Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah Valley Overlook - The initial overlook on the tour offers a glimpse of the scenic beauty ahead. It provides views of the northern Shenandoah Valley and the town of Front Royal, where the journey begins.

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center - This outstanding Visitor Center offers area information, a bookstore, souvenirs, and clean restrooms.

Signal Knob Overlook - Facing west, Signal Knob Overlook provides a view of Signal Knob, a small mountain once used as a Confederate lookout during the Civil War.

Compton Peak Trailhead - A moderately challenging 2.4-mile round-trip hike along part of the Appalachian Trail, featuring a geological formation known as columnar jointing, resembling stacked columns.

Elkwallow Wayside - Similar to a convenience store, this wayside offers groceries, camping supplies, grab-and-go food options, and a small gift shop.

Luray Caverns - Among the largest and most popular cavern systems in the eastern U.S., Luray Caverns attract millions annually. The caves’ natural beauty is breathtaking, with vast chambers filled with:

• stalactites
• stalagmites
• columns
• crystal-clear pools reflecting the stunning formations above.

Luray Caverns also have a rich history, being a popular tourist spot for over a century. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history lover, or seeking an unforgettable experience, Luray Caverns is a must-visit.

Hazel Mountain Overlook - Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. It’s a popular spot for photography and appreciating the park’s beauty.

Jewell Hollow Overlook - Offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains descending into the valley, with a distant view of the manmade Morning Star Lake, created by the Dry Run Dam.

Stony Man Mountain Overlook - Provides an uninterrupted 180-degree view of the valley below and the distant mountains.

Skyland Upper Loop - Skyland in Shenandoah National Park offers a serene mountain retreat. At 3,680 feet, it presents stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy rustic cabins, scenic trails, and delightful cuisine. Immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility and beauty.

Limberlost Trail - An easy walk through the woods on a paved path, Limberlost Trail is the only ADA-accessible hike on today’s route. It features a self-guided brochure and informational signs for kids of all ages, known as a TRACK trail, turning the walk into a scavenger hunt!

Crescent Rock Overlook - A western-facing overlook with views of Hawksbill Peak, the highest mountain in the Valley. It also has an informational sign detailing the National Park’s history and the removal of people who lived within its boundaries.

Hawksbill Summit Via Upper Hawksbill Trailhead - A 2-mile round-trip hike to the park’s highest peak, offering a stunning 360-degree view of the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Virginia Piedmont.

Dark Hollow Falls - A 1.5-mile out-and-back hike that is deceptively difficult. Despite the short distance, it’s steep and rocky, leading to a waterfall and back to the trailhead. It’s a popular path for a reason - the waterfall is worth the walk.

The Point Overlook - Located at the top of a short but steep trail, offering views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the town of Elkton.

The Oaks Overlook - Provides a narrow yet expansive view of the Shenandoah Valley.

South River Picnic Area - A large picnic area with tables, cooking grates, restrooms, and water available from Spring to Fall. The main attraction is the South River Falls hike, a 3.3-mile moderately difficult hike to an observation point and the base of an 83-foot waterfall. It also offers a hike on a section of the Appalachian Trail.

Rockytop Overlook - Offers views of the rugged southern section of the park, with several mountains running parallel to the overlook.

Loft Mountain Wayside - A perfect place to rest, offering a camp store, restrooms, and a picnic area.

Blackrock Summit - A one-mile out-and-back trail with views of the valley below and Massanutten Mountain in the distance. It’s easy and features informational pamphlets and a scavenger hunt for kids.

Horsehead Mountain Overlook - Offers a northwestern view of the distant Horsehead Mountain, named for its distinctive shape resembling a horse’s head.

Turk Mountain Trailhead - An easy 2.2-mile round-trip hike to the top of Turk Mountain, offering a western view of the valley, perfect for sunset pictures.

Sawmill Run Overlook - Faces southwest, ideal for sunset pictures. After this last stop, you’ll be about a mile from Waynesboro, Virginia - the starting point for Shaka Guide’s Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Tour. Combine both tours for the ultimate adventure!

