Shenandoah National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Shenandoah National Park: Self-Driving Audio Guide

1. Shenandoah National Park: Self-Driving Audio Guide

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 110+ miles-long tour covers the essentials of Yellowstone National Park in 4-5 hours. Explore the Skyline Drive of Shenandoah National Park on a self-guided driving audio tour. Discover some of the beautiful scenery and learn about local history with commentary provided on the app. Begin at the northern end of the park, just outside Front Royal. From here, proceed south onto Skyline Drive and get your first good look at the Shenandoah Valley. The first trail you’ll reach is the Fox Hollow Trail, a great beginner hike with some intriguing history along the route. After passing the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, arrive at the Signal Knob Overlook, offering not just some incredible views, but also a glimpse into Appalachia’s Civil War history. As you continue south past a few more great overlook points, you’ll hear about Shenandoah’s tribes dating all the way back to the Ice Age. Then you’ll get your first good look at the famous Appalachian Trail, where the nation’s most hardcore hikers test their mettle. Continuing on, learn all about the Iroquois Confederacy, the Iroquois Wars, and what happened when Europeans arrived in Shenandoah. Reach the Stony Man Mountain Trail, a perfect spot for inexperienced hikers or families to get in some steps. That’s followed closely by the Limberlost Trail, featuring educational brochures for younger travelers. Up next is Crescent Rock Overlook, a phenomenal spot to watch the sunset. But don’t worry if the sun’s not setting as you reach it—the views are still spectacular. Drive toward the next pair of great overlooks and hear how the park actually came to be, including how the Great Depression played an important role. At the Point Overlook, up next, you’ll find out all about the rich history of the deceptively humble town of Elkton. Then it’s on to the Bearfence Mountain Trail for the more adventurous and experienced hikers. Beyond that is the South River Falls Trail, offering up-close views of a stunning 83-foot waterfall. Continuing on past another few overlooks where you’ll definitely want to snap some photos. Arrive at the Blackrock Summit Trail, offering the chance to hike just a small portion of the Appalachian Trail to see what all the fuss is about. After a picture-perfect overlook of Crimora Lake, you’ll come to Calf Mountain Overlook, another beautiful spot to catch the sunset. Your tour will conclude just past here, at Rockfish Gap.

25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

2. 25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

Start any of these tours by downloading the app that will function as your guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: In this bundle, each tour is 35+ miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete. This bundle includes: • Grand Canyon • Yellowstone • Grand Teton • Rocky Mountain • Shenandoah • Acadia • Sequoia & Kings Canyon • Joshua Tree • Arches • Bryce • Canyonlands • Capitol Reef • Zion • Grand Staircase • Monument Valley • Great Smokies • Death Valley • Olympic • Badlands • Glacier • Yosemite • Everglades • Saguaro • Petrified • Red Rock Canyon • Mt Rainier Tour • Mesa Verde Marvel at a mile-deep crack in the earth at the Grand Canyon. Tour the rim, hike eye-popping trails, and learn how this awe-inspiring landscape formed. Watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, but don’t stop there! See Grand Prismatic, observe the nation’s largest bison herd, get the truth about the Yellowstone supervolcano, and more! Travel to new heights in the Grand Teton mountain range, offering unbelievable vistas, dramatic mountain passes, and tons of history. Explore Colorado’s dramatic Rockies, from gorgeous vistas to the enormous Bear Lake. Plus, learn how this park exists thanks to some competent women. Discover why Great Smoky is the most-visited national park. Find sparkling waterfalls, verdant hiking trails, and a rich Cherokee heritage. Plus, explore little-known Civil War history at Cades Cove. Cruise through tree-filled mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive, both offering perfect wilderness sights and plentiful wildlife and legends. Get in touch with nature at Acadia, one of the greenest places in the country. Or visit in the fall for a truly unforgettable display of autumn foliage! Visit living giants in Sequoia, home to the largest trees on Earth. Then go beyond those groves to Kings Canyon, boasting dramatic vistas for those seeking the perfect photo op. Cruise through Joshua Tree, where two deserts meet. See great desert hikes, wacky Dr. Seuss-like trees, and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Discover the gravity-defying wonder of Arches, named for impossible rock formations millions of years in the making. Hear how they formed and what they meant to the tribes here. Marvel at the towering hoodoos that dot Bryce Canyon. Dive into the legends behind them, including the harrowing tale of giants turned to stone. Visit the staggering beauty of Canyonlands, home to the stunning red desert and more canyons than you can shake a stick at. Stand atop breathtaking vistas, find a piece of history at Aztec Butte, and much more. See why Mormon pioneers thought Zion was heaven on earth! Visit natural wonders from towering rock temples to emerald pools and a hiking trail. Visit the spot where Forrest Gump ended his famous run at Monument Valley! Explore this valley’s jaw-dropping mesas and spires, which made Hollywood famous.

