Driving the scenic Cherohala Skyway through the mountains
Usa, north-america
83.36 km
1,646 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through Tennessee and North Carolina? You HAVE to experience the Cherohala Skyway, one of the most breathtaking drives in the USA!
This beauty took 34 years and over $100 million to build, finally opening in 1996, and it's now a designated National Scenic Byway. The name? A blend of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it winds through.
We're talking 51.8 miles (83.36km) of pure, paved road magic stretching from Tellico Plains, TN, to Robbinsville, NC (aka Tennessee State Route 165 meets North Carolina Highway 143). They also call it the Overhill Skyway, FYI!
Get ready for some serious elevation – the highest point is 5,400ft (1,600m) near the state line at Santeetlah Overlook. Even in July, this place can be shrouded in fog and feel super chilly, so pack accordingly! Mountain weather is no joke.
Just south of the legendary Tail of the Dragon, this mile-high drive is always a unique experience, a hidden gem snaking through the mountains. Think long, sweeping corners that are a dream for motorcycles and sports cars. This is a 2-lane road with wide shoulders and 15 scenic overlooks. Word to the wise: it can be desolate at night and treacherous in winter.
Imagine yourself surrounded by forests of hardwoods and evergreens. Seriously, bring your camera! The Cherohala Skyway delivers incredible mountain views, vibrant foliage, and cascading waterfalls. You could technically drive it in 2-3 hours non-stop, but WHY would you want to? This easy drive is smack-dab in the heart of the stunning southern Appalachian Mountains.
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Cherohala Skyway through the mountains is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.1697, -98.6388
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 83.36 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,646 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.1697, -98.6388
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