Blue Ridge Parkway - Virginia

Explore Park - The first stop on the tour, this state-run park has a visitor center with helpful staff and a gift shop featuring local arts and crafts. It offers a variety of trails for all experience levels, a zipline, obstacle course, and trampoline park.

The Quarry Overlook - The first overlook today, featuring views of distant mountains and a working quarry.

The Great Valley Overlook - Offers a fantastic view of the Great Valley, which runs through the Appalachian Mountains from New York to Alabama. Once used by Native Americans and settlers, it holds historical significance.

Montvale Overlook - Provides another perspective on the mountains, with the small town of Montvale in the distance.

Pine Tree Overlook - Features a beautiful 180-degree vista interrupted only by a lone pine tree, making for great photographs.

Porter Mountain View - Offers a profile view of Porter’s Mountain and a view down into Goose Creek Valley, over 2000 feet below.

Peaks of Otter Visitor Center - The most popular visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a museum, ranger-staffed desk, general store, gift shop, and restrooms. It also features an amphitheater and two trails: the moderately easy Elk Run and the difficult Harkening Hill.

Peaks of Otter Lodge - Located near the Visitor Center, this hotel offers food and lodging directly on the Parkway. Reservations are recommended, but visitors can enjoy the restaurant and the view of the Peaks of Otter from behind the lodge.

Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead - A moderately strenuous walk to a picturesque waterfall. The falls are small but beautiful, rewarding those who navigate the well-marked trail.

Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook - Offers a breathtaking view as the highest Parkway elevation in Virginia at 3950 feet above sea level.

Thunder Ridge Overlook - A popular overlook with a panoramic view of Arnold Valley. Features a stone platform for outstanding pictures and access to the Appalachian Trail.

James River Visitor Center - The lowest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering information panels on the area’s natural history and a ranger-staffed desk.

Otter Lake Waterfalls - A moderately difficult loop trail around Otter Lake, featuring a stone bridge, man-made waterfall, and fishing pier.

Indian Gap Rocks - A short walk featuring several rock formations, perfect for stretching your legs.

Buena Vista - An ideal stop for gas and food, with local restaurants and national chains.

Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook - Offers two different views due to trees in the middle.

Irish Creek Valley Overlook - Provides miles of views, named for the Scotch-Irish immigrants who settled the area.

Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead to Wigwam Falls - Features two short walks: one along re-created railroad tracks and another to Wigwam Falls, a popular waterfall.

Whetstone Ridge Visitor Center - A short break with clean restrooms, but no other amenities.

Big Spy Mountain Overlook - Offers a 10-minute short trail for a decent view of the surrounding mountain.

20-Minute Cliff Overlook - Named for a light trick, where the sun hits the rocks 20 minutes before sundown in Summer.

Sherando Lake - A hidden gem with outdoor activities, including a beach, man-made lakes, trails, and a Visitor Center. Parking costs $8 per vehicle.

Raven’s Roost Overlook - A popular overlook with a gorgeous panorama of the valley and mountains. Ravens often roost nearby.

Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Picnic Area - The final Visitor Center on the tour, offering museum exhibits, trails, and a re-creation of a settler’s farmstead with historical reenactors.

Afton Overlook - The final stop, offering a great view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially at sunset.

Blue Ridge Parkway - Asheville

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center - The official starting point of the tour, with narration beginning on the parkway heading north.

The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild) - Open year-round, showcasing Appalachian arts and crafts, with a gift shop selling handmade crafts. Hike a section of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail behind the center.

Tanbark Ridge Overlook - The first scenic overlook, with many more to come. Pause the app if stopping at a different overlook to avoid missing directions.

Lane Pinnacle Overlook - Features a view of Lane Pinnacle, a small peak named after Charles Lane, an early settler. The drive gradually ascends into the mountains, sometimes blanketed in fog.

Craggy Gardens Visitor Center - Open seasonally, highlighting the unique ecology of the rhododendron heath bald. Offers stunning views, especially in spring when rhododendrons bloom. Hike to Craggy Pinnacle for panoramic views.

