Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour

8–9 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Shenandoah Lake — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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 recreation at Sherando Lake, a serene escape perfect for swimming and picnicking.

Witness nature's grandeur at Thunder Ridge Overlook, where sweeping vistas showcase the Parkway's beauty.

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

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At a glance

Duration: 8–9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: Shaka Guide Apps

What is included

Included

Included: Tours NEVER expire
Included: Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Included: Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
Included: Take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
Included: Tour Start is Customizable
Included: Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Included: Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Included: Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
Included: Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Not included

Not included: Meals and refreshment
Not included: Private Transportation

Itinerary

Explore Park

30 min

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.
Stop 2

5 min

The first overlook on our tour today. Features views of the distant mountains as well as a real, working quarry.
Stop 3

5 min

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.
Stop 4

5 min

This is another perspective on the mountains, complete with the small town of Montvale in the distance.
Stop 5

5 min

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.
Stop 6

5 min

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.
Peaks of Otter Visitor Center

45 min

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.
Stop 8

one hour

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.
Stop 9

one hour

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!
Stop 10

5 min

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.
Stop 11

10 min

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.
James River Visitor Center

30 min

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.
Stop 13

45 min

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).
Stop 14

10 min

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.
Buena Vista

45 min

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.
Stop 16

5 min

Chimney Rock Mountain is another wonderful overlook, this time boasting trees in the middle, giving you two different views for the price of one.
Stop 17

5 min

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.
Stop 18

20 min

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.
Stop 19

5 min

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.
Stop 20

10 min

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.
Stop 21

5 min

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.
Stop 22

one hour

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.
Raven's Roost Overlook

5 min

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.
Stop 24

20 min

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.
Stop 25

5 min

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!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Tour Starts at Blue Ridge Parkway South of Roanoke, VA at the southern end of Mill Mountain Parkway. (Tour can be started vice versa.)

End point

The tour ends south of Waynesboro, VA near Afton.

Using your ticket

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Blue Ridge Virginia Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)

2. Open the app and sign in/create your account

3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases

4. Tap on Redeem Purchases

5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode)

6. Tap on Redeem Purchases

7. Download your tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

TOUR IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to check current road closures before your trip, as sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway may be closed due to weather, maintenance, or other conditions.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at [email protected] or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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 6+ hours
No entrance fee
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