Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour
Roanoke
About
Explore the northernmost section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to discover scenic overlooks, hiking trails for all levels, and even a historic resort.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Serene lakes and picturesque trails await at Peaks of Otter, a tranquil haven along the Parkway.
• Conquer the challenging trail to Humpback Rocks for breathtaking Shenandoah Valley views that reward your journey.
• Immerse yourself in the Parkway's history and nature at the James River Visitor Center, a gateway to understanding the region.
• Step into the past at Explore Park, where living history and interactive exhibits revive Virginia's heritage.
• Find relaxation and recre...
Highlights
From 8 hours to 9 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 8 hours to 9 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Tours NEVER expire
Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
Take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
Tour Start is Customizable
Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Meals and refreshment
Parking Fees
Explore Park
Chimney Rock Day Admission
Sherando Lake (Price Varies)
Meeting Points
Departure
120 Blue Rdg Pkwy
Tour Starts at Blue Ridge Parkway South of Roanoke, VA at the southern end of Mill Mountain Parkway. (Tour can be started vice versa.)
Return
Waynesboro
The tour ends south of Waynesboro, VA near Afton.
Important Information
•
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
•
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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
•
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
•
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
•
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
Items | Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour
Itinerary
1
Explore Park
The first stop along our tour, this state-run park has a visitor center with helpful staff and a gift shop featuring arts and crafts from local artists. Want to start the day off with a hike?
This place has you covered, with a variety of trails for all levels of experience. There’s even a section with a zipline, obstacle course, and trampoline park. Expect to spend more time here, depending on what you want to do.
30 minutes
2
The Quarry Overlook
The first overlook on our tour today. Features views of the distant mountains as well as a real, working quarry.
5 minutes
3
The Great Valley Overlook
The Great Valley runs through the Appalachian Mountains from New York State all the way down to Alabama. This overlook gives you a fantastic view of the valley below.
The valley itself was once used by Native Americans as part of the Great Warrior path, as well as by settlers on their way to the frontier.
5 minutes
4
Montvale Overlook
This is another perspective on the mountains, complete with the small town of Montvale in the distance.
5 minutes
5
Pine Tree Overlook
Here we have a beautiful 180-degree vista broken only by a lone pine tree. Is this the pine tree that gives the overlook its name? No one is really sure, but it makes for great photographs.
5 minutes
6
Porter Mountain View
As the name suggests, this overlook offers a profile view of Porter’s Mountain. Additionally, you can see down into the Goose Creek Valley, over 2000 feet below.
5 minutes
7
Peaks of Otter Visitor Center
The first visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway today is also the most popular. It has everything you could possibly want. There’s a museum dedicated to the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There is a ranger-staffed desk for all of your questions about the area. There’s a general store with provisions for the road, as well as a gift shop for souvenirs. There’s even a restroom if you feel the call of nature.
In the rear of the Center, you will find an amphitheater that hosts presentations, as well as the start of two separate trails. The Elk Run trail is moderately easy and should take you about 45 minutes.
The Harkening Hill trail, on the other hand, is pretty difficult and will take around 5 hours in total. We recommend the Elk Run, it’s far more manageable and will help you get back on the road.
45 minutes
8
Peaks of Otter Lodge
This hotel is within sight of the Visitor Center. It is the only food and lodging available directly on the Parkway itself.
Reservations are recommended if you would like to stay in one of the rooms, but any visitor is welcome to enjoy the restaurant. There’s sit-down dining or grab-and-go food available.
Don’t forget to check out the view of the Peaks of Otter from behind the lodge! There’s also a peaceful walk around a man-made lake. It’s paved, shady, and ADA-compliant.
It’s the least difficult walk on your tour today, and should only take about 30 minutes, depending on how much of the scenery you want to take in.
1 hour
9
Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead
Despite the name, there are no apples to be found at the Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead. What you can find is a moderately strenuous walk down to a beautiful waterfall.
Though relatively small, the falls are quite picturesque and make for a great reward for navigating this well-marked trail. Remember, though, it’s not the walk down that’s difficult, it’s the walk back up!
1 hour
10
Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook
Once again, there are unfortunately no apples to be found here at this overlook. What you can find is a breathtaking view, as this is the highest Parkway elevation in all of Virginia at 3950 feet above sea level.
5 minutes
11
Thunder Ridge Overlook
One of the more popular overlooks along the Parkway, Thunder Ridge gives a panoramic view of the Arnold Valley below. There is a stone platform that gives you the opportunity to take outstanding pictures with no interruptions.
Additionally, there is a short 10-minute leg stretcher trail back to the parking lot. Also features access to the Appalachian trail for a much longer hike.
10 minutes
12
James River Visitor Center
This smaller Visitor Center is definitely worth the visit. For one thing, it is the lowest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s right, we’ve gone from the highest to the lowest point in Virginia, all on one tour!
