Cherohala Skyway

Stretching 43 miles from Robbinsville, North Carolina to Tellico Plains, Tennessee, the Cherohala Skyway delivers a spectacular ride across the southern Appalachian Mountains. With long, sweeping curves, lofty elevations, and endless layers of forested ridges, this scenic highway is a paradise for road trippers, motorcyclists, and anyone seeking crisp mountain air and uninterrupted natural beauty. Named after the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it traverses, the Cherohala Skyway offers a soaring adventure through some of the most pristine terrain in the southeastern United States.

Completed in 1996 after 34 years of planning and construction, the Skyway was North Carolina’s most expensive scenic highway project at the time, with a staggering $100 million price tag. The result was worth every penny. Drivers gain access to one of the most majestic and serene corridors in the region, climbing to elevations over 5,400 feet and descending into the remote backcountry of Tennessee.

The Road That Touches the Sky

The journey begins at Santeetlah Gap in North Carolina at an elevation of 2,660 feet. From here, the road climbs and winds through dense forests, passing overlook after overlook with panoramic mountain views that stretch for miles. These high ridgelines often ride above the clouds. Weather here can change swiftly, with summer afternoons sometimes shrouded in mist or chilled by a brisk breeze, even in July. Bone-chilling temperatures and thick fog are not uncommon, so layers are essential.

The highway’s design is graceful and deliberate, with gentle, sweeping curves that make it popular among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. The rhythm of the road, the clean scent of pine, and the hush of wilderness make this drive a sensory experience. There are no traffic lights, gas stations, or commercial intrusions along the entire route. Civilization disappears behind a curtain of trees, and what remains is the sound of wind and the occasional call of a hawk overhead.

Highlights on the North Carolina Side

The first stretch of the Skyway in North Carolina climbs through the Nantahala National Forest and offers several scenic stops:

• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: An old-growth forest home to enormous poplar trees, just a short detour from the Skyway.
• Hooper Bald and Huckleberry Trail: Short hikes that lead to high meadows and blooming wildflowers in spring and early summer.
• Santeetlah and Stratton Ridge Picnic Areas: Perfect rest stops with tables, views, and a tranquil setting.
• Benton MacKaye Trail Crossing: A major footpath that intersects the Skyway, ideal for day hikes.

Forest Service Road 81, an old wagon trail that intersects the Skyway at the state line, provides access to more rugged exploration. This 30-mile gravel road winds through thick woods and offers backcountry camping and scenic solitude for dual sport riders, Jeep drivers, and off-road adventurers.

The Descent Into Tennessee

Crossing into Tennessee, the highway drops into the Tellico River basin and into the Cherokee National Forest. The Tennessee side of the Skyway is rich with color in the fall and blanketed with snow-dusted trees in the winter. Several scenic overlooks provide quiet places to rest and soak in the surroundings.

• Brushy Ridge and Turkey Creek Overlooks: Inviting picnic spots with expansive mountain backdrops.
• Indian Boundary Waters: A recreational area with a peaceful lake, shaded campsites, and additional off-road trails.

One of the most rewarding side trips is to Bald River Falls, located on paved Forest Service Road 210. This roaring 100-foot waterfall tumbles down mossy rocks and can be viewed easily from your car or motorcycle.

The Tellico River itself is a destination for anglers and paddlers. Known for trout fishing and seasonal whitewater, it offers another dimension of mountain recreation. The journey ends in Tellico Plains, a quiet town with fuel, food, and a welcome return to small-town charm. A favorite spot among travelers is Tellico Kats Deli, where you can enjoy a hearty sandwich on a riverside deck after a day on the road.

What to Know Before You Go

• Fuel Up: There are no gas stations between Robbinsville and Tellico Plains, so fill your tank before entering the Skyway.
• Prepare for Weather: Temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations. Fog and brief afternoon showers are common in summer.
• Limited Services: Other than a few restrooms, there are no services or businesses along the Skyway. Bring water, snacks, and any essentials.
• Stay Nearby: Lodging options in Robbinsville include Tapoco Lodge, Huffman Creek Retreat, and Fontana Village Resort. On the Tennessee side, consider Cherohala Skyway Cabins in Tellico Plains or the Grand Vista Inn in Vonore.

A Road Worth the Ride

The Cherohala Skyway is consistently ranked among the top motorcycle routes in North America and has earned praise from the Discovery Channel for its scenic appeal. But it is not just a route for thrill-seekers. It is a road that invites a slower pace, a deep breath, and a quiet appreciation of the southern Appalachian wilderness. From the moment you climb above Santeetlah Gap to the final curve into Tellico Plains, every mile is a reminder that sometimes the best places are the ones where nature takes the lead.

If you’re drawn to forested peaks, open road serenity, and a place where the mountains stretch farther than the horizon, the Cherohala Skyway is a journey well worth your time.