Embarking on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville is a captivating journey through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. This driving tour app offers travelers a chance to discover the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage at their own pace. With offline maps, immersive storytelling, and location-based audio, the experience promises to be both informative and breathtaking. Whether you’re drawn to scenic overlooks, cascading waterfalls, or historic sites, this self-guided adventure has something to pique your curiosity and leave you eager to explore further.
Key Points
- A self-guided driving tour showcasing the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville, accessible through a mobile app with offline maps and location-based audio playback.
- The tour highlights lush woodlands, stunning vistas, and the rich history of the Cherokee and Appalachian cultures, offering an affordable and flexible alternative to bus or guided tours.
- Key highlights include the Ballhoot Scar Overlook, Thomas Divide Trailhead, Big Witch Overlook, Bunches Bald Overlook, Plott Balsam Overlook, and the Cherokee Rose.
- The tour features an engaging audio guide, allowing travelers to explore the route at their own pace and schedule, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour offers panoramic views from scenic overlooks such as Waterrock Knob, Yellow Face Overlook, and Rough Butt Bald Overlook, showcasing the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Tour Overview
This self-guided driving tour takes travelers from the town of Cherokee to the city of Asheville along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, showcasing lush woodlands, stunning vistas, and the rich history of the Cherokee and Appalachian cultures.
Accessible through a mobile app, the tour allows visitors to live their own adventure at a flexible schedule, using offline maps and location-based audio playback.
The engaging storytelling helps uncover local tales and historical insights, making this a more affordable option compared to bus or guided tours.
With a saving of up to 20% and free cancellation available, travelers can reserve the tour now and pay later, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour takes visitors on a journey through several notable landmarks and viewpoints along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the Ballhoot Scar Overlook, Thomas Divide Trailhead, and Big Witch Overlook.
Travelers will also be able to enjoy the breathtaking vistas at Bunches Bald Overlook, Plott Balsam Overlook, and Soco Gap.
Highlights along the way include Waterrock Knob, Yellow Face Overlook, and the Cherokee Rose.
The tour also features the Roy Taylor Forest Overlook, Cowee Mountain Overlook, and Rough Butt Bald Overlook.
Visitors can experience the serene Cathedral Falls and French Broad Falls, as well as hike to Black Balsam Knob and Skinny Dip Falls.
The tour culminates at the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, Mount Pisgah, and Mills River Valley Overlook.
Tour Features
The self-guided Blue Ridge Parkway driving tour offers a range of features to enhance the user experience, including an audio guide to bring the journey to life.
Travelers can enjoy flexible scheduling, using the tour anytime, any day, over multiple trips.
The tour also includes offline maps and location-based audio playback, allowing seamless navigation and immersive storytelling, even in areas with limited cellular coverage.
Plus, the tour is designed to be more affordable than traditional bus or guided tours, with one tour per car, making it an accessible option for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
- Audio guide included to narrate the journey
- Flexible scheduling to use the tour anytime, over multiple trips
- Offline maps and location-based audio playback for seamless experiences
Pricing and Availability
Travelers can save up to 20% on the Blue Ridge Parkway driving tour, with pricing starting from $9.36 per person. Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, ensuring a seamless booking process.
The tour is valid for 365 days from the first activation, allowing users to explore the route at their own pace over multiple visits. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for any last-minute changes.
Whether seeking a budget-friendly option or a convenient self-guided adventure, this driving app tour offers an affordable and flexible way to experience the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville.
Scenic Overlooks
Along the Cherokee-to-Asheville stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, travelers can find a wealth of scenic overlooks that showcase the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.
From the sweeping vistas of Ballhoot Scar Overlook to the panoramic views from Bunches Bald Overlook, this driving tour offers ample opportunities to take in the stunning landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains.
Highlights include:
- Waterrock Knob, where visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks and valleys
- Yellow Face Overlook, which provides a unique perspective on the Cherokee Rose, a flowering shrub with deep cultural significance
- Rough Butt Bald Overlook, known for its panoramic vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Hiking Trails
Winding through the lush forests and along the ridges, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers hikers a wealth of scenic trails to explore, each promising breathtaking vistas and immersion in the region’s natural splendor. From the gentle slopes of the Plott Balsams to the rugged terrain of the Black Balsams, the parkway’s hiking trails cater to a variety of skill levels and interests. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging day hike, the parkway’s trailheads provide abundant opportunities to discover the area’s rich ecological diversity and unparalleled beauty.
| Trail Name | Difficulty | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Divide Trail | Moderate | 6.4 miles | Panoramic views, wildflowers |
| Waterrock Knob Trail | Strenuous | 2.5 miles | 360-degree vistas, high-elevation meadows |
| Skinny Dip Falls Trail | Easy | 1.5 miles | Cascading waterfall, swimming hole |
| Black Balsam Trail | Challenging | 5.5 miles | Sweeping mountain vistas, unique flora |
Waterfalls and Peaks
The Blue Ridge Parkway’s network of roads and trails leads visitors to a captivating array of waterfalls and peaks, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural grandeur. From the cascading curtains of Cathedral Falls to the sweeping vistas atop Waterrock Knob, these natural wonders beckon travelers to enjoy the area’s stunning landscapes.
Highlights along the tour include:
-
The trailhead to Skinny Dip Falls, where hikers are rewarded with a refreshing plunge into the crystal-clear pools
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Black Balsam Knob, a bald summit providing panoramic views of the Plott Balsam and Great Balsam mountain ranges
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The serene French Broad Falls, where the river cascades over a series of rocky outcrops.
Additional Details
Travelers can explore the tour at their own pace, accessing the audio guide and offline maps through the Action Tour Guide mobile app.
The tour covers a one-way distance of approximately 80 miles, with flexibility to complete it over multiple visits. Participants can expect to spend around 3-5 hours driving the Parkway, depending on how often they stop to take in the scenery and attractions along the way.
The tour offers a range of pricing options, with savings up to 20%. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour remains valid for 365 days from the first activation.
Support is available through phone, chat, or email should travelers need any assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Download the App Before My Trip?
Yes, you can download the app before your trip. The app can be accessed anytime, allowing you to plan your route and familiarize yourself with the tour highlights prior to your visit. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is currently available only in English. However, the company may offer additional language options in the future based on customer demand. Travelers should check the app or website for the latest language availability before booking.
How Accurate Are the Offline Maps in the App?
The offline maps in the app are highly accurate, providing turn-by-turn navigation and highlighting key landmarks along the route. Users can rely on these maps to guide them confidently through the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, even without an internet connection.
Can I Take the Tour in Reverse From Asheville to Cherokee?
Yes, you can take the tour in reverse from Asheville to Cherokee. The app’s offline maps and audio guide work seamlessly in either direction, allowing you to enjoy the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway at your own pace.
Do I Need a Special Pass or Permit to Access the Blue Ridge Parkway?
No, you don’t need a special pass or permit to access the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway is a public road that’s open to all drivers, and there are no fees or entry requirements to use it.
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Recap
The Blue Ridge Parkway driving tour from Cherokee to Asheville provides a captivating way to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
With offline maps, location-based audio, and immersive storytelling, travelers can discover scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls at their own pace, making it a more affordable and flexible option than traditional guided tours.
This self-guided adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a must-try for anyone seeking a truly unique and memorable experience.
