Scenic Drive & Natural Wonder: Cherohala Skyway Overview

The Cherohala Skyway stretches across the rugged terrain between eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, offering a spectacular 43-mile drive through the Appalachian Mountains. This breathtaking route threads through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, rising to elevations above 5,400 feet. Its unique geographic position allows visitors to experience diverse landscapes—from dense hardwood forests to wide mountain ridges—that change dramatically with the seasons. Particularly notable are the sweeping vistas that frame the surrounding peaks and valleys, making this drive one of the most impressive in the Southeast.

A key feature of the Cherohala Skyway is its accessibility to natural attractions including high-elevation balds and well-preserved old-growth forests. The road itself follows ridgelines that provide uninterrupted views, rare for this region’s typical dense forest cover. Drive any time between spring and fall, and you may witness vibrant wildflowers, colorful foliage, or vibrant wildlife like deer, hawks, and elusive black bears. Alongside natural beauty, the Skyway holds cultural significance, symbolizing a joint effort between Tennessee and North Carolina to create a route that respects the environment while welcoming visitors.

Built over several decades and completed in 1996, the Skyway has become a favored route for photographers, motorcyclists, and anyone seeking moments of quiet reflection amid nature’s grandeur. With several overlooks and trailheads easily accessible from the road, visitors often pause to hike short trails or simply soak in the panoramic views. Whether admiring wild rhododendron blooms or the expansive mountain horizons, the Cherohala Skyway offers a memorable journey through one of the Appalachians’ most scenic corridors.

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Adventure Guide To Cherohala Skyway

1. Hooper Bald

• What makes it special: A short hike leads to this open grassy bald with panoramic mountain views, ideal for birdwatching and picnics.
• Key features: Easy trail, sweeping vistas, and seasonal wildflowers.
• Visitor Tips:
  • Visit late spring for wildflowers or early autumn for leaf colors.
  • Bring hiking boots, camera, and layered clothing.
  • Access from Cherohala Skyway, about 20 minutes from Robbinsville, NC.

2. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

• What makes it special: Home to ancient eastern hardwoods, this forest protects some of the tallest and oldest trees east of the Mississippi.
• Key features: Old-growth trees, peaceful trails, diverse plant life.
• Visitor Tips:
  • Best visited in spring or summer to enjoy lush greenery.
  • Prepare with water, snacks, and insect repellent.
  • Located near the Skyway's northern entrance, 30 minutes from Robbinsville, NC.

3. Santeetlah Overlook

• What makes it special: Offers breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a perfect spot for sunrise photography.
• Key features: Scenic overlook with parking and picnic tables.
• Visitor Tips:
  • Early morning visits provide the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Take binoculars and a light jacket for cool mornings.
  • Approximately 25 minutes from Tellico Plains, TN, along the Skyway.

Practical Notes

• Best times to visit: Spring through fall; fall offers spectacular color changes.
• What to bring: Water, sturdy shoes, camera, and layered clothing for changing mountain weather.
• Getting There: The Skyway connects Tellico Plains, TN, to Robbinsville, NC. From Tellico Plains, expect about an hour’s drive to the central points of the Skyway.

The Cherohala Skyway offers an immersive outdoor experience where quiet mountain beauty meets exceptional accessibility—a driving route designed to reveal the best of the Southern Appalachians.