Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour
Things to know
About the 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.*8 hours to 9 hours
Private Tour
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Inclusions & Exclusions
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
Entrance Fees
More Activities in Roanoke
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Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Explore Park
56 Roanoke River Pkwy, Roanoke, United States, 24014The 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 • Admission Ticket FreeView Location2
The first overlook on our tour today. Features views of the distant mountains as well as a real, working quarry.5 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
3
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 • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
4
This is another perspective on the mountains, complete with the small town of Montvale in the distance.5 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
5
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 • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
6
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 • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
7
Peaks of Otter Visitor Center
Blue Ridge Parkway, , United States, 24523The 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 • Admission Ticket FreeView Location8
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 • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
Meeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
Tour Starts at Blue Ridge Parkway South of Roanoke, VA at the southern end of Mill Mountain Parkway. (Tour can be started vice versa.)View Location
End point
1
The tour ends south of Waynesboro, VA near Afton.View Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional 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.
- 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!”
Language And Guide
Audio Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketHOW 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 go to the support tab 3. Click Account Settings 4. Click Retrieve Purchases 5. Select Use Redeem Code (the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket, located under the barcode) 6. Sign up with your email ID 7. Enter the redeem code shared above in the message. Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app. For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go. We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138 DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/downloadCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in America/New_York time to receive 100% refund.
Operated by Shaka Guide AppsCreated on 30 Jan 2024Created on 07 Jul 2025
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