Mount Mitchell State Park - A must-see stop with free entry. The short walk to the 6,684-foot summit is a highlight. Features hiking trails, a museum, gift shop, restrooms, a seasonal restaurant, and a visitor center.

Green Knob Overlook - Featured in the opening scene of the 1992 movie The Last of the Mohicans, offering sweeping views.

Laurel Knob Overlook - Known for its gnarly dead tree, making it a unique photo backdrop.

Black Mountains Overlook - Offers a stunning view of the mountains from below.

Crabtree Falls Picnic Area - Worth a drive-through for its scenic beauty, with each table offering a view.

Crabtree Falls - A beautiful 70-foot cascading waterfall, popular with photographers and hikers. The moderate three-mile loop trail includes steep sections.

Little Switzerland - An Alpine-themed village offering lodging, shopping, and food. Check out Emerald Village for family-friendly mining activities.

Museum of North Carolina Minerals - Located in the Spruce Pine Mining District, with interactive exhibits on minerals and mining history. Open year-round.

The Orchard at Altapass - Known for heirloom apples and preserving regional traditions. Offers educational and entertaining activities, including live music, apple picking, and storytelling rides.

North Cove Overlook - Offers views of the Orchards at Altapass, planted over a century ago by the Clinchfield Railroad company.

Heffner Gap Overlook - Named after Amanda Heffner, a single mother who managed her family farm during the Civil War.

Bear Den Overlook - Built on a spot where black bears once had a den, offering stunning views.

Linville Caverns - Guided tours showcase limestone features like stalactites and stalagmites. Tours run every 10 minutes, with a steady temperature of 52 degrees.

Linville Falls - Trail and Waterfall - Features a small gift shop, restrooms, maps, and hiking information. Trails lead to multiple viewpoints of the falls.

Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook - One of three places to view the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights, though tall trees block most of the view.

Flat Rock Trail - A hidden gem offering views of interesting trees, plants, and geological features. The trail is a short, easy loop with panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain.

Grandfather Mountain - A must-see destination with the Mile-high Swinging Bridge, easy trails, and interactive exhibits. Admission is steep, but the experience is priceless.

Linn Cove Viaduct - An engineering marvel, appearing to float around Grandfather Mountain. Trails from the parking lot offer a close-up view.

Rough Ridge Lookout - Offers views of fall colors, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and Grandfather Mountain. A short hike leads to multiple viewpoints.

Price Lake - The jewel of Julian Price Memorial Park, offering a walking path, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Boats can be rented at Price Lake Boat Rentals.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park - Features Flat Top Manor, a folk craft store, and a National Parks Visitor Center. The grounds include an orchard, fishing lakes, and carriage trails.

Blue Ridge Parkway - South

The North Carolina Arboretum - A 400-acre park with gardens, a Bonsai tree display, and hiking trails. A small cafe offers light meals and beverages.

Bad Fork Valley Overlook - The first overlook after gaining elevation, with many more to come.

Beaver Dam Gap Overlook - Offers views in either direction from the parking lot.

Mt. Pisgah Trailhead - A 4.5-mile round-trip hike to the top of Mt. Pisgah, offering rewarding views when the summit is clear.

Pisgah Inn - Offers a meal at the restaurant or grab-and-go food. Check out the observation deck for a marvelous mountain view.

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower - A moderate hike along an old gravel road to an old lookout tower with outstanding views.

Cradle of Forestry in America - A museum with interactive exhibits on forestry education. The grounds include easy, paved trails.

Sliding Rock - A natural waterslide with a lifeguard on duty during summer.

Looking Glass Falls - A popular 60-foot waterfall visible from the road.

Coon Tree Picnic Area - Offers flush toilets and picnic tables, and is a handy spot for Looking Glass Falls.

Skinny Dip Falls - A mile round-trip trail to a waterfall, with a great view of Looking Glass Rock.

Black Balsam Knob - A moderately difficult hike to a 360-degree mountain panorama.

Devil’s Courthouse - Offers impressive cliff views or a hike to the summit to see four states.

Cowee Mountain Overlook - Offers miles of Blue Ridge Mountains views.

Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail - A moderately difficult loop through the forest, with a sign marking the highest point on the Parkway.

