Cherohala Skyway
A 43-mile National Scenic Byway through the Appalachian Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors, fewer crowds
Cherohala Skyway
Best Time
Peak fall colors, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 43-mile National Scenic Byway through the Appalachian Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas and natural beauty.
"This route is an overall easy ride packed full of beautiful scenery."
🚗 Avoid Weekends & Peak Season
The Cherohala Skyway and nearby Tail of the Dragon get very crowded on weekends. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable along the Skyway. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded for navigation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Overlooks
Various pull-offs along the Skyway
Breathtaking vistas of the Appalachian Mountains, especially vibrant during fall. Don't miss the chance for stunning photos.
Bald River Falls
Cherokee National Forest, near Tellico Plains
A magnificent 90-foot waterfall easily accessible from the Skyway. A must-see natural wonder for nature lovers.
Huckleberry Knob
Cherokee National Forest
A popular hike offering expansive views, especially beautiful with fall colors. A rewarding stop for active travelers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Colors
Prepare for Mountain Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Avoid Weekends & Peak Season
The Cherohala Skyway and nearby Tail of the Dragon get very crowded on weekends. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable along the Skyway. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded for navigation.
⛽ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce along the Skyway. Fill your tank in Tellico Plains or Robbinsville before starting your drive.
🥾 Pack Hiking Gear
Many scenic overlooks offer access to short trails and viewpoints. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid Weekends & Peak Season
The Cherohala Skyway and nearby Tail of the Dragon get very crowded on weekends. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable along the Skyway. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded for navigation.
⛽ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce along the Skyway. Fill your tank in Tellico Plains or Robbinsville before starting your drive.
🥾 Pack Hiking Gear
Many scenic overlooks offer access to short trails and viewpoints. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring.
🐻 Watch for Wildlife
You might encounter deer, bears, or other critters. Drive cautiously and never feed wild animals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Cherohala Skyway's breathtaking mountain scenery, especially during the vibrant fall season. The drive is described as a peaceful escape with numerous scenic overlooks and accessible natural attractions like Bald River Falls. While generally well-received, some note that summer foliage can obscure views, and caution is advised regarding wildlife and other road users.
"This route I’ve been on before, taking the word witch during our anniversary cabin trip last year. It was fun little jaunt through the mountains after hitting The Dragon, it is an overall easy ride packed full of beautiful scenery."
Scott Tackett
"Great place to drive through and experience the outdoors at! Be sure to keep a watchful eye for critters. Be wary of cyclists too, as they can be unwilling to share the road at times with motor vehicles.
Other than that, there's plenty to look for here, and there are places to pull over and check out such as viewpoints, places to eat, gardens, and more."
Sean
"We've driven the Cherohala Skyway in summer, but the view was sometimes blocked by the trees, so we planned to drive it in winter for a better view. We were leaving Gatlinburg, so we decided to drive from the NC side into TN. As we started up, it started to spit snow. As we continued on, the temp dropped from mid 30s downto23 degrees, and the light snow became sleet! The wind picked up, and fog rolled in! At times, we were crawling along with very limited visibility! As we started down into TN, it cleared up, and the temp started to go back up. It's given us a great story to tell!"
Carol Irwin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Chattanooga, take I-75 North towards Knoxville, then US-64 East towards Cleveland and eventually US-411 North to Tellico Plains, TN. The drive to Tellico Plains is about 1.5 hours. +1
The Skyway connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina. You can start from either end, depending on your travel plans. +1
The Skyway is a scenic drive with many curves, but it's generally considered easier than the Tail of the Dragon. It's suitable for most vehicles, though motorcycles and sports cars enjoy the twists. +1
Yes, but be prepared for potentially hazardous conditions like snow, sleet, and fog, especially at higher elevations. Visibility can be very limited.
The Skyway is generally open year-round, but it can be closed temporarily due to severe weather, especially snow and ice. Always check local conditions before your trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway and is free to drive. There are no entrance fees.
The Skyway is open 24/7, but it's best to drive during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
No advance booking is required for driving the Skyway itself. However, if you plan to stay in nearby cabins or campgrounds, booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. +1
For most day hikes originating from the Skyway, no special passes are required. However, if you plan to camp or engage in activities requiring permits, check with the Cherokee or Nantahala National Forests.
