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Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Audio Driving Tour
Asheville
Explore Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville with Shaka Guide’s GPS audio tour. Discover history, culture, and scenic spots at your own pace. Book now!
Duration:
13 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center - Although not an official stop on the tour, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center serves as the starting point. Narration will commence on the parkway heading north immediately after the visitor center.
- The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild) - Located at Milepost 382 in Asheville, the Folk Art Center is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center features Appalachian arts and crafts in its Folk Art Gallery and is the headquarters of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. A gift shop offers handmade Appalachian crafts, and visitors can hike a section of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail behind the center.
- Tanbark Ridge Overlook - Tanbark Ridge is the first scenic overlook on the tour. There are many more overlooks along this section of the parkway, and visitors are welcome to stop at any of them, even if they are not mentioned on the tour. If you choose to stop at a different overlook, simply pause the app and resume when ready to continue.
- Lane Pinnacle - The views begin here and only get better! Lane Pinnacle Overlook offers 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 gradually drive higher into the mountains where fog and mist can create a magical experience.
- Craggy Gardens Visitor Center - Open seasonally from April 15 to November 13, the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center highlights the unique ecology of the rhododendron heath bald. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. after October 31. After visiting the center, take the Craggy Gardens Trail for about 10 minutes and turn 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 best 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.
- Mount Mitchell State Park - Located in the high-elevation forests of the Black Mountains, Mount Mitchell State Park is a must-see stop on this tour. It’s free to enter, and the short walk up to the 6,684-foot summit might 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 breathtaking views and the Balsam Nature Trail for a walk through the magical spruce-fir forest.
- 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 an overlook you won’t want to miss!
- Laurel Knob Overlook - The main attraction at this stop is the gnarly dead tree. This unique landmark sets this overlook apart from the others and makes a great photo backdrop!
- Overlook Drive - 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 will be right in front of you!
- Crabtree Falls Picnic Area - Even if you aren’t hungry, this place is worth a drive-through. Crabtree Falls Picnic Area is one of the most scenic places to enjoy lunch on the entire parkway. Each table has a view. Bon Appetit!
- Crabtree Falls - If you have the time and energy for a longer hike, consider adding Crabtree Falls to your itinerary. This beautiful 70-foot cascading waterfall is a photographer’s delight and a popular destination for hikers. The moderate three-mile loop trail includes steep sections with rocks and roots. There’s also a slightly shorter in-and-out option. See the hiking guide for detailed information.
- Little Switzerland - One of the closest towns to the parkway, the Alpine-themed village of Little Switzerland offers lodging, shopping, and dining. If you have the time and budget, consider visiting Emerald Village. This fun tourist attraction offers family-friendly mining activities where visitors can pan for gold, dig for real gemstones, tour extensive exhibits in their 10-story Discovery Mill, or tour a historic mine. Note that 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.
- Museum of North Carolina Minerals - Located in the heart of the Spruce Pine Mining District, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals features 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 is situated 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.
- The Orchard at Altapass - The Orchard at Altapass is dedicated to growing the best heirloom apples and preserving 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, and “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 a la mode. Check their website for seasonal hours.
- North Cove Overlook - From North Cove Overlook, you’ll be able to see 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.
- 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.
- Bear Den Overlook - In addition to more stunning views, this overlook has an interesting history. The overlook was built on a spot along the mountain where black bears once had a den.
- Linville Caverns - 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 the iconic Linville Falls begin behind the visitor center. Linville Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Grandfather Mountain - 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, and 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 - 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.
- Price Lake - 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.
- Blowing Rock - 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.”
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
What's Not Included
- Optional meals and refreshment: $15-$20
- Optional entrance fees: $10-25+
Additional Information
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.
- 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!”
Location
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Hemphill Knob Road
The tour begins just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville. It covers a 90-mile stretch of the parkway between milepost 384 and 294.
The tour is available both south to north and north to south.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
