Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Things to know
About the Activity
Experience the beautiful southeast along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Cruise from the edge of the Great Smokies National Park to Shenandoah on this scenic highway bathed in blue mist. Snap photos from jaw-dropping overlooks, spot incredible wildlife, and uncover fascinating history and legends of the Cherokee as you drive. This self-guided driving tour reveals the parkway’s best sites and the hidden history behind it all! Begin your tour in Cherokee, Asheville, Roanoke, or Afton and drive in either direction. 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 — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips! This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.4 hours
Private Tour
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Traveler : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
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!
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
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Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Blue Ridge Parkway
, United StatesAs 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. 5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location2
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
3
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location
4
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
5 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
5
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. 5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location
6
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 ceremonies5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location
7
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location
8
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location
Meeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
(Afton to Roanoke) View Location
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(Roanoke to Afton)View Location
3
(Roanake to Asheville)View Location
4
(Asheville to Roanoke)View Location
5
(Cherokee to Asheville)View Location
6
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.View Location
End point
1
(Afton to Roanoke) View Location
2
(Roanoke to Afton)View Location
3
(Roanake to Asheville)View Location
4
(Asheville to Roanoke)View Location
5
(Cherokee to Asheville)View Location
6
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.View Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
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 with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: 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. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
- Flexibility and Convenience: • 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. • 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: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • 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.
Language And Guide
Audio Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketYou’re not done yet! It’s time to set up the tour you purchased. Follow these steps now, while in wifi/signal. Do NOT wait until your travel date or while onsite. 1. Find the tour setup instructions: >> Email: search for the phrase "Your tour operator sent you a message” OR “Set up your Action Tour Guide self-guided tour now." If it’s not in Inbox, check All Mail. >> Viator App Messages: open the app, check Bookings, select View Voucher, and click on Contact Tour Operator >> TripAdvisor App Messages: open the app, check Account, select Messages >> Text: check for a text from 415-980-4997 >> Can’t find it? Ask us to resend: https://actiontourguide.com/redeem/ 2. Follow the set up instructions NOW, not later: >> MUST do this before traveling to site. Requires WiFi/signal. >> Do NOT wait until your travel date to access the tour for the first time. The tour is not tied to your travel date. 3. Not familiar with our self-guided audio tours? Watch this quick tutorial: https://actiontourguide.com/tutorial ⚠️ CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed. ⚠️ Important Note: Your purchase is for the audio tour ONLY. It does not include entrance tickets to parks or attractions. Temporary Closures Due to Winter Road Maintenance From late fall through the winter, park personnel conduct winter maintenance activities in multiple sections of the Parkway. These daily closures require full, 2-lane closures to all uses during the workday. For more information, visit the (National Park Service) website. Have a question - We’re here to help! For quick answers, visit the app's FAQ section or our website at actiontourguide.com/faq. If you need further assistance, please call us at +1 714-333-0534, chat with us online, or email us at support@actiontourguide.com. We're committed to providing you with the support you need every step of the way!Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in America/New_York time to receive 100% refund.
Reviews from Travelers
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No reviews found!Operated by Adventures with ActionCreated on 02 May 2022Created on 21 Oct 2024
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