Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour

The first stop along our tour, this state-run park has a visitor center with helpful staff and a gift shop featuring arts and crafts from local artists. Want to start the day off with a hike? This place has you covered, with a variety of trails for all levels of experience. There’s even a section with a zipline, obstacle course, and trampoline park. Expect to spend more time here, depending on what you want to do.

Features views of the distant mountains as well as a real, working quarry.

This overlook gives you a fantastic view of the valley below. The valley itself was once used by Native Americans as part of the Great Warrior path, as well as by settlers on their way to the frontier.

Is this the pine tree that gives the overlook its name? No one is really sure, but it makes for great photographs.

Additionally, you can see down into the Goose Creek Valley, over 2000 feet below.

The first visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway today is also the most popular. It has everything you could possibly want. There’s a museum dedicated to the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a ranger-staffed desk for all of your questions about the area. There’s a general store with provisions for the road, as well as a gift shop for souvenirs. There’s even a restroom if you feel the call of nature. In the rear of the Center, you will find an amphitheater that hosts presentations, as well as the start of two separate trails. The Elk Run trail is moderately easy and should take you about 45 minutes. The Harkening Hill trail, on the other hand, is pretty difficult and will take around 5 hours in total. We recommend the Elk Run, it’s far more manageable and will help you get back on the road.

It is the only food and lodging available directly on the Parkway itself. Reservations are recommended if you would like to stay in one of the rooms, but any visitor is welcome to enjoy the restaurant. There’s sit-down dining or grab-and-go food available. Don’t forget to check out the view of the Peaks of Otter from behind the lodge! There’s also a peaceful walk around a man-made lake. It’s paved, shady, and ADA-compliant. It’s the least difficult walk on your tour today, and should only take about 30 minutes, depending on how much of the scenery you want to take in.

What you can find is a moderately strenuous walk down to a beautiful waterfall. Though relatively small, the falls are quite picturesque and make for a great reward for navigating this well-marked trail. Remember, though, it’s not the walk down that’s difficult, it’s the walk back up!

What you can find is a breathtaking view, as this is the highest Parkway elevation in all of Virginia at 3950 feet above sea level.

There is a stone platform that gives you the opportunity to take outstanding pictures with no interruptions. Additionally, there is a short 10-minute leg stretcher trail back to the parking lot. Also features access to the Appalachian trail for a much longer hike.

This smaller Visitor Center is definitely worth the visit. For one thing, it is the lowest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s right, we’ve gone from the highest to the lowest point in Virginia, all on one tour! Features in the Center include information panels about the natural history of the Parkway area, as well as a ranger-staffed desk.

There’s a stone bridge over the creek as well as a man-made waterfall and a fishing pier (if you already have the required license).

It is under a mile out and back and features several rock formations.

Located just a few minutes off of the Parkway, Buena Vista is an ideal stop if you need to fill up on gas. It’s also perfect for food, with several local restaurants and national chains, with something for everyone.

the middle, giving you two different views for the price of one.

The Creek and valley were named for the Scotch-Irish immigrants who settled in the area in the 17th century.

One leads along the re-created tracks of an abandoned railroad, originally used to move timber from a logging operation. If you walk to the left of the tracks, you will see another trail that leads to Wigwam Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls on this section of the Parkway.

There are no other amenities at this stop.

nother chance here at this 10-minute short trail. It leads up a hill where you can get a decent view of the surrounding mountain.

From the nearby town of White Rock, the sun will hit these rocks exactly 20 minutes before sundown in the Summer.

There is a beach, ideal for relaxing or playing in the sand. There are two man-made lakes, one for fishing and the other for water sports like swimming, canoeing, or kayaking. You'll also discover multiple trails with all levels of difficulty. There is even a Visitor Center which features all of the amenities you could ask for. Sherando Lake parking costs $8 per vehicle.

Raven’s Roost is one of the most popular overlooks on this section of the Parkway. It should only take a few minutes for you to see why. A gorgeous panorama of the valley and mountains below, with two possible locations for photographs. As the name suggests, ravens frequently roost nearby, so it is not uncommon for you to see them perched at this overlook, or soaring high above the valley.

In addition to the museum exhibits, this is It is a great place to plan your next Virginia road trip. You can also get a last-minute souvenir, or ask any questions at the ranger station. Outside of the Center itself, there are a variety of trails, including a branch of the Appalachian Trail. There’s also a very easy one that will take you through a re-creation of a settler’s farmstead. Historical reenactors will demonstrate techniques and give lectures on how the settlers survived in the Blue Ridge region. There is also a more difficult trail that leads to the Humpback Rocks themselves, with a 360-degree view as your reward.

Afton Overlook is a great overlook for a last look at the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially if you are here as the sun sets. So are you ready to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia? Here’s everything you need to know before you go! And, if you’re looking for the ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, check out the Blue Ridge Parkway Tour Bundle!