Blue Ridge Parkway South Self Guided Audio Tour

Itinerary

1. 1
   The North Carolina Arboretum 1 hour

   This elegant arboretum is a massive 400-acre park with cultivated gardens, a cool Bonsai tree display, and some hiking trails through forests and mountains. There’s a small cafe that’s handy for a light meal or beverage. Those looking for easy or accessible walks through beautiful gardens and trees should prioritize this stop.

2. 2
   Stop 5 minutes

   Heading south from Asheville, this is the first overlook after you’ve driven up into the mountains and gained some more elevation. But, there are plenty of overlooks to come.

3. 3
   Stop 5 minutes

   Most overlooks along the Parkway offer a view pointed in one direction. But here, up on a ridgeline, you can get a lovely view in either direction from the parking lot.

4. 4
   Stop 2 hours

   Mt. Pisgah is easily visible from the Asheville area, and now you have the opportunity to hike to the top. It’s about a 4.5 mile, or 7 kilometer, round-trip hike to the top, and rated moderate to strenuous. It’s a rewarding view when the summit’s not covered by clouds.

5. 5
   Stop 15 minutes

   A touch of civilization before heading further into the woods. Grab a meal at the restaurant, or some grab-and-go food and snacks at the shop or wayside building. But make sure to check out the observation deck and rocking chairs, just behind the restaurant, for a really marvelous view of the mountains.

6. 6
   Stop 1 hour

   This hike is a little different, following an old gravel road instead of a trail. It’s a moderate hike uphill, but it ends at an old, steel lookout tower, and the view from the top is outstanding. The hike is about a mile and a half round trip.

7. 7
   Cradle of Forestry 5 minutes

   This overlook stands above the site of an old forestry school owned by the Vanderbilts. Today, the grove of trees is still going strong.

8. 8
   Stop 1 hour

   Learn about the birth of forestry education at this tidy little museum. The interactive exhibits are a nice change of pace for kids in tow, and everyone will enjoy the air-conditioning and history. The grounds include easy, paved trails that pass the buildings from the school.

9. 9
   Sliding Rock 1 hour

   This gently-graded waterfall doubles as a natural waterslide! Don your swimsuits, then wait in line to slide down into the chilly pool below. A lifeguard is on duty during the busy summer months.

10. 10
    Looking Glass Falls 15 minutes

    This 60-foot, or 18-meter waterfall, is one of the most popular in North Carolina because you can see it from the road! There’s no need for a hike for this one.

11. 11
    Stop 5 minutes

    Flush toilets and picnic tables are the highlight here, and it’s also a handy spot to turn around and park for Looking Glass Falls.

12. 12
    Skinny Dip Falls 45 minutes

    The trail to Skinny Dip Falls is about a mile round trip and is easy to moderate. It’s not the most impressive waterfall on the tour, but some people enjoy taking a dip in the pool. The trailhead is across the Parkway from Looking Glass Rock Overlook, which is a great view of the granite monolith Looking Glass Rock.

13. 13
    Stop 1 hour

    Graveyard Fields got its spooky name, and look, from a series of natural disasters. But it’s also one of the most popular hiking spots on the entire Parkway because there are two waterfalls. The first waterfall is on a fairly easy loop trail, about a mile and a half long. To see the other waterfall, add another mile and a half on a connected spur road.

14. 14
    Black Balsam Knob 1 hour

    Just off the Parkway, this trail is about one and a half miles round-trip. The moderately-difficult hike takes you to a 360-degree panorama of the mountains. So if the weather’s nice, this could be the best view of the day. The view is open most of the way up, so the reward is well worth the effort.

15. 15
    Devil's Courthouse 45 minutes

    You can enjoy this impressive cliff from the overlook, or you can hike to the top. A path heads up through the woods and comes out at the summit, where you can see four states. It’s under a mile round-trip, and will probably take around 45 minutes. But it’s also a pretty steep hike.

16. 16
    Cowee Mountain Overlook 5 minutes

    Our vote for the best overlook on the tour! There’s nothing blocking your view as you gaze at miles upon miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

17. 17
    Stop 1 hour

    The view from the overlook is just okay, but the main attraction here is the Richland Balsam Trail, a moderately difficult one-and-a-half-mile loop through the forest. It’s a nice walk through the woods if you have time.

18. 18
    Stop 5 minutes

    The view from this overlook is mostly concealed by trees, but it’s the highest point on the entire Parkway at 6053 feet or over 1800 meters. There’s a sign designating the overlook as the highest point, which is a popular photo opp.

19. 19
    Stop 5 minutes

    There are a series of excellent overlooks in a row on this stretch of the Parkway. We like this one because of the nice layered look of the mountains marching away in the distance.

20. 20
    Stop 5 minutes

    Near the entrance to this overlook is a large, standalone boulder that’s a popular photo op.

21. 21
    Waterrock Knob 45 minutes

    The view from this large overlook is one of the best on the entire Parkway, from over 6,000 feet up. There are plenty of picnic tables, as well as a small visitor center.

22. 22
    Stop 5 minutes

    This is another splendid overlook of the layered mountains and valleys beyond.

23. 23
    Stop 20 minutes

    Just about a mile off the Parkway, Soco Falls is a double waterfall, with two cascades meeting together at a pool. The waterfall is actually visible a few steps from the parking lot. But, if you’re game for a little scramble, the best view is at the base of the falls.

24. 24
    Stop 5 minutes

    A lower elevation overlook, compared to the heights up near Waterrock Knob, but still lovely and possibly a terrific spot for fall colors.

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• Plan for a full day (~8 hours)
• Parkway open 24/7, year-round — roadwork may cause disruptions; check NPS website before heading out
• Visitor center hours vary — some facilities and attractions are seasonal