Tour stop
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour
About The Tour
***MULTIPLE ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAILS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE HELENE.***
On this tour, we’ll take you from Asheville to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, along 90 of the most scenic miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you’ll find breathtaking views of mountain ranges fading into the horizon, high-elevation peaks with sweeping panoramic vistas, and close-up views of waterfalls and lakes. You’ll get to walk through dense forests of evergreens, drive through hillsides on fire with color in the fall, and hang out on heath balds that blaze with pink and purple come spring.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Wander through a colorful tapestry of wildflowers and stunning vistas at Craggy Gardens, a high-elevation gem on the Parkway.
• Reach new heights at Mount Mitchell, the East Coast's highest peak, boasting sweeping panoramas and a rich alpine ecosystem.
• Marvel at engineering harmony with nature as you drive along Linn Cove Viaduct, a masterpiece hugging the contours of Grandfather Mountain.
• Witness the sheer power of nature at Linville Falls, where cascading waters carve through the landscape, offering a captivating spectacle.
• Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Moses H. Cone at this memorial park, where trails and crafts converge in the heart of the Blue Ridge.
On this tour, we’ll take you from Asheville to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, along 90 of the most scenic miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you’ll find breathtaking views of mountain ranges fading into the horizon, high-elevation peaks with sweeping panoramic vistas, and close-up views of waterfalls and lakes. You’ll get to walk through dense forests of evergreens, drive through hillsides on fire with color in the fall, and hang out on heath balds that blaze with pink and purple come spring.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Wander through a colorful tapestry of wildflowers and stunning vistas at Craggy Gardens, a high-elevation gem on the Parkway.
• Reach new heights at Mount Mitchell, the East Coast's highest peak, boasting sweeping panoramas and a rich alpine ecosystem.
• Marvel at engineering harmony with nature as you drive along Linn Cove Viaduct, a masterpiece hugging the contours of Grandfather Mountain.
• Witness the sheer power of nature at Linville Falls, where cascading waters carve through the landscape, offering a captivating spectacle.
• Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Moses H. Cone at this memorial park, where trails and crafts converge in the heart of the Blue Ridge.
About the tour
***MULTIPLE ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAILS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE HELENE.***
On this tour, we’ll take you from Asheville to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, along 90 of the most scenic miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you’ll find breathtaking views of mountain ranges fading into the horizon, high-elevation peaks with sweeping panoramic vistas, and close-up views of waterfalls and lakes. You’ll get to walk through dense forests of evergreens, drive through hillsides on fire with color in the fall, and hang out on heath balds that blaze with pink and purple come spring.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Wander through a colorful tapestry of wildflowers and stunning vistas at Craggy Gardens, a high-elevation gem on the Parkway.
• Reach new heights at Mount Mitchell, the East Coast's highest peak, boasting sweeping panoramas and a rich alpine ecosystem.
• Marvel at engineering harmony with nature as you drive along Linn Cove Viaduct, a masterpiece hugging the contours of Grandfather Mountain.
• Witness the sheer power of nature at Linville Falls, where cascading waters carve through the landscape, offering a captivating spectacle.
• Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Moses H. Cone at this memorial park, where trails and crafts converge in the heart of the Blue Ridge.
On this tour, we’ll take you from Asheville to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, along 90 of the most scenic miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you’ll find breathtaking views of mountain ranges fading into the horizon, high-elevation peaks with sweeping panoramic vistas, and close-up views of waterfalls and lakes. You’ll get to walk through dense forests of evergreens, drive through hillsides on fire with color in the fall, and hang out on heath balds that blaze with pink and purple come spring.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Wander through a colorful tapestry of wildflowers and stunning vistas at Craggy Gardens, a high-elevation gem on the Parkway.
• Reach new heights at Mount Mitchell, the East Coast's highest peak, boasting sweeping panoramas and a rich alpine ecosystem.
• Marvel at engineering harmony with nature as you drive along Linn Cove Viaduct, a masterpiece hugging the contours of Grandfather Mountain.
• Witness the sheer power of nature at Linville Falls, where cascading waters carve through the landscape, offering a captivating spectacle.
• Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Moses H. Cone at this memorial park, where trails and crafts converge in the heart of the Blue Ridge.
