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Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour

3 Reviews 3.67 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Asheville, USA
Book online or call us

from $12.99 per group (up to 7)

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Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
11 to 13 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey from Asheville to Cherokee with this Blue Ridge Parkway self-guided driving tour.

As you set out on this scenic drive, our audio tour guide will be your trusty companion, sharing intriguing stories about the region's past and present.

The journey from Asheville to Cherokee is more than just a drive; it's a chance to immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Explore the diverse ecosystems of the mountains, take leisurely strolls through vibrant forests, and take in views from scenic overlooks.

Feel like stretching your legs? We've got you covered with suggestions for scenic hikes and outdoor activities that cater to all levels of adventurers.

So, book your experience now and let us be your compass on this remarkable voyage through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

Download the app to access your purchased tours.

What's Included

  • Tours NEVER expire
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace
  • Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
  • Private Transportation
  • Parking Fees
  • Meals & Refreshments
See 2 moreSee 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Asheville
NC, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Cherokee
NC, USA

Tour ends at Newfound Gap Rd. You can also take the tour in the opposite direction, starting in Cherokee, NC, and ending near Asheville.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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The North Carolina Arboretum

This elegant arboretum is a massive 400-acre park with cultivated gardens, a cool Bonsai tree display, and some hiking trails through forests and mountains. There’s a small cafe that’s handy for a light meal or beverage.Those looking for easy or accessible walks through beautiful gardens and trees should prioritize this stop.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Bad Fork Valley Overlook

Heading south from Asheville, this is the first overlook after you’ve driven up into the mountains and gained some more elevation. But, there are plenty of overlooks to come.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Beaver Dam Gap Overlook

Most overlooks along the Parkway offer a view pointed in one direction. But here, up on a ridgeline, you can get a lovely view in either direction from the parking lot.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mt. Pisgah Trailhead

Mt. Pisgah is easily visible from the Asheville area, and now you have the opportunity to hike to the top. It’s about a 4.5 mile, or 7 kilometer, round-trip hike to the top, and rated moderate to strenuous. It’s a rewarding view when the summit’s not covered by clouds.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Pisgah Inn

A touch of civilization before heading further into the woods. Grab a meal at the restaurant, or some grab-and-go food and snacks at the shop or wayside building.But make sure to check out the observation deck and rocking chairs, just behind the restaurant, for a really marvelous view of the mountains.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower

This hike is a little different, following an old gravel road instead of a trail. It’s a moderate hike uphill, but it ends at an old, steel lookout tower, and the view from the top is outstanding. The hike is about a mile and a half round trip.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Cradle of Forestry

This overlook stands above the site of an old forestry school owned by the Vanderbilts. Today, the grove of trees is still going strong.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cradle of Forestry in America

Learn about the birth of forestry education at this tidy little museum. The interactive exhibits are a nice change of pace for kids in tow, and everyone will enjoy the air-conditioning and history. The grounds include easy, paved trails that pass the buildings from the school.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Sliding Rock

This gently-graded waterfall doubles as a natural waterslide! Don your swimsuits, then wait in line to slide down into the chilly pool below. A lifeguard is on duty during the busy summer months.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Looking Glass Falls

This 60-foot, or 18-meter waterfall, is one of the most popular in North Carolina because you can see it from the road! There’s no need for a hike for this one.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Coon Tree Picnic Area

Flush toilets and picnic tables are the highlight here, and it’s also a handy spot to turn around and park for Looking Glass Falls.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Skinny Dip Falls

The trail to Skinny Dip Falls is about a mile round trip and is easy to moderate. It’s not the most impressive waterfall on the tour, but some people enjoy taking a dip in the pool.The trailhead is across the Parkway from Looking Glass Rock Overlook, which is a great view of the granite monolith Looking Glass Rock.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Haywood County

Graveyard Fields got its spooky name, and look, from a series of natural disasters. But it’s also one of the most popular hiking spots on the entire Parkway because there are two waterfalls.The first waterfall is on a fairly easy loop trail, about a mile and a half long. To see the other waterfall, add another mile and a half on a connected spur road.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Black Balsam Knob

Just off the Parkway, this trail is about one and a half miles round-trip. The moderately-difficult hike takes you to a 360-degree panorama of the mountains.So if the weather’s nice, this could be the best view of the day. The view is open most of the way up, so the reward is well worth the effort.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Devil's Courthouse

You can enjoy this impressive cliff from the overlook, or you can hike to the top. A path heads up through the woods and comes out at the summit, where you can see four states. It’s under a mile round-trip, and will probably take around 45 minutes. But it’s also a pretty steep hike.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cowee Mountain Overlook

Our vote for the best overlook on the tour! There’s nothing blocking your view as you gaze at miles upon miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail

The view from the overlook is just okay, but the main attraction here is the Richland Balsam Trail, a moderately difficult one-and-a-half-mile loop through the forest. It’s a nice walk through the woods if you have time.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Richland Balsam Overlook

The view from this overlook is mostly concealed by trees, but it’s the highest point on the entire Parkway at 6053 feet or over 1800 meters. There’s a sign designating the overlook as the highest point, which is a popular photo opp.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lone Bald Overlook

There are a series of excellent overlooks in a row on this stretch of the Parkway. We like this one because of the nice layered look of the mountains marching away in the distance.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Standing Rock Overlook

Near the entrance to this overlook is a large, standalone boulder that’s a popular photo op.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Waterrock Knob

The view from this large overlook is one of the best on the entire Parkway, from over 6,000 feet up. There are plenty of picnic tables, as well as a small visitor center.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook

This is another splendid overlook of the layered mountains and valleys beyond.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Soco Falls

Just about a mile off the Parkway, Soco Falls is a double waterfall, with two cascades meeting together at a pool. The waterfall is actually visible a few steps from the parking lot. But, if you’re game for a little scramble, the best view is at the base of the falls.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bunches Bald Overlook

A lower elevation overlook, compared to the heights up near Waterrock Knob, but still lovely and possibly a terrific spot for fall colors.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 23 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-102020P186

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.67
3 reviews

Average 3.67 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Tours NEVER expire.
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace.
  • Offline map (no wifi or data needed).
  • Turn-by-turn directions using GPS.
  • Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music.
The following is NOT included:
  • Private Transportation.
  • Parking Fees.
  • Meals & Refreshments.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Tours NEVER expire
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace
  • Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
  • Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
  • Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
  • Private Transportation
  • Parking Fees
  • Meals & Refreshments

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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 a full day (~8 hours)
  • 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

Report Product Issue

Activity name