Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Guide With Action
4.4
WanderingSpriti
14 days ago
Fabulous drive over skyline drive ! In fall, the park shines with fall foliage colors ! Great lookout points spread through our! I particularly liked the ones in northern part of park from Front Royale! Cabins are available to stay ! A bit smaller but all amenities are there.
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! 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, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Departure Point
- You can also begin the tour from the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station, Skyline Drive, Waynesboro, VA, USA. The tour works in both directions, so you can begin in Afton and end in Front Royal, or vice versa.
- Begin from Shenandoah National Park Sign, Virginia 22630, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
- Audio guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Dickey Ridge Visitor CenterVirginiaFinally, 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. Note: The tour is over 120+ miles long, with more than 100+ audio stories, and takes about 4–5 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Signal Knob OverlookSkyline Drive, Front Royal, VirginiaFox 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: Not AvailableStop At: Stony Man Mountain OverlookLuray, VA 22835At 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: Not AvailableStop At: Limberlost TrailSkyline Drive Milepost, 43, VirginiaSignal 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: Not AvailableStop At: The Point OverlookElkton, VA 22827At 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: Not AvailableStop At: The Oaks OverlookElkton, VA 22827Range 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: Not AvailableStop At: Rockytop OverlookElkton, VA 22827Hogback 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: Not AvailableStop At: Bearfence MountainVirginiaCasual 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: Not AvailableStop At: Cedar Run TrailLimberlost 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: Not AvailableStop At: Shenandoah National Park17157 Skyline Dr, Front Royal, VirginiaAt 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 minutesStop At: Blackrock Summit Trail3655 US Highway 211 E, Luray, VirginiaCedar 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: Not AvailableStop At: Appalachian Trail, , VirginiaAt 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: Not AvailableStop At: Camp RapidanSkyline Drive, Milepost 51, VirginiaRapidan 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: Not AvailableStop At: Jones Run Falls TrailheadSouth District at mile 84.1 on Skyline Drive, VirginiaThe 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: Not AvailableStop At: South River Falls TrailVirginiaBearfence 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: Not AvailableStop At: Calf Mountain OverlookWaynesboro, VA 22980The 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: Not AvailableStop At: Range View OverlookWashington, VA 22747South 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: Not AvailableStop At: Bacon Hollow OverlookDyke, VA 22935Keep 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: Not AvailableStop At: Fox Hollow TrailheadFront Royal, VA 22630Bacon 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: Not AvailableStop At: Moormans River OverlookCrozet, VA 22932Looking 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: Not AvailableStop At: Franklin Cliffs OverlookStanley, VA 22851In addition to its sweeping vistas, Rockytop Overlook also boasts a spectacular view of the Big Run watershed wilderness.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Crimora Lake OverlookCrimora, VA 24431Jones 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: Not AvailableStop At: Hogwallow Flats OverlookHuntly, VA 22640The 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: Not AvailableStop At: Swift Run OverlookElkton, VA 22827Facing 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: Not AvailableStop At: Turk Mountain OverlookSkyline Drive, Waynesboro, VA 22980Standing 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: Not AvailableStop At: Loft Mountain OverlookFree Union, VA 22940Turk 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: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Please note that an entrance pass is required to visit Shenandoah National Park, and it is not included with this tour.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Park Passes
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! 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, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Departure Point
- You can also begin the tour from the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station, Skyline Drive, Waynesboro, VA, USA. The tour works in both directions, so you can begin in Afton and end in Front Royal, or vice versa.