Features in the Center include information panels about the natural history of the Parkway area, as well as a ranger-staffed desk.
30 minutes
13
Otter Lake Waterfalls
A moderately difficult loop trail that takes around Otter Lake. There’s a stone bridge over the creek as well as a man-made waterfall and a fishing pier (if you already have the required license).
45 minutes
14
Indian Gap Rocks
If you skip over the longer trail at Otter Lake, Indian Gap Rocks is a great stop for stretching your legs. It is under a mile out and back and features several rock formations.
10 minutes
15
Buena Vista
Located just a few minutes off of the Parkway, Buena Vista is an ideal stop if you need to fill up on gas. It’s also perfect for food, with several local restaurants and national chains, with something for everyone.
45 minutes
16
Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook
Chimney Rock Mountain is another wonderful overlook, this time boasting trees in the middle, giving you two different views for the price of one.
5 minutes
17
Irish Creek Valley Overlook
You can see for miles and miles from the Irish Creek Valley Overlook. The Creek and valley were named for the Scotch-Irish immigrants who settled in the area in the 17th century.
5 minutes
18
Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead to Wigwam Falls
There are two short walks at Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead. One leads along the re-created tracks of an abandoned railroad, originally used to move timber from a logging operation.
If you walk to the left of the tracks, you will see another trail that leads to Wigwam Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls on this section of the Parkway.
20 minutes
19
Whetstone Ridge Visitor Center
More of a short break than a true Visitor Center, Whetstone Ridge is only necessary if you need to use a clean restroom. There are no other amenities at this stop.
5 minutes
20
Big Spy Mountain Overlook
If you did not stop to stretch your legs at Whetstone Visitor Center, you have another chance here at this 10-minute short trail. It leads up a hill where you can get a decent view of the surrounding mountain.
10 minutes
21
20-Minute Cliff Overlook
This overlook was named for an interesting trick of the light. From the nearby town of White Rock, the sun will hit these rocks exactly 20 minutes before sundown in the Summer.
5 minutes
22
Sherando Lake
A true hidden gem just off of the parkway, Sherando Lake features several outdoor activities. There is a beach, ideal for relaxing or playing in the sand. There are two man-made lakes, one for fishing and the other for water sports like swimming, canoeing, or kayaking.
You'll also discover multiple trails with all levels of difficulty. There is even a Visitor Center which features all of the amenities you could ask for.
Sherando Lake parking costs $8 per vehicle.
1 hour
23
Raven's Roost Overlook
Raven’s Roost is one of the most popular overlooks on this section of the Parkway. It should only take a few minutes for you to see why. A gorgeous panorama of the valley and mountains below, with two possible locations for photographs.
As the name suggests, ravens frequently roost nearby, so it is not uncommon for you to see them perched at this overlook, or soaring high above the valley.
5 minutes
24
Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Picnic Area
This is the final Visitor Center on our tour today, as well as the second-to-last stop. In addition to the museum exhibits, this is It is a great place to plan your next Virginia road trip. You can also get a last-minute souvenir, or ask any questions at the ranger station.
Outside of the Center itself, there are a variety of trails, including a branch of the Appalachian Trail. There’s also a very easy one that will take you through a re-creation of a settler’s farmstead.
Historical reenactors will demonstrate techniques and give lectures on how the settlers survived in the Blue Ridge region. There is also a more difficult trail that leads to the Humpback Rocks themselves, with a 360-degree view as your reward.
20 minutes
25
Afton Overlook
This is the final stop on our tour, and it does not disappoint. Afton Overlook is a great overlook for a last look at the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially if you are here as the sun sets.
So are you ready to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia? Here’s everything you need to know before you go! And, if you’re looking for the ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, check out the Blue Ridge Parkway Tour Bundle!
5 minutes
Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour
Roanoke
Select Date & Travelers
From
$13.00
Price varies by group size
About
Explore the northernmost section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to discover scenic overlooks, hiking trails for all levels, and even a historic resort.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Serene lakes and picturesque trails await at Peaks of Otter, a tranquil haven along the Parkway.
• Conquer the challenging trail to Humpback Rocks for breathtaking Shenandoah Valley views that reward your journey.
• Immerse yourself in the Parkway's history and nature at the James River Visitor Center, a gateway to understanding the region.
• Step into the past at Explore Park, where living history and interactive exhibits revive Virginia's heritage.
• Find relaxation and recre...
Highlights
From 8 hours to 9 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 8 hours to 9 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Tours NEVER expire
Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
Take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
Tour Start is Customizable
Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Meals and refreshment
Parking Fees
Explore Park
Chimney Rock Day Admission
Sherando Lake (Price Varies)
Meeting Points
Departure
120 Blue Rdg Pkwy
Tour Starts at Blue Ridge Parkway South of Roanoke, VA at the southern end of Mill Mountain Parkway. (Tour can be started vice versa.)