Lone Bald Overlook - Offers a layered mountain view.

Standing Rock Overlook - Features a large boulder for a photo op.

Waterrock Knob - Offers one of the best Parkway views, with picnic tables and a visitor center.

Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook - Offers splendid views of layered mountains and valleys.

Soco Falls - A double waterfall visible from the parking lot, with the best view at the base.

Bunches Bald Overlook - A lower elevation overlook, ideal for fall colors.

After the last stop, enjoy nearby Smoky Mountain National Park!

Great Smoky Mountains

Oconaluftee Visitor Center - Discover fascinating facts about the park’s animals and history, and greet the friendly farm animals.

Clingmans Dome - The park’s highest point, offering breathtaking mountain views from an observation tower. Pack a jacket, even in summer.

Newfound Gap Road - Stand on the North Carolina and Tennessee border, with jaw-dropping views. Enjoy a picnic in the fresh mountain air.

Alum Cave Trail - An exciting hike to a captivating cave with sparkling minerals. Wear sturdy hiking boots.

Chimney Tops Trail - Offers breathtaking vistas and unique rock formations. Bring your camera!

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail - A short, easy walk with an abundance of plants and animals. Look for colorful birds and playful squirrels.

Sugarlands Visitors Center - A treasure trove of information, with maps, questions, and park history. The rangers are eager to assist.

Elkmont Nature Trailhead - Follows a pristine river, with adorable salamanders in the water. Wear water shoes for wading.

Laurel Falls - A stunning waterfall reached by a short, rewarding hike. Be cautious on the slippery trail.

Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area - Ideal for a picnic or a game of catch, offering a peaceful outdoor experience.

The Sinks - A fascinating spot to watch water rush through rocky terrain. Be cautious and avoid sliding down the rocks.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail - A one-way loop road with lush forests and cascading waterfalls. Roll down the windows and enjoy the forest sounds.

Gatlinburg - A charming mountain town with quaint shops and delightful restaurants. Enjoy local treats like fudge and apple cider donuts.

New River Gorge

Thurmond - A preserved ghost town offering a glimpse into the region’s industrial past, with a well-preserved train depot museum.

Long Point Trail - A moderate 3.2-mile trail leading to the breathtaking Long Point Overlook, with panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Kaymoor Miners Trail - A difficult 1-mile trail exploring the remains of the Kaymoor coal mine, with a challenging uphill return.

Canyon Rim Visitor Center - The gateway to New River Gorge, offering information and breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Fayette Station Road - A scenic drive offering a calm experience, with overlooks under the New River Gorge Bridge.

Tunney Hunsaker Bridge - A midpoint on the Fayette Station Road scenic drive, offering excellent views of the New River and the big bridge above.

Kaymoor Trail - Features two waterfalls visible from the trail, leading to the Kaymoor Mine and intersecting with the Kaymoor Miners Trail.

Endless Wall Trail - A moderately difficult 2.4-mile trail along the gorge rim, offering breathtaking vistas and stunning rock formations.

Babcock State Park - Features a beautiful, fully working replica of a historic water-powered mill.

Sandstone Visitor Center - Offers exhibits on the area’s ecosystems and human history, with information about Sandstone Falls.

Sandstone Falls - A highlight of the park, spreading 1500 feet across the New River, with boardwalks and trails offering different views.

Brooks Overlook - Offers a nice view of the New River Gorge from a few hundred feet up.

Brooks Falls Roadside Park - A small riverside park with picnic benches near the river and Brooks Falls.

Sandstone Falls - A highlight of the park, spreading 1500 feet across the New River, with boardwalks and trails offering different views.

Grandview - Offers spectacular views of the gorge, with trails leading to additional scenic overlooks and a seasonal visitor center.

• Take the tour when you want
• Tours NEVER expire
• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Tour Guide
• Tour Start is Customizable
• Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
• Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
• Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

• Luray Caverns - $35 per adult
• Chimney Rock - $ 17 for adults
• Explore Park - $3
• Cradle of Forestry - $6 per adult
• Sliding Rock - $5 per person

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