Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Self-Guided Audio Tour
New To The Site!
Asheville, USA
12 to 13 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville with Shaka Guide's immersive audio tour. Let our audio tour guide lead you through the Appalachian Mountains, sharing captivating stories of the region's history, culture, and natural wonders. With real-time GPS technology that plays audio narration as you drive, you'll never miss a scenic spot or trailhead. Explore at your own pace, enjoy picnics with mountain views, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Shaka Guide's Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Book now and experience the magic of this iconic route! Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.
What's Included
- 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
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
- Optional meals and refreshment: $15-$20
- Optional entrance fees: $10-25+
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
While not an actual stop on the tour, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is the official starting point. Narration will begin on the parkway heading north immediately after the visitor center.
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild)
The Folk Art Center at Milepost 382 in Asheville is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.The center showcases Appalachian arts and crafts in its Folk Art Gallery and also houses the headquarters of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.A gift shop sells handmade Appalachian crafts. You can hike a section of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail behind the center.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Tanbark Ridge Overlook
Tanbark Ridge is the first scenic overlook we’ll be stopping at. There are many more on this section of the parkway, and you are free to stop at any or all of them–even if they aren’t mentioned on the tour.Just a note–if you do decide to stop at a different overlook, just pause the app and resume when finished. Otherwise, it will keep talking, and you may miss the next set of directions!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Lane Pinnacle
The views are just starting, and they get even better as we go along! Lane Pinnacle Overlook features a view of Lane Pinnacle, a small peak named after Charles Lane, an early settler who built an iron mine on this land.As you leave this overlook, you’ll find yourself gradually driving higher and higher into the mountains where the fog and mist can sometimes blanket the road making for a magical ride.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is open seasonally from April 15 to November 13 and highlights the unique ecology of the rhododendron heath bald. The center's daily hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. after October 31.After visiting the center, take the Craggy Gardens Trail for about 10 minutes and hang a left at the trail shelter to enter the secluded rhododendron heath bald.This beautiful mountaintop meadow offers stunning views, especially in the spring when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. Another option is to hike up to the top of Craggy Pinnacle for panoramic views of the valley.It’s one of the most spectacular spots to catch a sunrise or sunset. This section of the parkway is often blanketed in fog and can sometimes be closed due to inclement weather. Check our hiking guide for more details.
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Mount Mitchell State Park
Located in the high-elevation forests of the Black Mountains, Mount Mitchell State Park is really one of the must-see stops on this tour. It’s free to enter, and the short walk up to the 6,684-foot summit might just be the highlight of your trip.In addition to several hiking trails, you’ll find a museum, gift shop, restrooms, a seasonal restaurant, concessions, and a visitor center.To get the fullest experience, visit both the observation deck on the summit for out-of-this-world views as well as the Balsam Nature Trail for a walk through the magical spruce-fir forest.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Green Knob Overlook
The sweeping views from Green Knob Overlook were featured in the opening scene of the 1992 movie The Last of the Mohicans. It’s one of the overlooks you definitely won’t want to miss!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Laurel Knob Overlook
The main attraction at this stop is the gnarly dead tree. This unusual landmark sets this overlook apart from all the others–not to mention it makes a great photo backdrop!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Overlook Drive
This time, instead of sweeping views of the valley from above–you’ll get a stunning view of the mountains from below. The entire Black Mountain Range coming right at you!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Crabtree Falls Picnic Area
Just for the record, even if you aren’t hungry, this place is worth a drive-through. Crabtree Falls Picnic Area has to be one of the most scenic places to enjoy lunch on the entire parkway. Each table has a view. Bon Appetit!
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Little Switzerland
One of the closest towns to the parkway, the Alpine-themed village of Little Switzerland offers lodging, shopping, and food. If you have the time and budget, consider checking out Emerald Village.This fun tourist attraction offers family-friendly mining activities where the young and young-at-heart can:pan for gold
Dig for real gemstones
tour extensive exhibits in their 10-story Discovery Mill
or tour a historic mine
Warning--prospecting for gold and gems requires some digging in the dirt, so pack an extra outfit and bring along Ziploc bags for treasures. Open daily between April 1 and October 31. Check their website for seasonal hours and separate activity fees.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Museum of North Carolina Minerals
The Museum of North Carolina Minerals, located in the heart of the Spruce Pine Mining District, is home to interactive exhibits about North Carolina minerals and their mining history.It's open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.). The museum sits in Gillespie Gap where the Overmountain Men crossed the mountains during the Revolutionary War on their way to the Battle of King's Mountain.In mid-September, the museum hosts a re-enactment of the Overmountain Men. You can access the Overmountain Men Victory Trail behind the building.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Orchard At Altapass
Not only does the Orchard at Altapass pride itself on growing the best heirloom apples possible, but it also works hard to preserve the regional traditions and culture of the land.Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 30, the orchard hosts educational and entertaining activities for all ages. Activities include:Live Old Time Music
Apple picking
The Clinchfield Model Railway
walking trails
"Hey" Rides--a storytelling ride through the orchard that brings to life the history of the Overmountain Men during the American Revolution and the fascinating life of early settler Charles McKinney.Wrap up your visit at the General Store with a serving of fresh, hot apple pie alamode. Check out their website for seasonal hours.
35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
North Cove Overlook
From North Cove Overlook, you’ll be able to view the Orchards at Altapass in the distance.Surprisingly, the orchards were planted over a hundred years ago–not by farmers–but by the Clinchfield Railroad company whose rails once crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains right here at McKinney Gap.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Heffner Gap
This is another place where the Overmountain Men passed on their way to the Battle of King’s Mountain during the Revolutionary War.Later in history, a single mother named Amanda Heffner managed her family farm here during the dangerous days of the Civil War. Her descendants still live in this gap which was named after her.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bear Den Overlook (Pass By)
In addition to more stunning views, this overlook has a “beary” interesting history. The overlook was built on a spot along the mountain where black bears once had a den.
