Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour worth booking?
Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour is a 11-hour experience in Asheville, United States, from $13 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (3)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $13 per person
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 intrigui
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
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
Not included
- Private Transportation
- Parking Fees
- Meals & Refreshments
What you'll see and do
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.
60 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
120 minutes here
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.
15 minutes here
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.
60 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
60 minutes here
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.
60 minutes here
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.
15 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
45 minutes here
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.
60 minutes here
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.
60 minutes here
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.
45 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
60 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
Near the entrance to this overlook is a large, standalone boulder that’s a popular photo op.
5 minutes here
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.
45 minutes here
This is another splendid overlook of the layered mountains and valleys beyond.
5 minutes here
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.
20 minutes here
A lower elevation overlook, compared to the heights up near Waterrock Knob, but still lovely and possibly a terrific spot for fall colors.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Asheville
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tour ends at Newfound Gap Rd. You can also take the tour in the opposite direction, starting in Cherokee, NC, and ending near Asheville.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shaka Guide Apps
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ok
Good option but has “stories” that drag on too long with cheesy fake accents. Would be much better with brief stories.
Response from the operator: Aloha Kelley, Mahalo for your review and for taking the time to share your honest feedback with us! We are glad to hear that Shaka Guide was a good option for your drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway South, but we truly appreciate your notes about the storytelling pacing and the accents. We aim for a balance of entertainment and history, so knowing where the commentary felt a bit too long or missed the mark helps our creative team immensely as we work on updates. Because this tour was purchased through Viator, the quickest path to getting a helping hand or a refund is usually right through your Viator ticket. They're set up to help you with that right away. If you ever want to dive deeper into what happened, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at aloha@shakaguide.com. We’d truly be grateful for the opportunity to connect and see what we can do to make things right. Mahalo for letting us know, Shaka Guide Support
via Viator
Blue ridge Trail Road
Difficulty getting the starting point. Directions are unclear because we only got music for the first 2 hours prior to finding the commentary.
Response from the operator: Aloha Dennis, Mahalo for your review and for sharing your honest experience with us. We are so incredibly sorry to hear about the difficulty you had finding the starting point and that you only experienced music for the first two hours of your drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway South. Because this tour was purchased through Viator, the quickest path to getting a helping hand or a refund is usually right through your Viator ticket. They're set up to help you with that right away. If you ever want to dive deeper into what happened, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at aloha@shakaguide.com. We’d truly be grateful for the opportunity to connect and see what we can do to make things right. Mahalo for letting us know, Shaka Guide Support
via Viator
Learning packed tour for visitors and locals alike
This app is super cool! I'm a local in WNC and still really enjoyed the experience of exploring the map, seeing all of the stops, and learning tons of new information. I appreciate that you can play the audio clips even if you're not driving in case you decide to skip a spot or want to preview.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Asheville.
How much does Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour cost?
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Prices start at $13 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Asheville usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Asheville is not rushed.
Is Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Asheville, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Asheville can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Asheville and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Asheville within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Asheville?
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Asheville pairs Biltmore Estate visits with Blue Ridge Parkway waterfall tours, brewery crawls through one of the densest beer scenes in America, and guided hikes in Pisgah. Biltmore ticket handling and parkway route detail are what to check. On Outty we rank every Asheville experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Blue Ridge Parkway and Waterfall Hiking Tour from Asheville, Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views, Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour in Hendersonville. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Asheville?
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April to June and October for autumn colour. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Asheville?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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