Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Departure Point

• (Afton to Roanoke)

• (Roanoke to Afton)

• (Roanake to Asheville)

• (Asheville to Roanoke)

• (Cherokee to Asheville)

• After booking the tour, search your emails for "self-guided tour." Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Return Details

• (Afton to Roanoke)

• (Roanoke to Afton)

• (Roanake to Asheville)

• (Asheville to Roanoke)

• (Cherokee to Asheville)

• After booking the tour, search your emails for "self-guided tour." Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Duration
4 hours

Languages Available

• Audio guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Blue Ridge Parkway
, , North Carolina
As we drive along the parkway, you'll notice spots on the road where you can pull your vehicle to the side. These overlooks are designed to spotlight the mountains' most scenic vistas. There are over 200 of them along the whole Blue Ridge Parkway! Each one features a large wooden sign that lists the name of the mountain or ridge you're looking at, and your current elevation. It's nice to give a little personal touch to the otherwise anonymous and similar-looking mountains that you drive through. NOTE: This 550+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Blue Ridge Parkway in 5+ hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Oconaluftee Visitor Center Parking C
1194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway! The scenic drive follows the iconic Blue Ridge–– that's what we call the eastern side of the Appalachian mountains. As you drive through scenic vistas of majestic mountains, we'll learn about the native Cherokee, the pioneer settlers, and Appalachian culture today. When you’re ready, exit the Visitor Center parking lot and turn left onto the main road.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Ballhoot Scar Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee, NC 28719
If you look out at the ridge beyond, you'll notice a blemish on the landscape, where it looks like the surface of the mountain was scraped off. The scar resembles the aftermath of a landslide. And it kind of was a landslide…. a man-made one.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee, NC
This land was once home to the Cherokee. No one knows exactly how long they lived here, but archaeologists have found artifacts dating back 11,000 years! The Cherokee refer to themselves as "Aniyunwiya," or "the principled people." But when Spanish explorers arrived, they recorded the name as "Chalakee" instead
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Thomas Divide Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee, NC 28719
Folks have reported seeing ghost lights–– dancing white orbs that have no known explanation. These reports aren’t new either. Some locals recall family stories of the lights that date back to the 1700s! At night, you may find dozens of cars parked along the side of the road, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious mountain lights.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Big Witch Overlook
Cherokee, NC 28719
Big Witch was the name of a Cherokee medicine man. But Big Witch didn’t just mix poultices and perform rituals. He was also an eagle hunter! You might be thinking, what kind of doctor kills birds in his line of work? You see, eagle feathers were considered sacred, and they were necessary for healing ceremonies
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Bunches Bald Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
The Appalachian mountains are generally covered in trees from base to peak, but a few mountaintops look more like a grassy prairie than a dense forest. These patches are known as Appalachian Balds, and Bunches Bald is one of them.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Plott Balsam Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
The Plott name is still famous in the Appalachian region, but you’ll never guess why! Henry Plott's family immigrated here from Germany in the late 1700s. They decided to settle in the Blue Ridge Mountains with their children… and five German hunting hounds.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
In the early 1700s, the Cherokee were at war. Not with the encroaching settlers, but with another tribe, the Shawnee. The two tribes were naturally separated by the Blue Ridge Mountain range, which kept them apart… most of the time
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Waterrock Knob
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
As this overlook faces directly to the west, it's a great place to watch the sunset. If you manage to get the timing just right, you're certain to be "thunderstruck" by the brilliant orange sky above the foggy blue mountains.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Yellow Face Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Sylva, NC 28779
This is Blue Ridge Parkway's tallest visitor's center! Located at 5,820 feet in elevation, this location is known for its stunning long-range views of several major Appalachian mountain chains.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Cherokee Rose

