Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour

Overview

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.*

City: Roanoke

Wed 11 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $12.99

Check availability

Wed 11 Jun

Starting at $12.99

Check availability

Roanoke Tours

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What's Included

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

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!”

What To Expect

Explore Park

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.

Peaks of Otter Visitor Center

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.

James River Visitor Center

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.

Buena Vista

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.

Raven's Roost Overlook

Raven’s Roost is one of the most popular overlooks on this section of the Parkway. It should only take a few minutes for you to see why. A gorgeous panorama of the valley and mountains below, with two possible locations for photographs. As the name suggests, ravens frequently roost nearby, so it is not uncommon for you to see them perched at this overlook, or soaring high above the valley.

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