Cherohala Skyway – TN
Details
- DesignationNational Scenic Byway (1996)
- Intrinsic QualitiesScenic
- LocationNC, TN
- Length23 of 41 total miles

Overview
The Skyway offers the cultural heritage of the Cherokee tribe and early settlers in a grand forest environment in the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy mile-high vistas and brilliant fall foliage, as well as great hiking opportunities and picnic spots in magnificent and seldom-seen portions of the southern Appalachian National Forests.
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Monroe County Department of Tourism
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Graham County Travel
Story of the Byway
The Cherohala Skyway may be the only National Scenic Byway that resulted from a joke. In the 1950s, someone made a joke about the only roads between North Carolina and Tennessee being old wagon trails. That started an annual wagon trail ride, which gave rise to the idea for a highway that would run along the crest of the Unicoi Mountains from Robbinsville, N.C., to Tellico, Tenn. After 40 years and at a cost of $100 million, the 43-mile Cherohala Skyway was finished. It has become a popular scenic drive as it rises from 2,660 feet to 5,390 feet in just over 10 miles along the North Carolina side. This mini Blue Ridge Parkway combines with the nearby Dragon at Deals Gap and the Parkway itself to make an amazing driving trip through Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains. The Cherohala Skyway is named for the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, which line each side of the road. It is known for its long sweeping corners, scenic views, and picnic and hiking opportunities. Popular stops along and near the Skyway include Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Santeetlah Lake and many Cherokee sites.
Looking for ridge after ridge of forested mountainside with sweeping mountain views as far as the eyes can see; abundant and unobstructed scenic overlooks around every corner; world class hiking trails, refreshing waterfalls and scenic overlooks; a road featured as one of Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America Some call it the “best kept secret.” We call it The Cherohala Skyway – experience it for yourself.
The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after planning and construction for some thirty-four years. It was North Carolina’s most expensive scenic highway carrying a price tag of $100,000,000. It winds up over 5,400 foot mountains for 18 miles in North Carolina and descends another 23 miles into the deeply forested back country of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name “Cherohala”. The Skyway is becoming well known in motorcycling and sports car circles for it’s long, sweeping corners, scenic views, cool summer breezes, fall colors, and winter vistas. There is little evidence of civilization from views that rival or surpass any from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The byway offers a respite from the hot North Carolina summers. Up on the mountain ridges, it is often cool and cloudy, even in the summer months, which create a dramatic backdrop for these beloved mountains. The mile-high ride is always a new and unforgettable experience.
This byway in particular is known for its fall colors. Peak colors typically occur during the last two weeks in October, but that is dependent upon fall temperatures and in particular, the first frost date. The color change begins at higher elevations where you see the earliest changes in late September, and continue all the way into mid-November at the lower elevations. The Sourwood and Dogwood trees are the first to turn red early in the season. Next are the Tulip Poplars which turn yellow, but then quickly turn brown. Peak leaf season brings in the red, orange, and yellow of the Maples and the bright yellow of the Birches. Oaks and Sweetgums finish up the season with purple, orange, and red. Fall wildflowers on the Cherohala Skyway provide a beautiful display of colors starting in September up to the first frost in early October.
Driving Directions
Start on NC 143 at Robbinsville, NC, and continue on NC 143 until the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. The byway then becomes TN 165. Continue on this route through the Cherokee National Forest until the end of the Skyway at Tellico Plains, TN.
Points of Interest
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Nantahala National Forest
the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. All district names come from the Cherokee language. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday.
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Wolf General Store & Cafe
Wolf Creek Cafe is a local's secret! Stop by for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. No time to sit and eat?
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Cherohala Visitor Center
A fully interpretive center providing regional information on the Cherohala Skyway and South Appalachian Mountains. The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains is a "must stop" before starting up the Skyway. Stop by for free maps, Skyway driving conditions and local area souvenirs and gifts.
Itinerary
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A Drive Above the Clouds
Your Cherohala Skyway itinerary begins in the quaint historic town of Tellico Plains. This historic town has excellent places to eat in the town’s square. Stop by the local bakery for wood-fired brick oven breads, gourmet pastries, sandwiches and other delectable baked items.
On your way out of town, fill your tank and take drinks and snacks, as there are no gas stations or stores along the 42-mile Cherohala Skyway drive! It takes about 2 ½ hours to drive the Skyway. Stop at the Cherohala Skyway visitor Center, 225 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.8010, for unique area gifts, artwork, maps and helpful Skyway information.
Your drive starts through the Cherokee National Forest, and you will be driving alongside and crossing the Tellico River. About 5 miles into your trip you can take a right on Forest Service Road 210 and visit the Ranger Station on the left. Further along Forest Service 210 is Bald River Falls! The driving bridge goes right past the beautiful cascading 100 foot falls! It is not necessary to leave your car to view the falls. You can turn around here, retrace your drive to the Skyway, TN 165, and continue your trip.As you continue on the Skyway about 12 miles, you will be passing through the black bear
sanctuary. Turn left on Indian Boundary Road to view Indian Boundary Campground and Lake. The campground is in among hardwoods and pine and offers different types of camping, from sites with electrical hookups and a modern bathhouse to rustic sites with outdoor showers and fire pits. Indian Boundary Lake is beautiful and tempting for a quick swim or walk! Retrace your drive back to the Cherohala and travel along the Skyway and stop at the many overlooks for incredible views and photo ops. Stop and have a snack at the picnic tables. Be sure to put your trash in the bear-safe garbage cans!
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