• Cherokee Rose - The legend of the Cherokee Rose emerged from the Trail of Tears. This flower, when in full bloom, displays a cluster of snow-white petals encircling a yellow center. According to the tale, each petal symbolizes a band of the Cherokee nation, with the center representing the gold that led to their nation’s division. To access this gold, white settlers removed all the petals.

Purchase once and enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.

• Ballhoot Scar Overlook - Observing the ridge beyond, one can see a blemish on the landscape, resembling a scraped-off mountain surface. This scar looks like the aftermath of a landslide, and indeed, it was a man-made landslide.

• Thomas Divide Overlook - Visitors have reported seeing ghost lights—dancing white orbs with no known explanation. These sightings aren’t new; some locals recall family stories about the lights dating back to the 1700s! At night, dozens of cars may be parked along the roadside, hoping to witness the mysterious mountain lights.

• Big Witch Overlook - Big Witch was a Cherokee medicine man known for more than just mixing poultices and performing rituals. He was also an eagle hunter! You might wonder why a doctor would hunt birds, but eagle feathers were sacred and essential for healing ceremonies.

• Bunches Bald Overlook - The Appalachian Mountains are typically tree-covered from base to peak, but some mountaintops resemble grassy prairies rather than dense forests. These areas are known as Appalachian Balds, and Bunches Bald is one of them.

• Oconaluftee Visitor Center - Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway! This scenic drive follows the iconic Blue Ridge, the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains. As you journey through majestic mountain vistas, you’ll learn about the native Cherokee, pioneer settlers, and contemporary Appalachian culture. When ready, exit the Visitor Center parking lot and turn left onto the main road.

This 50+ mile tour covers all the essentials of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) in 2-3 hours.

• Soco Gap - In the early 1700s, the Cherokee were at war, not with encroaching settlers, but with another tribe, the Shawnee. The Blue Ridge Mountain range naturally separated the two tribes, keeping them apart most of the time.

• Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook - Facing directly west, this overlook is perfect for watching the sunset. If timed just right, the brilliant orange sky above the foggy blue mountains will leave you “thunderstruck.”

• Waterrock Knob Visitor Center - This is the tallest visitor center on the Blue Ridge Parkway! Situated at 5,820 feet, it offers stunning long-range views of several major Appalachian mountain chains.

• Yellow Face Overlook - This overlook provides perhaps the best view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Yellow Face Mountain is clearly visible, and beyond it, rows of ridges fade into the characteristic Blue Ridge mist.

• Plott Balsam Overlook - The Plott name remains famous in the Appalachian region, but the reason might surprise you! Henry Plott’s family immigrated from Germany in the late 1700s, settling in the Blue Ridge Mountains with their children and five German hunting hounds.

• Roy Taylor Forest Overlook - This scenic turnout features a wooden observation deck for a more immersive view of the Blue Ridge. It’s hard to believe now, but this robust forest was once in serious danger!

• Richland Balsam - Perched at 6,410 feet on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Richland Balsam is a serene natural haven offering sweeping vistas of the Appalachian Mountains. This highest point along the parkway invites hikers to explore its lush trails, especially enchanting during the fall foliage season, while providing a tranquil escape amidst the stunning beauty of the southeastern United States.

• Cowee Mountain Overlook - Here, you’ll find 180-degree views from one of the highest spots on the parkway. Be sure to have your camera ready for this panoramic vista!

• Rough Butt Bald Overlook - It’s not just a joke; it’s a topographical term! Observe how the mountain ridge seems to break suddenly. In geology, a butt is a ridge that ends abruptly, appearing broken off like a cigarette butt.

• Cathedral Falls And French Broad Falls - A half-mile walking trail leads over three wooden bridges to an abandoned historical mill at the bottom of Mill Shoals. Across the river, another waterfall, French Broad Falls, marks the intersection of the French Broad River and Shoal Creek, creating a picturesque scene.

• Black Balsam Knob - Black Balsam Knob is one of Blue Ridge’s most popular hikes for a reason. It offers a bit of everything that makes the Appalachians special, from dense forests to wide-open meadows and mountaintop vistas.

• Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead - At Skinny Dip Falls, swimming is not only allowed but encouraged! This destination features both a waterfall and a swimming hole. Climb the boulders to the top of the waterfall, making it a favorite spot for energetic kids and athletic adults.

• Cherry Cove Overlook - Abundant black cherry trees attract thousands of birds in early fall with their ripe fruit. From here, you might also spot Looking Glass Rock, easily recognizable by its flat rock face that stands out against the green trees. After rainfall, the sheer cliff face reflects the sun like a gigantic mirror.

• Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower - The origin of the name is lost to time, but a couple of legends persist. Some say it’s due to a pan-shaped freshwater spring; others claim the spot was marked by a frying pan hanging from a tree.

• Pisgah Inn - Pisgah Inn is an excellent place to pause. The inn features a public cafe, a gift shop with local artisan crafts, and a country store for all your Parkway travel needs. However, the REAL reason to visit Pisgah Inn is the view.

• Mount Pisgah Trail - For a great hike and overlook, take a right just ahead and find a parking spot. This leads to the Mount Pisgah Trailhead.

• Beaver Dam Gap Overlook - At Mills River, you can enjoy views of the mountains from BOTH sides of the Parkway. Chestnut Ridge is to the west, and Big Ridge is to the east. This 360-degree panoramic scope fully immerses you in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Bad Fork Valley Overlook - In the valley below, you’ll see the meandering Bad Fork creek, covered by laurel blossoms and surrounded by hardwood forests.

• French Broad Overlook - The French Broad River is unique for several reasons. First, it’s believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world, at 250 million years old. Second, it’s one of the few rivers in the country that flows north rather than south.

• Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center - The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway experience. Located at milepost 384, this welcoming center provides travelers with essential information, maps, and exhibits to enhance their journey along one of America’s most scenic drives.

• 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

Journey from the enigmatic Cherokee territories to the vibrant city of Asheville by driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Discover the Appalachian Highlands and be amazed by the verdant landscapes, sweeping vistas, and cascading waterfalls set against misty blue mountains. Delve into Cherokee history and wildlife to truly capture their spirit. Asheville’s artistic vibe and historical allure highlight the perfect blend of nature and culture along this route.

Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen 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 a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

Buy once, use for a year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.

This is not an entrance ticket. Please verify opening hours before your visit.

• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
• How to start touring: 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 No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.