Tour stop
Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour
About The Tour
Explore the southernmost and highest section of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this stunning road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit waterfalls, hike to the top of mountains for panoramic views, or just enjoy the scenery from the beautiful overlooks. This tour takes you to some of the best spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway and shares the stories and myths of its people.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Ascend to Mt. Pisgah's summit for panoramic Blue Ridge vistas, where hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Explore the unusual meadows and waterfalls of Graveyard Fields, a unique landscape with a history as intriguing as its name.
• Marvel at the elegance of Looking Glass Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading into a pristine pool below.
• Experience the beauty of Black Balsam Knob's high-altitude meadows, where a moderate hike leads to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks.
• Discover the twin cascades of Soco Falls, nestled in a lush forest setting, providing a tranquil and picturesque stop along the Parkway.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Ascend to Mt. Pisgah's summit for panoramic Blue Ridge vistas, where hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Explore the unusual meadows and waterfalls of Graveyard Fields, a unique landscape with a history as intriguing as its name.
• Marvel at the elegance of Looking Glass Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading into a pristine pool below.
• Experience the beauty of Black Balsam Knob's high-altitude meadows, where a moderate hike leads to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks.
• Discover the twin cascades of Soco Falls, nestled in a lush forest setting, providing a tranquil and picturesque stop along the Parkway.
About the tour
Explore the southernmost and highest section of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this stunning road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit waterfalls, hike to the top of mountains for panoramic views, or just enjoy the scenery from the beautiful overlooks. This tour takes you to some of the best spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway and shares the stories and myths of its people.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Ascend to Mt. Pisgah's summit for panoramic Blue Ridge vistas, where hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Explore the unusual meadows and waterfalls of Graveyard Fields, a unique landscape with a history as intriguing as its name.
• Marvel at the elegance of Looking Glass Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading into a pristine pool below.
• Experience the beauty of Black Balsam Knob's high-altitude meadows, where a moderate hike leads to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks.
• Discover the twin cascades of Soco Falls, nestled in a lush forest setting, providing a tranquil and picturesque stop along the Parkway.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Ascend to Mt. Pisgah's summit for panoramic Blue Ridge vistas, where hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Explore the unusual meadows and waterfalls of Graveyard Fields, a unique landscape with a history as intriguing as its name.
• Marvel at the elegance of Looking Glass Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading into a pristine pool below.
• Experience the beauty of Black Balsam Knob's high-altitude meadows, where a moderate hike leads to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks.
• Discover the twin cascades of Soco Falls, nestled in a lush forest setting, providing a tranquil and picturesque stop along the Parkway.
STARTING POINTS
-The southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee, NC
-Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, just off US-25 near the Biltmore
RECOMMENDED START TIME: 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
-The southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee, NC
-Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, just off US-25 near the Biltmore
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 South Tour Preview
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2. Turn Right For North Carolina Arboretum
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3. Soco Falls
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4. Looking Glass Falls
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5. Mt. Pisgah
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6. The Pisgah Inn
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7. Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
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8. Cradle of Forestry Overlook
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9. Graveyard Fields
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10. Turn Left for Waterrock Knob
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11. Black Balsam Knob
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12. Turn Left for Devil’s Courthouse
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13. Cowee Mountain Overlook
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14. Cowee Mountain Overlook
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15. Devil's Courthouse Trail
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16. Turn Left on Black Balsam Knob Road
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17. Turn Right for Waterrock Knob
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18. Graveyard Fields
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19. Soco Falls
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20. Cradle of Forestry Overlook
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21. Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
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22. The Pisgah Inn
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23. Mt. Pisgah
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24. North Carolina Arboretum and Farewell
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Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Bunches Bald Overlook
Tour stop
Soco Falls
Tour stop
Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook
Tour stop
Waterrock Knob
Tour stop
Standing Rock Overlook
Tour stop
Lone Bald Overlook
Tour stop
Richard Balsam 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 South 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
Adam Kampe
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." - Bob Dylan
Purchase Options
1.
Blue Ridge Parkway South 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 South 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!
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 South Driving Tour go?
This tour has 24 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 South Driving Tour?
Phone charger - very important
Phone mount
Sneakers
Hiking clothes. Layer up.
Hiking shoes
Jacket
Hat/sunglasses
Lawn chairs, for soaking in that perfect view
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Canteen/ refillable water bottle
Snacks
Credit card
Swimsuits for Sliding Rock
Phone mount
Sneakers
Hiking clothes. Layer up.
Hiking shoes
Jacket
Hat/sunglasses
Lawn chairs, for soaking in that perfect view
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Canteen/ refillable water bottle
Snacks
Credit card
Swimsuits for Sliding Rock
3. What should I budget for the Blue Ridge Parkway South Driving Tour?
It’s free to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. But, there are some attractions on the tour that require entrance and parking fees:
The Cradle of Forestry in America is $6 adults, $3 children, and free for 3 and under.
Sliding Rock is $5 per person.
The North Carolina Arboretum does not have individual admission, but a $20 parking fee.
The Cradle of Forestry in America is $6 adults, $3 children, and free for 3 and under.
Sliding Rock is $5 per person.
The North Carolina Arboretum does not have individual admission, but a $20 parking fee.
4. What are the hours of operation for the stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway South Driving Tour?
The parkway is open 24-hours. Many of the stops and visitor centers have varying hours of operation. For a list of visitor centers on the parkway and their respective opening and closing times, please visit the NPS website
Here are a list of attractions on the tour and their hours of operation:
The Cradle of Forestry in America is open daily 10am-5pm from spring to fall.
Sliding Rock is open 10am-6pm on the days facilities are open, which is daily Memorial Day thru Labor Day, and on weekends in May and September.
The North Carolina Arboretum is open daily from 8am-9pm from April to October, and 8am-7pm daily from November to March.
The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is open daily from 10am-5pm from mid-April to November.
The Pisgah Inn and Restaurant is open daily from April to October serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Here are a list of attractions on the tour and their hours of operation:
The Cradle of Forestry in America is open daily 10am-5pm from spring to fall.
Sliding Rock is open 10am-6pm on the days facilities are open, which is daily Memorial Day thru Labor Day, and on weekends in May and September.
The North Carolina Arboretum is open daily from 8am-9pm from April to October, and 8am-7pm daily from November to March.
The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is open daily from 10am-5pm from mid-April to November.
The Pisgah Inn and Restaurant is open daily from April to October serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
5. Can I join the Blue Ridge Parkway South 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 South 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 at the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee, NC, and the north to south route begins on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, just off US-25 near the Biltmore.
7. Can I combine the Blue Ridge Parkway South Driving Tour with any other Shaka Guide tours?
Yes, you can combine this tour with the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour. If you take this route from South to North, you can pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville tour in Asheville, NC and take that tour from South to North too.
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.