Embark on a scenic drive through Virginia’s wilderness with the Shenandoah Audio Tour. Discover the history, beauty, and surprises of this remote landscape. Book now!
- Shenandoah National Park - Your southbound tour of Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive begins at the park’s north entrance, just outside Fort Royal. From here, you’ll cruise along this scenic roadway, stop at jaw-dropping vistas, and get acquainted with the area’s complicated history.
Note: This 110-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Shenandoah National Park in 4-5 hours.
- Fox Hollow Trailhead - Fox Hollow Trail is one of Shenandoah’s most popular trails for a reason. This short, mile-long trek dives through some seriously lush greenery, and even throws in some unique history along the way, as it passes the Fox family cemetery, which dates back to the early 1800s.
- Dickey Ridge Visitor Center - At the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, you can find maps, snacks, and info about the park. This is also the site of the Fox Hollow Trailhead.
- Signal Knob Overlook - Signal Knob Overlook doesn’t just offer stupendous views (although it certainly has those). It’s also rich with history! This knob actually served an important strategic purpose for both the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War.
- Hogwallow Flats Overlook - At Hogwallow Flats Overlook, which looks across Rappahannock County and the town of Flint Hill, you’ll get familiar with some of the region’s oldest mountains. These monadnocks, as they’re called, are even older than the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains! Then, you’ll learn about the Six Nations who once occupied this territory.
- Range View Overlook - Range View Overlook looks directly toward the center of Shenandoah National Park. From up here, you can see from Keyser Mountain all the way to Stony Man Mountain much farther off. Beyond this overlook, you’ll hear about the origins of the Appalachian Trail and how it became the most famous thru-hike in the nation.
- Appalachian Trail - Hogback Overlook is the longest overlook in the park, meaning it offers a panoramic vista of the valley and the mountains beyond. This spot makes for some splendid photo ops! Then you’ll find out more about the Iroquois, including their sports, their wars, and more.
- Stony Man Mountain Overlook - Casual or inexperienced hikers will find the perfect trail at Stony Man Overlook. This easy, one-mile trail is great for families, and offers tremendous views along the way. Make sure to keep your camera at the ready!
- Limberlost Trail - Limberlost Trail offers another great opportunity for an easy trek through picturesque wilderness. This 1.2-mile loop travels along a boardwalk with almost no elevation change, meaning it’s also totally accessible! It also features educational plaques along the way so you can learn as you go!
- Crescent Rock Overlook - At 3,550 feet above sea level, Crescent Rock Overlook has some of the best views Shenandoah’s highest peak. Because it faces due west, it’s also a phenomenal place to catch the sunset. There’s a good reason this was once the site of religious revival services.
- Cedar Run Trail - Cedar Run Trail is one of Shenandoah’s dog-friendly trails for those traveling with furry companions. It is 5.8 miles, however, and features a harrowing 2,700 feet of elevation gain, so it’s primarily suitable for experienced hikers.
- Franklin Cliffs Overlook - At Franklin Cliffs Overlook, you can catch a glimpse of the town of Stanley and learn a bit about its history. Dating all the way back to the 1700s, this unassuming town has a rich and storied past which lingers within its community to this day.
- Camp Rapidan - Rapidan Camp (also known at times as Camp Hoover) in Shenandoah National Park in Madison County, Virginia, was built by U.S. President Herbert Hoover and his wife Lou Henry Hoover and served as their rustic retreat throughout Hoover’s administration from 1929 to 1933.
- The Point Overlook - The Point Overlook boasts excellent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley in the distance. Here, you’ll also find out about the town of Elkton, once home to the first permanent European settler of Shenandoah Valley.
- Bearfence Mountain - Bearfence Mountain Trail is only a 1-mile hike, but don’t let the brevity fool you. This hike is a steep, gravelly scramble that should only be attempted by ambitious hikers. The views at the top, however, are well worth the difficult ascent.
- The Oaks Overlook - The Oaks Overlook demonstrates the stark difference between the wilderness of Shenandoah National Park and the cultivated land in the towns beyond. It’s also a great place to view Massanutten Mountain. Past it, you’ll get to know Miriam M. Sizer, an anthropologist who was tasked with studying the people of this region almost 100 years ago.
The man-made landscape of the Shenandoah Valley provides a stark contrast from the wilderness in Shenandoah National Park.
- South River Falls Trail - South River Falls Trail isn’t just a great hike, it’s also a great spot for birdwatchers! This moderate, 4.6-mile trek also leads to a stunning, 83-foot waterfall sure to improve any hike. As an added bonus, dogs are also welcome on this trail.
- Swift Run Overlook - Keep an eye out for birds when you reach Swift Run Overlook. Here, you’ll get a crash course in spotting some of Shenandoah’s coolest avian residents, and with great views to boot!
- Bacon Hollow Overlook - Bacon Hollow Overlook features a vista that includes two of the park’s coolest mountains: Flattop Mountain and Brokenback Mountain. Beyond it, get ready to dive into the valley’s Civil War history as well.
- Loft Mountain Overlook - Looking southeast, Loft Mountain Overlook features a look at the Blue Ridge Mountains as they descend into the foothills and merge with the Piedmont region of Virginia. All that lush greenery is sure to catch anyone’s eye!
- Rockytop Overlook - In addition to its sweeping vistas, Rockytop Overlook also boasts a spectacular view of the Big Run watershed wilderness.
- Jones Run Falls Trailhead - Jones Run Falls Trail is yet another gorgeous hike that features a beautiful waterfall. It’s also known for being the site of a number of hidden swimming holes, so keep your eyes open when you’re on the trail!
- Blackrock Summit Trail - The Blackrock Summit Trail is a short hike to a lovely viewpoint atop a rocky slope, but there’s more to it than that. This quick trail actually follows part of the sprawling, 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail!
- Moormans River Overlook - Facing east-southeast, the Moormans River Overlook lets visitors see Pasture Fence Mountain, Sawlog Ridge, Bucks Elbow Mountains, and the Charlottesville Reservoir. It also offers great views of the Moormans River, a seemingly humble river which is known for frequently overflowing its banks and wreaking havoc on the surrounding landscape.
- Crimora Lake Overlook - Standing at nearly 3,000 feet, Crimora Lake Overlook boasts views of Wildcat Ridge and the dark, alluring waters of Crimora Lake. Back in the 1800s, that lake was a major industrial site. The remnants of manganese mining operations can still be seen here to this day.
- Turk Mountain Overlook - Turk Mountain Overlook points straight at Turk Mountain’s quartzite-covered peak. It gets its name from a mysterious family that lived in the area, though no one knows much about them now.
- Calf Mountain Overlook - Calf Mountain Overlook is famous for one thing: Sunset views. As one of the last stops along your journey, this is the perfect spot to set up and watch the sun dip below the mountains on the horizon. It’ll make for a sight you won’t soon forget!
- Rockfish Gap - Finally, you’ll cross through Rockfish Gap, an important passage into the mountains which also has a surprising history. As you drive, you’ll get to know the so-called “Paul Revere of the South” and how Rockfish Gap played a crucial role in his (and Thomas Jefferson’s) story. Your tour concludes just beyond this gap, at the southern end of the Skyline Drive.
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- 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
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!
Take a scenic drive through Virginia’s verdant wilderness with this self-guided tour. Stop to snap photos from breathtaking overlooks along Skyline Drive. Hike portions of the famous Appalachian Trail. Find out how this wild, remote place isn’t entirely what it seems. Plus, learn the history of Shenandoah’s earliest inhabitants, from the Six Nations to the Iroquois Wars and beyond. This easy, picturesque drive is one you won’t soon forget!
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.
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.