- Begin from Shenandoah National Park Sign, Virginia 22630, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
- Audio guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Dickey Ridge Visitor CenterVirginiaFinally, 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. Note: The tour is over 120+ miles long, with more than 100+ audio stories, and takes about 4–5 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Signal Knob OverlookSkyline Drive, Front Royal, VirginiaFox 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: Not AvailableStop At: Stony Man Mountain OverlookLuray, VA 22835At 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: Not AvailableStop At: Limberlost TrailSkyline Drive Milepost, 43, VirginiaSignal 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: Not AvailableStop At: The Point OverlookElkton, VA 22827At 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: Not AvailableStop At: The Oaks OverlookElkton, VA 22827Range 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: Not AvailableStop At: Rockytop OverlookElkton, VA 22827Hogback 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: Not AvailableStop At: Bearfence MountainVirginiaCasual 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: Not AvailableStop At: Cedar Run TrailLimberlost 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: Not AvailableStop At: Shenandoah National Park17157 Skyline Dr, Front Royal, VirginiaAt 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 minutesStop At: Blackrock Summit Trail3655 US Highway 211 E, Luray, VirginiaCedar 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: Not AvailableStop At: Appalachian Trail, , VirginiaAt 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: Not AvailableStop At: Camp RapidanSkyline Drive, Milepost 51, VirginiaRapidan 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: Not AvailableStop At: Jones Run Falls TrailheadSouth District at mile 84.1 on Skyline Drive, VirginiaThe 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: Not AvailableStop At: South River Falls TrailVirginiaBearfence 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: Not AvailableStop At: Calf Mountain OverlookWaynesboro, VA 22980The 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: Not AvailableStop At: Range View OverlookWashington, VA 22747South 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: Not AvailableStop At: Bacon Hollow OverlookDyke, VA 22935Keep 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: Not AvailableStop At: Fox Hollow TrailheadFront Royal, VA 22630Bacon 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: Not AvailableStop At: Moormans River OverlookCrozet, VA 22932Looking 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: Not AvailableStop At: Franklin Cliffs OverlookStanley, VA 22851In addition to its sweeping vistas, Rockytop Overlook also boasts a spectacular view of the Big Run watershed wilderness.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Crimora Lake OverlookCrimora, VA 24431Jones 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: Not AvailableStop At: Hogwallow Flats OverlookHuntly, VA 22640The 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: Not AvailableStop At: Swift Run OverlookElkton, VA 22827Facing 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: Not AvailableStop At: Turk Mountain OverlookSkyline Drive, Waynesboro, VA 22980Standing 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: Not AvailableStop At: Loft Mountain OverlookFree Union, VA 22940Turk 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: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Please note that an entrance pass is required to visit Shenandoah National Park, and it is not included with this tour.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Park Passes
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
4.4
based on Groupon 109 reviews
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WanderingSpriti
Fabulous drive over skyline drive ! In fall, the park shines with fall foliage colors ! Great lookout points spread through our! I particularly liked the ones in northern part of park from Front Royale! Cabins are available to stay ! A bit smaller but all amenities are there.
Rich_R
We used this program to tour the Shanadoah National Park. This app was very easy to use. Once I downloaded it the app did all of the work. The information that we got was very informative. I would highly recommend this touring app.
eugeneh998
Stories were interesting and mostly well-timed along the route. I learned some interesting things about the local Indian tribes.
L2403VHtammym
My husband and I really enjoyed this audio tour and definitely thought it was worth the price. It gave a lot of history and told you of good trails and overlooks to stop at. It did glitch several times, but that may be due to the mountains, as cell service is also almost non-existent at times thru the park. The narrator was easy to listen to as well.
We would definitely consider one of these tours if we were going another place that they had them available for.
zstargazer
I toured midweek and started at Rockfish gap by Waynesboro where I spent the previous night for an early start.
There was no waiting in line to enter. Because of the government shutdown, they were not collecting the usual $30 admittance fee. I had researched ahead of time, and I would have been eligible for the senior (65+) yearly pass of $20 that would have allowed me entrance.
Do download the map for the entire length of the drive in advance at home. There’s no WiFi in the park and many places no cell signal.
One of the things that made my trip most enjoyable was the action tours guide I found thru trip advisor. I paid $16.99 for the “tour guide” which I downloaded in advance of my arrival. It gave me a map AND an audio tour of the entire drive, points of interest, overlooks and info about each of the trails as I approached the entrance. It was marvelous and well worth the money. You can repeatedly access it up to a year after purchase.
The drive is 135 miles. It’s beautiful! Speed limit is 35mph. Lots of sharp curves and wildlife. Many of the overlooks are just off these curves so cars will be entering and exiting. I saw deer and a huge variety of birds. Interesting groves of trees that were planted when the park was founded.
Traffic wasn’t too bad for midweek save for a few drivers who wanted to speed through at 55mph endangering people and animals alike. Likewise a Sysco trailer pulled by a semi was driving balls to the wall, I suspect making deliveries to the outposts along the way. He was a danger to everyone and everything.
By far, the majority of people drive the speed limit because 35mph allows the time to actually see and appreciate the gorgeous scenery as it changes from forest to meadowland. There are several picnic areas and restroom stops with modern facilities along the road: Loft mountain, Louis Mountain, Skyland, Big Meadows, Elk Wallow and Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.
I’ll make this drive again and I’ll use the action tours app again.