STARTING POINTS
-Asheville, NC, just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center-Northeast of Blowing Rock, NC
RECOMMENDED START TIME: 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour Preview
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2. Linville Caverns
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04:39
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3. Turn left for the Folk Art Center
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00:18
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4. Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
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06:17
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5. Mount Mitchell State Park
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03:18
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6. The Catawba and Laurel Knob Overlook
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01:22
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7. Turn Right for the Museum of North Carolina Minerals
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8. Museum of North Carolina Minerals
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03:17
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9. The Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell State Park
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10. Linville Falls Visitor Center
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00:48
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11. The Catawba and Laurel Knob Overlook
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01:25
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12. Turn Left for Green Knob Overlook
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13. Flat Rock
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14. Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
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15. Turn Left for Rough Ridge Lookout
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16. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
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02:52
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Tour stop
Blowing Rock
Tour stop
Price Lake
Tour stop
Linn Cove Viaduct
Tour stop
Grandfather Mountain
Tour stop
Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook
Tour stop
Bear Den Overlook
Meet the Creators
Megan Selke
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour
Megan Selke
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Robin Montgomery
Writer
Favorite Quote:
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” - John Muir.
Adam Kampe
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." - Bob Dylan
Purchase Options
1.
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour
$ 12.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
Important Update!
Hello Shaka Guiders!
It’s been over a year since Hurricane Helene impacted the Blue Ridge Parkway South and Asheville tours (don’t worry—the Virginia tour is unaffected!), and we’ve been receiving a lot of questions about current conditions.Unfortunately, many roads in the affected areas are still closed, and from what we can tell, full recovery will take many more months—possibly even years. We strongly recommend checking the links we’ve provided for the latest updates so you can plan the best route for your adventure.
That said, don’t let this discourage you from exploring the region. The towns surrounding the Parkway are still full of charm, character, and incredible things to see and do. And now more than ever, they could use your support. Local businesses that depend on Parkway travelers are feeling the impact of reduced traffic.
Even if you can’t drive every mile of the Parkway, you can still have an amazing trip. Enjoy Asheville’s artsy vibe and mountain views, take in the beauty of Little Switzerland, and don’t miss a visit to one of our favorite stops—the North Carolina Arboretum.
We’ll continue to update this notice as the area recovers.
-Matt (Blue Ridge tour writer).
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- GPS-triggered audio with automatic playback
- Built-in turn-by-turn route guidance
- Offline access after download
- Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
- Pause, rewind, or replay anytime
- Storytelling based on firsthand travel and research
- Lifetime access after purchase
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Parking fees
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour go?
This tour has 27 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go!
2. What should I pack for the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Driving Tour?
Cell Phone with this Tour Downloaded
Car Phone Charger *Very Important*
Phone Mount (optional, but very handy)
Hiking Shoes
Hiking Clothes (layers during cooler weather)
Water Bottles
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Hand Sanitizer
Snacks/Picnic Lunch/Dinner (if desired)
Cash/Credit Card for Admission Fees
First Aid Kit
Coat or Jacket (For visiting the high elevation peaks or the caverns)
Change of Clothes for Kids & ZipLoc Bag (If planning to prospect at Emerald Village)
Picnic - there are several beautiful picnic stops along the route
Car Phone Charger *Very Important*
Phone Mount (optional, but very handy)
Hiking Shoes
Hiking Clothes (layers during cooler weather)
Water Bottles
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Hand Sanitizer
Snacks/Picnic Lunch/Dinner (if desired)
Cash/Credit Card for Admission Fees
First Aid Kit
Coat or Jacket (For visiting the high elevation peaks or the caverns)
Change of Clothes for Kids & ZipLoc Bag (If planning to prospect at Emerald Village)
Picnic - there are several beautiful picnic stops along the route
3. What should I budget for the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Driving Tour?
There is no fee to enter the parkway, but here are some budgeting tips for your trip:
$15-$20 per person for lunch
$20+ per person for dinner
$10-25+ per adult for entrance fees to recommended tourist attractions. See individual websites for details.
$-$$ per person for souvenirs. There are several gift shops in the visitor centers and tourist attractions.
$15-$20 per person for lunch
$20+ per person for dinner
$10-25+ per adult for entrance fees to recommended tourist attractions. See individual websites for details.
$-$$ per person for souvenirs. There are several gift shops in the visitor centers and tourist attractions.
4. What are the parkway’s hours for the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Driving Tour?
The parkway is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Portions of the parkway may close due to inclement weather. Visit the NPS website in advance.
Please note, although the road is open visitor centers, attractions, and restaurants have varying hours of operation and seasonality. Learn more here.
Please note, although the road is open visitor centers, attractions, and restaurants have varying hours of operation and seasonality. Learn more here.
5. Can I join the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Driving Tour en route?
Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from. If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
6. Can I take the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Driving Tour in the opposite direction?
Yes, this tour can be done both south to north and north to south. The south to north route begins in Asheville, NC, just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. The north to south route begins North East of Blowing Rock, NC.
7. Can I combine the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Driving Tour with any other Shaka Guide tours?
Yes, you can combine this tour with the Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour. The Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour has a starting point in Asheville, NC. If you take Asheville tour from North to South, you can pickup the South tour in Asheville where it leaves off.
8. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.