Cherohala Skyway is a world class ridge route that runs between Tellico Plains, Tennessee and Robbinsville, North Carolina. The Skyway features sky-scraping mountains, plunging gorges, glorious autumn vistas and grand forest environment of the Appalachian Mountains. Travel to the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests at the end of October or early November and enjoy the astounding fall colors of more than 120 species of trees. Drive down to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, NC and marvel at the splendor of old-growth trees. Then drive west along Cherohala Skyway into Tennessee and enjoy the whitewater rivers and abundance of waterfalls in Cherokee National Forest.
Towns/Cities You'll Pass By/Through
Tellico Plains, the route's western endpoint, in East Tennessee is a great little town full of southern hospitality and filled with arts and craft shops and wonderful eateries. The Cherohala Skyway is also near a number of interesting small towns that can be visited by taking short detours off the main route. Sweetwater in Tennessee (just a short distance west of Tellico Plains) is a charming southern town that offers great antique and arts shops as well as several dining establishments. Also not far off the route is Madisonville, TN, a town in Monroe County where you can shop, eat, and stroll the downtown square. Just north of Tellico Plains is Vonore, the home to Tellico Lake with public beach areas and lakeside camping. South of the route is Coker Creek, a quiet mountain town rich in history, heritage, and surrounded by spectacular natural beauty.
Attractions & Points-of-Interests Along the Way
All along Cherohala Skyway there are a lot of wonderful pull-off spots great for enjoying the scenery from an angle off of the road. Some of the spots are: Santeetlah Gap, Shute Cove, Wright Creek, Obadiah Gap, Huckleberry Knob, Hooper Bald, Big Junction, Turkey Creek overlook and Unicoi Crest. Other attractions along the Skyway include: Junaluska Memorial and Museum, the Charles Hall Museum and Indian Boundary Campground.
