Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour | 3 hours to 4 hours

1 Review | Great Smoky Mountains National Park
From $14.99 per group Lowest Price Guarantee
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Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour
2 Adults x $14.99
$29.98
Approx Total
$29.98

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Easy-to-use app: download Actionā€™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!
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Overview

From the mysterious Cherokee lands to the bustling metropolis of Asheville, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Explore the Appalachian Highlands and be astonished by lush scenery, panoramic views, and flowing waterfalls against misty blue peaks. Explore Cherokee history and animals to capture their essence. Asheville's artistic flair and historic charm will remind you of this route's wonderful balance of nature and culture. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. New, extra validity ā€” now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips! This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Meeting points

After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Itinerary

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    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.

    5 minutes

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    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 landslideā€¦. a man-made one.

    10 minutes

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    Folks have reported seeing ghost lightsā€“ā€“ dancing white orbs that have no known explanation. These reports arenā€™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.

    10 minutes

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    Big Witch was the name of a Cherokee medicine man. But Big Witch didnā€™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

    10 minutes

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    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.

    10 minutes

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    Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway! The scenic drive follows the iconic Blue Ridgeā€“ā€“ 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 youā€™re ready, exit the Visitor Center parking lot and turn left onto the main road. This 50+ mile tour covers all the essentials of Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) in 2-3 hours.

    10 minutes

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    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 apartā€¦ most of the time

    10 minutes

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    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.

    10 minutes

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    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.

    10 minutes

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    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.

    10 minutes

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    The Plott name is still famous in the Appalachian region, but youā€™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 childrenā€¦ and five German hunting hounds.

    10 minutes

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    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!

    5 minutes

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    Richland Balsam, perched at 6,410 feet on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a serene natural haven offering sweeping vistas of the Appalachian Mountains. This highest point along the parkway invites hikers to explore its lush trails, particularly enchanting during the fall foliage season, while providing a tranquil escape for those seeking solace amidst the stunning beauty of the southeastern United States.

    10 minutes

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    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!

    5 minutes

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    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.

    5 minutes

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    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.

    5 minutes

  • Black Balsam Knob

    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.

    5 minutes

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    Skinny Dip Falls, swimming is not only toleratedā€“ā€“ 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.

    5 minutes

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    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

    5 minutes

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    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.

    5 minutes

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    Pisgah Inn is a great place to stop for a moment. The inn features a public cafe, a gift shop of local artisan crafts, and a country store for all your Parkway travel necessities. But the REAL reason to visit Pisgah Inn is the view.

    5 minutes

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    For a great hike and overlook, take a right just ahead and find a spot to park. This leads to the Mount Pisgah Trailhead.

    5 minutes

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    At Mills River, you can actually get a good view of the mountains from BOTH sides of the Parkway. Chestnut Ridge is to the west, and Big Ridge is to the east. This 360-degree panoramic scope fully immerses you in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

    5 minutes

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    Down in the valley below, you'll see the meandering creek of Bad Fork. It's covered by laurel blossoms and surrounded by hardwood forests.

    5 minutes

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    French Broad River is unique for a few reasons. First, it's believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the entire world, at 250 million years old. Second, it's one of the ONLY rivers in the country that flows to the north rather than south.

    5 minutes

  • Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

    The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway experience. Located at milepost 384, this welcoming center provides travelers with essential information, maps, and exhibits to enhance their journey along one of America's most scenic drives.

    5 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • How to access: Once you book a tour, youā€™ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: ā€¢ Download the separate app ā€¢ Enter the password ā€¢ Download the tour ā€¢ MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Actionā€™s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. ā€¢ If there is just one tour, launch it. ā€¢ If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. ā€¢ Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). ā€¢ The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. ā€¢ Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour ā€” priced per person! ā€” when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: ā€¢ Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. ā€¢ Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: ā€¢The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. ā€¢ Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: ā€¢ The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. ā€¢ There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: ā€¢ Utilize the appā€™s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: ā€¢ After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. ā€¢ Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: ā€¢ Open the app upon arrival at your destination. ā€¢ Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. ā€¢ Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. ā€¢ Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. ā€¢ By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
  • CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed.

Free Cancellation

February 06100% refund
February 07No refund

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

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experienceā€™s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experienceā€™s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experienceā€™s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experienceā€™s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If itā€™s canceled due to poor weather, youā€™ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

5.0

1 review

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    1
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-1 of 1 reviews with 5 stars

Driving from Cherokee to Asheville

Published on Nov, 2024

The road is excellent, low speed limit and plenty of places to pull off and see the view. The views are spectacular. The little streams next to the mountain side are just beautiful.

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