Self-Guided and Guided Tours
Tours
Tours for every interest and budget are available to explore
Take an exciting journey through the beauty of nature and mural art! The Appalachian Mural Trail travels through North Carolina, Virginia & Tennessee. Over 130 magnificent outdoor murals provide transformational moments. Once in front of a mural, take a selfie with your smartphone, then read the stories about the…
America’s Largest Home in Asheville, NC Discover Biltmore House, Gardens, Antler Hill Village and Winery In 1888, George Vanderbilt fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains and decided to make the region his home. The result was Biltmore, his historic estate in Asheville, NC. More than a century later,…
Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals offers nearly 250 luxurious vacation homes throughout the High Country area of North Carolina, many at or near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you are planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway for two, let us help! Off-season discounts often available for 3+ night stays.
Emerald Village is just 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Little Switzerland, Milepost 333.9. Gem mining, gold panning, mine tours, waterfall, free exhibits, real mines, fun shopping! NC’s Gem! www.emeraldvillage.com (828) 765-6463.
Grand Caverns – America’s oldest continuously operated show cave voted #2 in U.S. by Parade magazine. Experience nature’s handiwork. Open daily. The aboveground park offers hiking trails, biking, fishing, swimming, miniature golf and shelter rentals. www.grandcaverns.com (888) 430-CAVE.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm – 9 miles east of Parkway Milepost 384.7 on 74A. A fifth generation family farm featuring grassfed meats from humanely-raised animals on quality pasture using regenerative practices. Visit animals, pick berries, picnic, purchase meats, kitchen & butchery! Our grassfed beef, pasture raised pork and chicken…
Linville Caverns – North Carolina’s only show caverns. Open all year, but days and hours vary. Courteous, experienced guides, outstanding gift shop. Located on US 221 between Linville and Marion, just 4 miles south of Parkway Milepost 317.4. Turn left on US 221 toward Linville Falls and Marion. www.linvillecaverns.com…
Linville Falls Winery – Come enjoy the High Country’s premier wine experience. Just 1/2 mile off Parkway Milepost 317.4 on US 221 North. Tours and Tasting noon – 5pm, see website for schedule. Working farm with a variety of fruit, corn, pumpkins and Christmas trees in season. Online store and…
Luray Caverns – Eastern America’s largest and most popular caverns. A U.S. Natural Landmark featuring the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ. Enjoy step-free entrance and tours on all-paved walkways through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10-stories high, towering stone formations, and natural wonders at every turn. Just 10 minutes from Skyline…
Engage your senses and stimulate your mind at Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson located 2 miles SE on Route 53 off Route 20 & I-64 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Day passes include house tours. Special tours including the Behind-the-Scenes tour also offered daily. Advance booking available online. Explore hundreds of…
Nantahala Outdoor Center – At the intersection of the Appalachian Trail & the Nantahala River in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts since 1972, NOC’s 500-acre campus boasts plenty of exciting adventures to keep your entire group happy & active, whether you spend a day or…
Oconaluftee Indian Village poses the question, “Is it actually Cherokee history if it’s still happening?” Today you can transport back to an 18th century village full of authentic stickball demonstrations, dance, staged war reenactments—you name it. If it happened then, it’s happening now. Season opens May 1st, and tickets and…
Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards is a six generation family farm located in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the foot of the Peaks of Otter offering thousands of fruit trees, grape vines, creeks, ponds and majestic views. Seasonal hours. U-pick fruit, tours, tastings & animal visits plus a…
PARI is a former NASA facility that is now an active center for research and STEM education. Radio telescopes 26M (85ft.), space flight artifacts, meteorites, minerals, scenic views, hiking trails. A ‘Dark Sky’ designated location. Day tour, night viewings with optical telescopes and astronomy instruction. Family style cabin rooms…
Shelton Vineyards and Harvest Grill, Exit Parkway at Milepost 199.4 and take I-77S to exit 93 and follow the signs. Estate winery offers tours and tastings daily with a selection of 5 wines. The Harvest Grill serves lunch & dinner Monday-Saturday & lunch on Sunday in a bistro style…
Shenandoah River Outfitters & River Log Cabins – Canoe, kayak, raft, tube the Shenandoah or stay in 1 of 10 river cabins. Pet-friendly tent camping. Cabins with hot tubs are open year-round. We are the closest Outfitter to Luray Caverns, Shenandoah National Park & Skyland and we border George…
The Orchard at Altapass is a 100-year-old non-profit apple orchard located just off the Parkway at Milepost 328.3 featuring heirloom apples, family fun, bee habitat, U-Pick, storytelling, “heyrides,” weekend free music, heritage information, & spectacular views. Hand-scooped ice cream, hot apple pie, homemade fudge, gifts, & jarred goodies are…
Thistle Meadow Winery – Family-owned winery located 3 miles from Parkway Milepost 246.1. Located in one of the luscious valleys of Laurel Springs, NC in Alleghany County, Thistle Meadow Winery has some 30 varieties of wines available year around. Our award-winning wines are handcrafted in small batches. Tours and…
You’ll find award-winning, thought-provoking & meticulous historical restoration, both inside and outside the walls of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, through archaeological discoveries and research that continues to uncover new knowledge about Thomas Jefferson and the free and enslaved people who formed the community at Poplar Forest. Guided house tours.
Virginia Safari Park – Virginia’s only 180-acre drive-thru zoo! Drive 3 miles of road where animals of all sizes, shapes and colors approach your vehicle in search of a tasty bucket of feed. See deer, camels, bison, zebras, elk, giraffe, and many more! 4 miles North of Natural Bridge…
Blue Ridge Farm Museum – Located on Route 40, we’re an 1800s Virginia farm complex with livestock & interpreters of farm life. Open mid-May to mid-August on Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 1-5. Check out our tours and programs offered by reservation. Visit us online or call (540) 365-4416…
Gem Mountain – Located at Milepost 330.9. Mine trips to an active mine. Flume mining at its best. Picnic area, gem & jewelry store, general store, ice cream and free fluorescent mineral display. Make your gems into jewelry. People’s choice for gem mining! Open March-December, Monday-Saturday from 10-5. (828)…
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 15 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway MP 469.1. Round-trip scenic excursions take you from historic depot through the beautiful countryside. Variety of train excursions & special event trains. Dine in First Class Cars or take it all in while riding in an open air gondola!…
The National D-Day Memorial was constructed in honor of those who died on June 6, 1944 in the invasion of the French coastline during World War II, fighting in one of the most significant battles in our nations history. This solemn memorial pays tribute to those who served our…
My name is Ben Van Leeuwarden and I am the manager of Planet Chopper. We offer lodging, tours, rentals and mechanical work at the midway point of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our roadhouse is a bikers’ heaven! It is located in Woodlawn VA, just 15 minutes from Parkway Milepost…
One day here makes a lifetime of memories. From mild to wild, prepare for action-packed outdoor fun for all ages and skill levels! Raft, zip, rope, rock, paddle or saddle, mix and match to create your ideal vacation. Adventure awaits – call 800-PRO-RAFT or visit www.raftinginthesmokies.com to book today!…
Our mission at Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary is to promote sustainable beekeeping through education, research, and the honeybee sanctuary, where people can experience a beautiful landscape in which honeybees and pollinators thrive. Visit for a workshop, event, tour days, or to volunteer. We’re located just minutes from Parkway Milepost 149.2…
The Crooked Road – Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Visit the place where America’s Music was born…and lives on. Experience firsthand how music is woven into the rich tapestry of tradition in Southwest Virginia along a 330 mile driving trail that connects nine Major Venues and over 60 Affiliated Venues…