This overlook perhaps gives you the best view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Yellow Face Mountain is clearly visible. Beyond it, you can see rows and rows of subsequent ridges, each one fading into the characteristic mist of the Blue Ridge.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Roy Taylor Forest Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Waynesville, NC 28786
From the Trail of Tears emerged the legend of the Cherokee Rose. The flower, in full bloom, features a cluster of snow-white petals surrounding a yellow center. In the story, each petal represents a band of the Cherokee nation, and in the center lies the gold for which their nation was torn apart. In order to access that gold, the white settlers had torn off all the petals.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Cowee Mountain Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Canton, NC 28716
This scenic turnout features a little wooden observation deck so you can get a more immersive view of Blue Ridge. It might seem hard to believe now, but this robust forest was once in serious danger!
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Cathedral Falls And French Broad Falls
State Road 1374, Balsam Grove, NC 28708
This is where you'll find 180-degree views from one of the highest spots on the parkway. Definitely have your camera ready for this panoramic vista!
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead
Blue Ridge Parkway, Canton, NC 28716
It's not just a joke, it's a topographical term! Check out the view. You can see how the mountain ridge seems to suddenly break. In geology, a butt is a ridge that comes to an abrupt end and appears broken off, like the butt of a cigarette.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
Canton, NC 28716
A half-mile walking trail leads over three wooden bridges toward an abandoned historical mill. The wooden mill sits right at the bottom of Mill Shoals. Across the river, there's yet another waterfall: French Broad Falls. This marks the intersection between the French Broad River and Shoal Creek, and it's pretty as a picture.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Pisgah Inn
408 Blue Ridge Parkway, Canton, NC 28716
Black Balsam Knob is one of Blue Ridge's most popular hikes for a reason. It's got a little of everything that makes the Appalachians special, from dense forests to the wide-open meadows and mountaintop vistas.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Beaver Dam Gap Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Candler, NC 28715
Skinny Dip Falls, swimming is not only tolerated–– it's encouraged! This destination features both a waterfall and a swimming hole. You can climb right up the boulders to the top of the waterfall, making this a favorite spot for energetic kids and athletic adults.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Bad Fork Valley Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Arden, NC 28704
Tons and tons of black cherry trees! In the early fall, thousands of birds are attracted by the ripe fruit on these trees. From here, you might also be able to see Looking Glass Rock. You can easily recognize it by the flat rock face that stands out against all the green trees. It's even more obvious after a rainfall: when the sheer cliff face is wet, it reflects the sun like a gigantic mirror
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: French Broad Overlook
3938 Blue Ridge Parkway, Arden, NC 28806
The background behind the name is lost to time, but a couple of legends remain. Some say it's because of a pan-shaped freshwater spring; others say the spot was marked by a frying pan hanging from a tree.
Duration: 5 minutes

Additional Information

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Inclusions

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Exclusions

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Redemption Instructions
Set your tour up NOW ahead of your trip, while in wifi/cell signal. Do not wait until your travel date, your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR.

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:

- Email: Search for “Action Tour Guide” with a subject line "Your tour operator sent you a message.". Check All Mail and Spam.

- Text: Search for “Action Tour Guide” sent from 14159804997.

- Viator App Messages: Viator App > Bookings > View Voucher > Contact Tour Operator

- TripAdvisor App Messages: TripAdvisor App > Account > Messages

Can’t find it? Ask Action Tour Guide to resend: actiontourguide.com/redeem/

2. Download The Tour NOW:

You MUST follow the instructions and download your tour BEFORE traveling to the site over WiFi/cellular. Do NOT wait until your travel date to download the tour.

Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR. The tour is not tied to your travel date and is valid any day, any time for multiple visits for one year from your purchase date.

3. Audio Tour Tips

Not familiar with Action Tour Guide’s audio tours? Watch a short video: actiontourguide.com/tutorial

Important Note: Your purchase is for the audio tour ONLY. It does not include entrance tickets to parks or attractions.

CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use the phone speakers if needed.

Support: Action Tour Guide is here to help! For quick answers read the Action Tour Guide website FAQs at actiontourguide.com/faq. For further help, call Action Tour Guide at 1315-291-0634, chat online at actiontourguide.com, or email support@actiontourguide.com.

Road Closure Update: Due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene, the Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed between Milepost 280 and Milepost 469 in North Carolina. This section is inaccessible to all traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles, as repairs are ongoing. Additional closures may exist in other areas. Please check for road conditions and updates on nps.gov.

Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Adventures with Action in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.

This offer is not eligible for promo codes.