Yes, you can find Cherohala Skyway maps online, often available as PDFs from tourism websites or national forest services. Many visitors also rely on downloaded offline maps.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Skyway features numerous designated overlooks offering stunning panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains. Keep an eye out for signs indicating these pull-offs. +1
Yes, Bald River Falls is a prominent 90-foot waterfall located just off the Skyway in the Cherokee National Forest. It's a popular and easily accessible stop. +1
There are several hiking opportunities, including trails to Huckleberry Knob and access points for longer treks within the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. +1
Absolutely! It's a favorite among motorcyclists for its scenic beauty and winding roads, often combined with the Tail of the Dragon. +3
Visitors often report seeing deer, and there's a possibility of encountering black bears, especially in the national forests. Always maintain a safe distance and do not feed wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are very limited directly on the Skyway. It's best to eat before you start your drive in Tellico Plains or Robbinsville, or pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks.
Tellico Plains and Robbinsville offer a selection of local diners, cafes, and restaurants. Consider stopping at places like Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort for a bite if you're combining rides. +1
Yes, many of the scenic overlooks provide ideal spots for a picnic lunch. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Every overlook offers a unique perspective, but the higher elevations provide expansive mountain vistas. Bald River Falls is also a prime photography subject. +2
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the sweeping mountain landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Drones are also popular for aerial shots, but be aware of regulations.
The Skyway passes through areas with significant Cherokee heritage. Look for interpretive signs and consider visiting nearby cultural sites for a deeper understanding and photographic opportunities.
Autumn is spectacular for fall colors, while spring offers blooming wildflowers. Summer provides lush green scenery, and winter can offer dramatic, clear mountain views. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is a great idea, as dining options are limited. This allows for flexible meal breaks at scenic spots. Ensure children are safely secured in their seats, and be mindful of the winding roads. Downloading offline entertainment or games can be helpful for any stretches with no cell service.
🏍️ Motorcycle Enthusiasts
Many riders recommend starting the day with a ride on the Tail of the Dragon and then transitioning to the Cherohala Skyway for a more relaxed, scenic cruise. Robbinsville, NC, and Tellico Plains, TN, are popular starting and ending points, with nearby accommodations and services catering to riders.
+1📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the biodiversity of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the changing flora throughout the seasons. The Skyway is a perfect route for those who love to immerse themselves in natural beauty and capture it through their lens.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cherohala Skyway Experience
This byway is a favorite for road trip enthusiasts, motorcyclists, and anyone seeking a scenic drive. It connects Tellico Plains, TN, with Robbinsville, NC, and is often combined with other popular routes like the Tail of the Dragon. While the drive itself is the main attraction, numerous pull-offs provide opportunities for short hikes, wildlife viewing, and simply soaking in the natural beauty.
Travelers often describe the experience as peaceful and awe-inspiring. The mile-high views and the feeling of being immersed in nature are recurring themes in reviews and social media posts. It's a journey that offers a chance to disconnect and appreciate the grandeur of the Appalachian Mountains.
Exploring Nature: Waterfalls and Hikes
Beyond the falls, the Skyway is a gateway to numerous hiking trails within the national forests. Huckleberry Knob is a popular destination for hikers, offering panoramic views that are particularly spectacular during autumn. Other trails lead to scenic overlooks, remote wilderness areas, and along the Tellico River.
When planning your outdoor adventures, remember that conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Always be prepared with appropriate gear, water, and a map. Respecting the natural environment by staying on marked trails and packing out all trash is crucial for preserving these beautiful areas.
Best Times to Visit for Foliage and Views
To experience the fall colors with fewer people, visiting on a weekday is highly recommended. Early mornings often offer a magical atmosphere with mist settling in the valleys, creating stunning photographic opportunities.
While fall is a highlight, the Skyway offers beauty year-round. Summer provides lush green landscapes and pleasant temperatures for driving and hiking. Winter, though potentially challenging with weather, can offer unique, unobstructed views of the mountain ranges due to the lack of foliage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit