue Ridge Mountain range, which kept them apart… most of the time
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
As this overlook faces directly to the west, it's a great place to watch the sunset. If you manage to get the timing just right, you're certain to be "thunderstruck" by the brilliant orange sky above the foggy blue mountains.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Waterrock Knob, MP 451 Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, North Carolina
This is Blue Ridge Parkway's tallest visitor's center! Located at 5,820 feet in elevation, this location is known for its stunning long-range views of several major Appalachian mountain chains.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Yellow Face Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Sylva, NC 28779, USA
This overlook perhaps gives you the best view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Yellow Face Mountain is clearly visible. Beyond it, you can see rows and rows of subsequent ridges, each one fading into the characteristic mist of the Blue Ridge.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Cherokee Rose, 720 stalk Blvd, Cherokee, North Carolina 28719
From the Trail of Tears emerged the legend of the Cherokee Rose. The flower, in full bloom, features a cluster of snow-white petals surrounding a yellow center. In the story, each petal represents a band of the Cherokee nation, and in the center lies the gold for which their nation was torn apart. In order to access that gold, the white settlers had torn off all the petals.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Roy Taylor Forest Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA
This scenic turnout features a little wooden observation deck so you can get a more immersive view of Blue Ridge.
It might seem hard to believe now, but this robust forest was once in serious danger!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Cowee Mountain Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
This is where you'll find 180-degree views from one of the highest spots on the parkway. Definitely have your camera ready for this panoramic vista!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Rough Butt Bald Overlook, Rough Butt Bald Overlook, North Carolina 28783, USA
It's not just a joke, it's a topographical term! Check out the view. You can see how the mountain ridge seems to suddenly break. In geology, a butt is a ridge that comes to an abrupt end and appears broken off, like the butt of a cigarette.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Cathedral Falls And French Broad Falls, 902-912, State Rd 1374, Balsam Grove, NC 28708, USA
A half-mile walking trail leads over three wooden bridges toward an abandoned historical mill. The wooden mill sits right at the bottom of Mill Shoals. Across the river, there's yet another waterfall: French Broad Falls. This marks the intersection between the French Broad River and Shoal Creek, and it's pretty as a picture.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Black Balsam Knob, Black Balsam Knob, North Carolina 28716, USA
Black Balsam Knob is one of Blue Ridge's most popular hikes for a reason. It's got a little of everything that makes the Appalachians special, from dense forests to the wide-open meadows and mountaintop vistas.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Skinny Dip Falls, swimming is not only tolerated–– it's encouraged! This destination features both a waterfall and a swimming hole. You can climb right up the boulders to the top of the waterfall, making this a favorite spot for energetic kids and athletic adults.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Cherry Cove Overlook, Cherry Cove Overlook, North Carolina 28716, USA
Tons and tons of black cherry trees! In the early fall, thousands of birds are attracted by the ripe fruit on these trees.
From here, you might also be able to see Looking Glass Rock. You can easily recognize it by the flat rock face that stands out against all the green trees. It's even more obvious after a rainfall: when the sheer cliff face is wet, it reflects the sun like a gigantic mirror
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, Canton, NC 28716, USA
The background behind the name is lost to time, but a couple of legends remain. Some say it's because of a pan-shaped freshwater spring; others say the spot was marked by a frying pan hanging from a tree.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Pisgah Inn, 408 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Pisgah Inn is a great place to stop for a moment. The inn features a public cafe, a gift shop of local artisan crafts, and a country store for all your Parkway travel necessities. But the REAL reason to visit Pisgah Inn is the view.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Mount Pisgah, Mt Pisgah, North Carolina 28716, USA
For a great hike and overlook, take a right just ahead and find a spot to park. This leads to the Mount Pisgah Trailhead.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Beaver Dam Gap Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Candler, NC 28715, USA
At Mills River, you can actually get a good view of the mountains from BOTH sides of the Parkway. Chestnut Ridge is to the west, and Big Ridge is to the east. This 360-degree panoramic scope fully immerses you in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Bad Fork Valley Overlook, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Arden, NC 28704, USA
Down in the valley below, you'll see the meandering creek of Bad Fork. It's covered by laurel blossoms and surrounded by hardwood forests.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: French Broad Overlook, 3938 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Arden, NC 28704, USA
French Broad River is unique for a few reasons. First, it's believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the entire world, at 250 million years old. Second, it's one of the ONLY rivers in the country that flows to the north rather than south.
Duration: 5 minutes
Schedule
- Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
- Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
- Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
- Duration: 4 hours (Approx.)
- Departure Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
4/6/2022 - 3/28/2025Monday - Sunday : 06:00 AM - 11:30 PM - Return Details: Returns to original departure point
What's Included
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
What To Bring
- Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
- Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
- A Smile!
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
- How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio.
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. There's no expiration, making it perfect for revisiting on future trips. • Start and pause the tour at your leisure, accommodating breaks and side excursions without the pressure of keeping up with a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Reviews
Average 4.55 out of 5 stars based on 20 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
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Free cancellation
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.