Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour Discount Tickets

3.7
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 3 reviews |
location pin icon 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, North Carolina, 28806, USA
location pin icon Asheville
3.7 /5
3 reviews
View all Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour photos
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Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour
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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. Download the app to access your purchased tours.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, just off US-25 near the Biltmore. You can also take the tour in the opposite direction starting in Cherokee, NC.

End Point

End point

Tour ends at Newfound Gap Rd. You can also take the tour in the opposite direction, starting in Cherokee, NC, and ending near Asheville.

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

Itinerary

1. 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 beverage. Those looking for easy or accessible walks through beautiful gardens and trees should prioritize this stop.
Duration: 60 mins
2. 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.
Duration: 5 mins
3. 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 parking lot.
Duration: 5 mins
4. 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 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: 120 mins
5. Pisgah Inn
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 mins
6. 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 round trip.
Duration: 60 mins
7. 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.
Duration: 5 mins
8. 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.
Duration: 60 mins
9. Sliding Rock
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: 60 mins
10. 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.
Duration: 15 mins
11. 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.
Duration: 5 mins
12. Skinny Dip Falls
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 mins
13. 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.
Duration: 60 mins
14. Black Balsam Knob
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: 60 mins
15. 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 round-trip, and will probably take around 45 minutes. But it’s also a pretty steep hike.
Duration: 45 mins
16. 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.
Duration: 5 mins
17. 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.
Duration: 60 mins
18. 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 meters. There’s a sign designating the overlook as the highest point, which is a popular photo opp.
Duration: 5 mins
19. 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.
Duration: 5 mins
20. Standing Rock Overlook
Near the entrance to this overlook is a large, standalone boulder that’s a popular photo op.
Duration: 5 mins
21. 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 center.
Duration: 45 mins
22. Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook
This is another splendid overlook of the layered mountains and valleys beyond.
Duration: 5 mins
23. 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 parking lot. But, if you’re game for a little scramble, the best view is at the base of the falls.
Duration: 20 mins
24. 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 colors.
Duration: 5 mins

Inclusion

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

Exclusion

Private Transportation

Parking Fees

Meals & Refreshments

Entrance fees

Entrance fees

Parking fees

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers 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

Travelers 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 center hours vary — some facilities and attractions are seasonal

Supplied by Shaka Guide Apps

Reviews

3.7

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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