Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway is one of mans great creations. With over thirty years is the creation, the beautiful Cherohala Skyway was born in 1996. The Cherohala Skyway was an expensive undertaking. The cost to build this awesome ride was about 100 million dollars. When you get the chance to ride it, you will agree that is was well worth the money.

Ride some of the highest and most scenic mountainous country in East Tennessee. Wind around at over 5000 feet in elevation on the Cherohala Skyway. The views from here are absolutely magnificent. The beautiful, sweeping curves make for one of the better motorcycle rides in this part of the country.

The name Chero - hala was given because of the two forests that make up this great ride. The Cherohala Skyway passed through both the Cherokee and the Nantahala National Forests. Ride along with the beauty of these plush forests.

You can start your Cherohala Skyway ride from either Tellico Plains North Carolina or Robbinsville. If you have the time, ride it both directions. The scenery is never the same going the opposite direction. The highway number is 165 on the Tennessee side, and is 143 on the North Carolina side. The ride distance is only a little over 40 miles. About 15 of them are in North Carolina and another 21 in backcountry Tennessee.

You may not want to try riding the Cherohala Skyway in the winter time. With the high elevations, there is often snow and even ice on some parts in the wintertime. Nighttime is OK in the warmer months, but don't be surprised if you don't see too many others riding the Cherohala Skyway. It can be a really peaceful ride at nighttime.

Fuel is nonexistent anywhere on the Cherohala Skyway. You should gas up at either Robbinsville, or Tellico Plains. Where you fuel up depend on which direction you start from. If you plan to ride both ways, you may be able to get by with only one fill up.

Some parts of the Cherohala Skyway are somewhat desolate. Leave civilization behind and get out to ride one of the more scenic byways in the east. There are parts that seem to have no signs of human life. Wildlife, however rule this byway.

If you like waterfalls, there is a great little detour off the Cherohala Skyway near Tellico Plains up to Bald River Falls. Its only about 7 miles off highway 143 to get to the falls. Just jump off on highway 210 to take a nice break. Some even cool off by taking a dip at the base of the falls. You could even have a backwoods picnic at the falls if you want to.

Be ready for an elevation change from just about 900 feel to well over 5000 feet. Gaining and losing over 4000 feet in elevation along the Cherohala Skyway can make your ears pop a little bit.

Some of the activities you can enjoy (besides the ride itself) include hiking, Kayaking, white water rafting, and camping.

•     Santeetlah Gap (Mile 0) — junction with Kilmer Road, accessing Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

  Cherohala Skyway

  Google Map
•     Hooper Cove (Mile 2) — picnic area
•     Shute Cove (Mile 3) — picnic area
•     Huckleberry Knob (Mile 9) — short trail to Huckleberry  Knob
•     Hooper Bald (Mile 10) — short trail Hooper Bald
•     Santeetlah Overlook (Mile 11) — 5,390-foot view of the Santeetlah Creek watershed
•     Big Junction Overlook (Mile 12) — Southern view from the gap between Haw Knob and Big Junction
•     Stratton Ridge (Mile 16) — picnic area and Benton MacKaye Trail access
•     Unicoi Crest (Mile 18) — Tennessee-North Carolina state line, view of the Tellico River valley
•     Falls Branch Falls Trail (Mile 21) — trail through a forest to a 55-foot waterfall
•     Lake View Overlook (Mile 25)
•     Turkey Creek Overlook (Mile 27)
•     Forest Service Road 345 (Mile 29) to Indian Boundary Lake campground
•     Forest Service Road 210 (Mile 39) Tellico District Ranger Station and Bald River Falls