Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Front Royal, US
91% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (89 reviews)

Highlights

What to expect

1

Shenandoah Nat'l Park Sign

After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

2

Shenandoah National Park

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. Note: This 110-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Shenandoah National Park in 4-5 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3

Fox Hollow Trailhead

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
Admission Admission Not Included
4

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center

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
Admission Admission Not Included
5

Signal Knob Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
6

Hogwallow Flats Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
7

Range View Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
8

Appalachian Trail

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
Admission Admission Not Included
9

Stony Man Mountain Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
10

Limberlost Trail

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
Admission Admission Not Included
11

Crescent Rock Overlook

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
12

Cedar Run Trail

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
Admission Admission Not Included
13

Franklin Cliffs Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
14

Camp Rapidan

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
Admission Admission Not Included
15

The Point Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
16

Bearfence Mountain

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
Admission Admission Not Included
17

The Oaks Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
18

South River Falls Trail

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
Admission Admission Not Included
19

Swift Run Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
20

Bacon Hollow Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
21

Loft Mountain Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
22

Rockytop Overlook

In addition to its sweeping vistas, Rockytop Overlook also boasts a spectacular view of the Big Run watershed wilderness.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
23

Jones Run Falls Trailhead

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
Admission Admission Not Included
24

Blackrock Summit Trail

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
Admission Admission Not Included
25

Moormans River Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
26

Crimora Lake Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
27

Turk Mountain Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
28

Calf Mountain Overlook

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
Admission Admission Not Included
29

Rockfish Gap

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
30

Shenandoah Nat'l Park Sign

After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
  • Additional information
    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.
  • Additional information
    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.
  • Additional information
    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
  • Additional information
    Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
  • Additional information
    Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Provided by Guide With Action

What our experts say

  • icon
    Download app before arrival for ease
  • icon
    Stop by Dickey Ridge Visitor Center for maps
  • icon
    Consider a picnic at one of the overlooks
  • icon
    Early mornings offer fewer crowds
  • icon
    Bring a camera for stunning views

Select Currency