Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
Port schedule
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

25 Reviews 4.36 out of 5 stars Based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Asheville, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Roanoke for a unique experience. First, let Rough Ridge Lookout show you stunning mountains. Next, visit Little Switzerland, a charming European village. Befriend Mildred the Bear and learn her story. Table Rock Mountain Overlook offers stunning views and geological treasures. Finish your journey at The Orchard at Altapass, a historic apple orchard. Experience the Blue Ridge's heart on this intriguing drive!

What's Included

  • 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.
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
See 5 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Blue Ridge Parkway

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.Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Oconaluftee Visitor Center Parking C

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Ballhoot Scar Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Ridge Parkway

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
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Thomas Divide Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Big Witch Overlook

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
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bunches Bald Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Plott Balsam Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Soco Gap

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
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Waterrock Knob

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Yellow Face Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cherokee Rose

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Roy Taylor Forest Overlook

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!
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cowee Mountain Overlook

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!
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Rough Butt Bald Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cathedral Falls And French Broad Falls

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Black Balsam Knob

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cherry Cove Overlook

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
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Pisgah Inn

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mount Pisgah

For a great hike and overlook, take a right just ahead and find a spot to park. This leads to the Mount Pisgah Trailhead.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Beaver Dam Gap Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bad Fork Valley Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

French Broad Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 25 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
  • Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-259648P22

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.36
25 reviews

Average 4.36 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
14
4 stars
8
3 stars
1
2 stars
2
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Kayak Tour of Lake James

Lead by a certified naturalist, the Lake James kayak tour is a half day tour spent on a serene lake beneath blue skies. Along the …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
5.0 (2)

Kayak Tour of Lake James

5.0 (2)

Lead by a certified naturalist, the Lake James kayak tour is a half day tour spent on a serene lake beneath blue skies. Along the...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$125

Watson's SOS! A Sherlockian Murder Mystery Pub Crawl in Asheville

From the creative team of 5-star pub crawls 'Cryptids & Creatures' and 'A Christmas Carol' in Asheville comes the newest tour: 'Watson's SOS! A Sherlockian …More

From the creative team of 5-star pub crawls 'Cryptids & Creatures' and 'A Christmas Carol' in Asheville comes the newest tour: 'Watson's SOS! A Sherlockian...

90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$30

Half-Day Moped Tour in Asheville, NC

Start your visit off right and hop on two wheels for some outdoor fun; with the only moped tour in Asheville: Shaka Street Tours. Get …More

Start your visit off right and hop on two wheels for some outdoor fun; with the only moped tour in Asheville: Shaka Street Tours. Get...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation
4.4 (14)
from
$250

Asheville Live Music Bus Tour with Brewery Stops

Experience Asheville's craft beer and live music scene like never before on LaZoom's Fender Bender, a one-of-a-kind Live Music Brewery Tour. Ride aboard our iconic …More

Experience Asheville's craft beer and live music scene like never before on LaZoom's Fender Bender, a one-of-a-kind Live Music Brewery Tour. Ride aboard our iconic...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (65)
from
$57

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Comedy Sightseeing Tour Hey Asheville by LaZoom

November 24 through December 27, LaZoom’s Hey Asheville Comedy Sightseeing Tour puts a hysterical twist on the holidays. See Asheville sights, laugh together and make …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

November 24 through December 27, LaZoom’s Hey Asheville Comedy Sightseeing Tour puts a hysterical twist on the holidays. See Asheville sights, laugh together and make...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (510)
from
$52

Waterfall Jeep Tour - Backroads and Scenic Views

Experience the “Land of Waterfalls” in our custom safari-style jeep. This is a must-do tour when visiting Asheville! This tour allows you to see our …More

Experience the “Land of Waterfalls” in our custom safari-style jeep. This is a must-do tour when visiting Asheville! This tour allows you to see our...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (461)
from
$119

Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour

There is no better way to DISCOVER and EXPLORE Asheville! Hop-on board one of Cool Destinations’s nostalgic trolleys for a fully narrated journey, highlighting the …More

There is no better way to DISCOVER and EXPLORE Asheville! Hop-on board one of Cool Destinations’s nostalgic trolleys for a fully narrated journey, highlighting the...

1 hour 40 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (590)
from
$41

Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views

Join us on a fun-filled and informative electric bike tour of Asheville! Approximately 3-hours long, this e-bike tour is the perfect way to experience the city’s …More

Join us on a fun-filled and informative electric bike tour of Asheville! Approximately 3-hours long, this e-bike tour is the perfect way to experience the city’s...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,337)
from
$74

What's Included

Activity name

  • 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!
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
  • How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
  • Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
  • Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
  • Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Report Product Issue

Activity name