Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour

Why choose this Roanoke tour ?

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.

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Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour

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What makes Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour a unique experience ?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Tour Description & Additional Info:

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!”

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Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour
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