Shenandoah National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour
Overview
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, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.
This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
No expiration — The tour comes with lifetime validity!
Inclusions
- App on your phone: A link to download the Tour Guide App by Action and Password for your tours.
- Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on next trip. Never expires.
- Good value: Buy just one per car. Don’t pay for each person. Save money compared to a bus tour.
- Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
- Private tour in your/rental car: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace
- Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
- Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated, videos, text, hidden gems.
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Shenandoah National Park, 17157 Skyline Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630
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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
At Shenandoah Valley Overlook, you'll get a birds-eye view of Fort Royal, as well as a great look at Signal Knob. You'll also find out where this valley got its name in the first place.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Fox Hollow Trailhead, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Shenandoah National Park, VA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Signal Knob Overlook, Skyline Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Hogwallow Flats Overlook, Huntly, VA 22640, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Range View Overlook, Washington, VA 22747, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, VA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Stony Man Mountain Overlook, Luray, VA 22835, USA
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Limberlost Trail, Skyline Drive Milepost, 43, Shenandoah National Park, VA
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Crescent Rock Overlook, Virginia 22835, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Cedar Run Trail, Shenandoah National Park, VA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Franklin Cliffs Overlook, Stanley, VA 22851, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Camp Rapidan, Skyline Drive Milepost 51, Shenandoah National Park, VA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: The Point Overlook, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Bearfence Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, VA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: The Oaks Overlook, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: South River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park, VA 22835
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Swift Run Overlook, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Bacon Hollow Overlook, Dyke, VA 22935, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Loft Mountain Overlook, Free Union, VA 22940, USA
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Rockytop Overlook, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
In addition to its sweeping vistas, Rockytop Overlook also boasts a spectacular view of the Big Run watershed wilderness.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Jones Run Falls Trailhead, South District at mile 84.1 on Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, VA
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Blackrock Summit Trail, 3655 US Highway 211 E, Luray, VA 22835-4702
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Moormans River Overlook, Crozet, VA 22932, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Crimora Lake Overlook, Crimora, VA 24431, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Turk Mountain Overlook, Skyline Dr, Waynesboro, VA 22980, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Calf Mountain Overlook, Waynesboro, VA 22980, USA
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Rockfish Gap, Virginia 22920, USA
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- How it works: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions. Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. To begin touring, go to the Starting Point and launch the app. The audio starts automatically. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience. Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
- Good value: Purchase only one tour for the entire vehicle instead of taking the bus and paying for each person. You will see a significant saving. Connect your phone to car speakers by a wire or bluetooth. Enjoy the tour by listening together as you drive.
- Flexible Schedule: Once the app/tour is on your phone, you can use it any day and at any time. You can use it over multiple days. And, also use it on your next trip here. This tour never expires.
- Preview the tour: You can use it before the trip at home (highly recommended), use it during the trip, and use it after you come back.
- Don't miss a thing: You will get everything with the app - a complete itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated audio stories, story script, images, videos, deep dives, hidden gems, exciting locations, recommendations for hikes, adventure, activities, treks, and stop-by-stop direction.
- Private tour: You can use it in your car or rental car. No worries about groups or crowds. Start the tour app on your phone. And it will direct you step by step. You can stop for as many breaks as you like. Take a break for Instagram photos, and take a break for lunch/snacks. Go on a hike. The tour will wait for you and start when you start again. You can even do the tour over multiple days. Go at your own pace.
- Easy to use: The stories play themselves as soon as the GPS is activated. It requires no use of your hands at all. You can get HELP by calling, chatting, or emailing any time of the day.
- Offline: There is no need for a cell signal or Wi-Fi while touring. App’s GPS map works offline.
- Expiration/go again: The tour will last for the rest of your life on your phone. It is available for use on any day of your next trip.
- Use pictures for a photo book: Create a photo book using clean (no crowd) app images of each spot to make a memorable trip. All the photos and the correct sequence is ready in the app for you to use.
- Social media: Share clean (no crowd) images with friends/family.
- Devices supported include iPhones with iOS 13 & above, Android phones with version 9 & above and all cellular-enabled tablets & iPads.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
This driving tour enhanced our trip through Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park 1000%! My husband and I kept commenting on how much we would have missed and never known without this audio tour. We would have driven by so much history and interesting geological sites with no clue if not f...
This driving tour enhanced our trip through Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park 1000%! My husband and I kept commenting on how much we would have missed and never known without this audio tour. We would have driven by so much history and interesting geological sites with no clue if not for this audio tour. The kids (ages 7-12) found it interesting too!We liked the idea of the audio tour. We thought there was too much focus on the Iroquois Indian. Not that you should delete anything but we were hoping for some more information on the land, plants and settlers. There was a want for more in these area. More stats
We liked the idea of the audio tour. We thought there was too much focus on the Iroquois Indian. Not that you should delete anything but we were hoping for some more information on the land, plants and settlers. There was a want for more in these area. More statsGreat commentary, made the ride more interesting. Worth the $, we did the drive in 3 days. Started at Front Royal and exited at Thornton Gap. Second day started at Thornton Gap hiked Dark Hallow Falls, do it so worth it, my 78 year old father even made the hike (slow but he did it), definitely ...
Great commentary, made the ride more interesting. Worth the $, we did the drive in 3 days. Started at Front Royal and exited at Thornton Gap. Second day started at Thornton Gap hiked Dark Hallow Falls, do it so worth it, my 78 year old father even made the hike (slow but he did it), definitely need a walking stick though for elderly. The. Exited park at swift run gap, stopped at Elkton Brewery on the way back to Massanutten resort (home base). Then third day entered at swift gap and continued to end at rockfish gap. Would liked to have done more hiking but had the parents with us, we We’re impressed they hiked as much as they did.Really enhanced our drive-through tour of Shenandoah national Park . Additional historic background was very helpful.
Really enhanced our drive-through tour of Shenandoah national Park . Additional historic background was very helpful.Informative, worked perfectly, great voice, and the timing was always spot on! It lets you choose where to start from (northern or southern entrance). Absolutely recommended especially if it’s your first visit!!
Informative, worked perfectly, great voice, and the timing was always spot on! It lets you choose where to start from (northern or southern entrance). Absolutely recommended especially if it’s your first visit!!Learned about flora, fauna, and the science related to them. Also about the park’s indigenous population, the Manahoac, Monacan and Massawomeck peoples, and others. Both science, history and practical info blended in a great audio tour. The narrators’ voice is also very pleasant and clear! 100% r...
Learned about flora, fauna, and the science related to them. Also about the park’s indigenous population, the Manahoac, Monacan and Massawomeck peoples, and others. Both science, history and practical info blended in a great audio tour. The narrators’ voice is also very pleasant and clear! 100% recommended!