Linville Caverns (Pass By)
Linville Caverns reveal the natural wonders hidden deep inside Humpback Mountain. Guided cave tours showcase fascinating limestone features like stalactites, stalagmites, the "Ballroom" and a frozen waterfall.The moderately priced half-hour tours run every 10 minutes and are first-come, first-served. The temperature remains steady at 52 degrees, so bring a jacket or sweater.The caverns are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and are only open on weekends during the winter. Check their website for seasonal hours and fees, and call ahead to check how busy they are.If it’s busy, consider purchasing tickets for a later tour, doing the hike to Linville Falls first, then returning to the Caverns afterward.
Linville Falls - Trail and Waterfall
The Linville Falls Visitor Center features a small gift shop, restrooms, maps, and hiking information for the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Trails for iconic Linville Falls begin behind the visitor center.Linville Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a definite must-see. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the Linville River as it cascades through two spectacular falls before descending through a beautiful and rugged gorge.Different hiking trails lead to multiple viewpoints of both the upper and lower falls. Wide and well-maintained, the one-mile round trip trail to the Upper Falls is a relatively short, easy hike with a big payoff.Climb down to the rocks and get a close-up view of the falls. (Swimming is not allowed, however.) You can catch a view of the spectacular Lower Falls by walking just a bit further to Chimney View or Erwin's View.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook
Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook is one of three places people come to view the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights. Unfortunately, tall trees block most of the view.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Flat Rock Loop Trail
Off the beaten path, Flat Rock Trail is one of the parkway's hidden gems. This short, easy 0.6-mile loop trail offers views of interesting trees, plants, and fascinating geological features called "bathtubs."Once you reach the top, you'll see that Flat Rock lives up to its name. There are numerous large, flat rocks made of quartzite from which you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain and Linville Valley below.Less crowded than other trails, Flat Rock is the perfect place to bring a picnic, sit on a rock, and enjoy the peaceful setting.The trailhead begins in the parking area. Stay to the left and hike the path clockwise, following the yellow arrows once you get to the top to complete the loop.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Grandfather Mountain (Pass By)
Grandfather Mountain is a must-see tourist destination that showcases all the beauty and splendor of Grandfather Mountain.Cross the breathtaking Mile-high Swinging Bridge for one of the most spectacular views on the parkway. Explore easy trails through peaceful forests or more difficult climbs on rugged peaks.(Note: Grandfather Mountain’s challenging hikes should only be attempted by experienced hikers with the proper gear.)Visit the interactive exhibits in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and see cougars,elk
bald eagles
river otters
black bears
...up close. And drive the famous "Forrest Gump Curve" featured in the iconic American movie.Admission is steep, but the experience is priceless. Online reservations are highly recommended as space is limited and slots fill quickly during the summer. Check their website for fees and seasonal hours.
Linn Cove Viaduct (Pass By)
Probably the most photographed structure on the parkway, the Linn Cove Viaduct is an engineering marvel. The complicated bridge appears to float gently around Grandfather Mountain on tall concrete piers.Its design and construction preserve the fragile habitat of Grandfather Mountain while showcasing its beauty. Completed in 1987, the viaduct was the final segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be built.While the adjacent Linn Cove Visitor Center is no longer open, you can still access trails from the parking lot. A walk along the Tanawha Trail will take you under the viaduct for a close-up view.
Rough Ridge Lookout
Rough Ridge Lookout on the Tanawha Trail is one of the top places to view fall colors on the parkway. Just a short 10-minute hike to a wooden boardwalk offers multiple viewpoints the higher up you go.Even if you miss the fall colors, Rough Ridge Lookout still has plenty to offer including a view of the entire Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain plus lots of large boulders along the trail that make great spots to sit and soak in the breathtaking views.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Price Lake (Pass By)
Price Lake is the jewel of Julian Price Memorial Park. Although swimming isn't allowed, you can stroll along the lovely walking path that circles the lake or paddle around in a canoe or kayak.Fishing is also allowed. Boats can be rented at Price Lake Boat Rentals past the campground. There are no picnic tables or restrooms right at the lake, but they can be accessed at the nearby Price Lake Picnic Area.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
The centerpiece of the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is Flat Top Manor, the magnificent summer home of textile giant Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha.Open to the public from April 15 to November 27 during seasonal hours, the mansion houses a folk craft store as well as a National Parks Visitor Center with a small gift shop and park information.The beautiful and extensive grounds of the Cone Estate feature an orchard, fishing lakes, and 25 miles of beautiful carriage trails which are open to the public year-round.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Blowing Rock (Pass By)
Situated at the lower end of the Moses H. Cone Estate, Bass Lake is the sparkling gem you can see from Flat Top Manor. The tranquil fishing lake can be reached by one of the carriage trails or by car via Highway 221.A lovely one-mile walking path circles the lake and offers a view of the manor home on the hill behind it. The charming town of Blowing Rock is just a few minutes away.There, you’ll find quaint shops, cafes, lodging, parks, and North Carolina's oldest tourist attraction and town namesake, The Blowing Rock. It’s "The only place in the world where snow falls upside down."
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Self-Guided Audio Tour?
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-102020P93
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Self-Guided Audio Tour?
A:Apr 2025
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 (EDT).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- 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.
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive.
The following is NOT included:
- Optional meals and refreshment: $15-$20.
- Optional entrance fees: $10-25+.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Self-Guided Audio Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Self-Guided Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- 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
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
- Optional meals and refreshment: $15-$20
- Optional entrance fees: $10-25+
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
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