Shenandoah: Self-Guided Audio Tour

3. Shenandoah: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Don’t miss a thing as your favorite audio tour narrator guides you across Shenandoah and the Skyline Drive with fascinating stories, tips and directions. Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. The most popular activity in Shenandoah National Park is to drive the famous Skyline Drive as it navigates its way along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s an almost countless number of scenic views, pullouts and overlooks to enjoy along the 105 miles, from end to end. Major Highlights: Big Meadows Byrd Visitor Center Corbin Cabin Dark Hollow Falls Deer Crossing Little Devils Stairs Old Rag Mountain Rapidan Camp Skyland Resort Skyline Drive Includes: It’s easy to fill a day simply driving and enjoying those panoramic views, including those that only require a short walk to reach the best vantage points. Fall foliage color adds an extra dimension to the natural display. Chances of spotting wildlife are very good, but as always, not guaranteed. The most sought after sighting is to see a bear – population estimates within the park vary by season, but most likely between 200 – 1000 bruins are present at any time. Always practice safe viewing etiquette if you spot a bear, both safe for you, and safe for the bear. Chances are best outside the hottest part of the day. The other large animals most commonly seen are deer – but don’t forget to look for and appreciate smaller critters too! Hikers have a whole swathe of choices to explore; peaceful forest walks, scrambling to rocky peaks like Old Rag or Hawksbill and relaxing waterfalls await. If unsure about what level or effort is required for a hike, it is recommended to speak with counsellors at any of the info centers to find something that matches your timing, interests and abilities. The drive and park is divided into 3 districts, with the central district offering the highest concentration of lodgings, camping and services and places of interest. But each district is well worth your attention. With adequate time, or over multiple trips, visitors may choose to explore each district as its own adventure.

Appalachian Mountain Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle

4. Appalachian Mountain Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Once downloaded, your tour begins at whichever destination you choose to explore first. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can start in Cherokee, Asheville, Roanoke, or Afton and drive in either direction. Discover sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Feel the awe-inspiring beauty of Cathedral Falls and French Broad Falls, cascading through lush forests. Discover the majestic Black Balsam Knob, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Venture along amazing hiking trails and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest. Visit Cherry Cove Overlook for breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Each step of the way, the Blue Ridge Parkway reveals even more scenic wonders. Shenandoah National Park also boasts plenty of natural treasures. Start from either end of the Skyline Drive and cruise through a verdant landscape. Experience the tranquility of gorgeous vistas, learn the history of the region, and even hike sections of the famous Appalachian Trail! In Cades Cove, step back in time as you visit historic churches and 19th century cabins. Discover the stories of the settlers at Elijah Oliver Cabin and marvel at the beauty of Abrams Falls. Capture the essence of the past at the Cades Cove Historical Grist Mill and explore the picturesque Tipton Road. Continue your adventure into the Great Smoky Mountains. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural heritage of the landscape as you learn about the Native people who lived here long ago. Witness the historic Mingus Mill and find peace along the Quiet Walkways. Ascend to breathtaking mountain vistas and learn about the park's history as you drive. Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah, Cades Cove, and the Great Smoky Mountains all offer an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. Embrace the magic of these destinations with this easy and accessible bundle.

From Washington DC: Day Trip to Luray Caverns

5. From Washington DC: Day Trip to Luray Caverns

Start your day with being picked up at your accommodation in Washington DC. Enjoy the ride in a luxury SUV or sprinter van through Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley. Arrive at the Luray Caverns, one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition to a guided tour through the Caverns, you will also be able to explore the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum. See classic cars from around the world including an 1897 Mercedes-Benz and a 1925 Rolls-Royce. Roll up your sleeves as you mine for gold and other gems at the Gem Sluice geology experience. Opt to have lunch in the on-site cafeteria or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Get lost in the Garden Maze or strap on a harness to tackle the heights in the Rope Adventure Park. After a day of adventure, drive back to DC.

US East Coast: Fall Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour w/ App

6. US East Coast: Fall Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour w/ App

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: In this bundle, is 350+ mile-long and each tour takes 2-3 hours to complete. Discover over 22 iconic East Coast fall foliage locations in the US at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour. Best of all, enjoy unlimited access to your audio tour for any future trips to the East Coast. Dive into the history and nature of this striking part of the US, from North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway to Maine's Acadia National Park. This East Coast bundle tour is a must-have, promising an all-encompassing journey through America's historical heartlands, vibrant cities, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Whether you prefer urban exploration, peaceful countryside, or the thrill of discovering hidden historical gems, this East Coast tour has you covered. In Massachusetts alone, traverse the historic Boston Freedom Trail, catch an idyllic view from Bunker Hill Monument, or explore Harvard Yard, the heart of the world-famous university. Venture further to the charming Cape Cod, Cape Ann, and Martha's Vineyard, or delve into the past with Salem's notorious witch trials and the historic towns of Lexington and Concord. Your journey through Virginia and Tennessee exposes you to the majesty of the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains, connected by the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway. New Hampshire's Kancamagus Scenic Byway is a driver's paradise, offering unmatched fall foliage views. Experience the charming maritime appeal of Maine's Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Further south, take in the opulent history and coastal beauty of Rhode Island's Scenic Newport and Newport Cliffwalk. Explore New York City on foot with a stroll through Central Park, one of the most famous urban parks worldwide. Finally, immerse yourself in the nation's history in Washington D.C., walking through iconic landmarks and monumental buildings. Each destination is a marvel in its own right, offering unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions.

Other Sightseeing Options in Shenandoah National Park

Want to discover all there is to do in Shenandoah National Park? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Shenandoah National Park

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 6 reviews

The app was easy to download and run. The information was interesting and different from park literature focusing more on the human history of the area.