Turn a scenic drive into a guided expedition: this GPS-triggered audio tour along Skyline Drive delivers history, geology, and waterfall detours as you cruise the Blue Ridge. Download ahead, plan stops, and let the narration point you to the park’s best viewpoints.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull onto Skyline Drive just after dawn; the road threads along a ridge, pines and oaks shifting with the light while an audio voice cues a collapsed stone wall or a hidden cascade just off the pullout.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; short, optional walks and rock scrambles may require basic mobility
Wildlife
History
Skyline Drive and many trail structures were built in the 1930s with Civilian Conservation Corps crews; the Mary’s Rock tunnel (1932) is a visible CCC-era engineering mark.
Conservation
The park manages roadside parking and trail access to limit erosion and habitat disturbance—stay in designated pullouts and pack out trash to protect fragile ridge ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Self Guided Audio Tour Skyline Drive and Shenandoah NP today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Install the Drives & Detours app and fully download the Skyline Drive tour while on Wi‑Fi—cell service is spotty inside the park.
Bring a charged phone and cable
The audio runs on your device and can drain battery—carry a car charger to keep the narration and GPS active.
Observe wildlife from the car
Pull completely off the road at designated overlooks to photograph deer or bears; never feed or approach animals.
Time your stops for light and traffic
Start early or later in the afternoon to avoid peak midday traffic and to catch best photographic light at overlooks.
Smartphone with the Drives & Detours app
Runs the GPS-triggered narration and downloads the tour for offline use.
Car charger/power bank
Keeps your device charged for the full route and any extra detours.
Layered clothing
Temperatures on ridge crests change quickly—layers work for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
spring
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Hydration and light fuel are handy between pullouts and short hikes.
summer