Overall Route Rating
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4.84 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.84
179 Reviews

Cherohala Skyway

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Feb 29, 2004

Rider Reviews

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Guest
March 27, 2013
I live 30 minutes from the Dragon. I ride it, to…
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Sooner805
35 McR Points
July 22, 2012
This truely is one of the best rides in the…
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Written Directions

To take the Cherohala Skyway, just get yourself to Tellico Plains, TN which is located about 25 miles south of I-75 between Knoxville and Chattanooga, TN. From there you take Highway 165 east which at the TN/NC border will change names to "National Forest Road." Its a little difficult to describe at that point but I recommend you take a right on to Cherahala Skyway and take that only about a mile and then you want to take a left on to "National Forest Road" which will initially have you running north east but overall will take you east through the mountains and into Robinsville North Carolina. Overall, just make sure you follow the signs to Robinsville, NC.

Scenery

This cyclist's dream road connects Robbinsville, North Carolina, with Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It can be desolate at night and extremely dangerous in the winter months. There are no facilities other than restrooms for the entire 40 miles. There is little evidence of civilization from views that rival or surpass any from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Tellico River, at the lower elevations on the Tennessee side, is famous for it's trout fishing, and when the water is up, can be quite a challenge for canoers and kayakers. The river leads you to the sleepy town of Tellico Plains where you can gas your tank and feed your belly. Update from Leann (3/19/12): The Cherohala Skyway starts in Tellico Plains, TN and ends in Robbiinsville, NC. From the city limits of Tellico Plains to the city limits of Robbinsville is a 51 miles trip

Drive Enjoyment

THE CHEROHALA, WITH ITS SWEEPING CURVES, WILL TEMPT YOU TO RIDE FASTER. THEN YOU WILL BE IN ONE OF THE TIGHTER CURVES WITH TOO MUCH SPEED. DEATH AND SERIOUS INJURY CAN RESULT. Update from Leann (3/19/12): This road has alot of twisties and sweeping curves. The road is in excellent condition and is well maintained. Often referred to as "a drive among the clouds" you will drive to elevations of over 5400 feet high.

Tourism Opportunities

Nothing on route but gas and eating at both ends. Update from Leann (3/19/12): The town of Tellico Plains has many eateries, Kat's Deli is a great place to grab a bite and located right on the river. Lodging in Tellico is limited to cabins and camping but a hotel is at the end of the Skyway in Robbinsville. While in Tellico Plains make sure to stop by the visitor center to get your free maps and information from the knowledgable and friendly staff. Next door to the Visitor Center you will find The Charles Hall Museum which is a must see for anyone traveling through town. The displays in the museum are beyond words and trust me when I tell you, you will be shocked to find such a collection in this town. You can also pick up your souvenirs, tshirts, and refreshments in the museum gift shop.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

Update from Leann (3/19/12): Also, on the Robbinsville side of the Skyway you will find the world famous Deal's Gap (aka The Dragon) crosses over the Cherohala Skyway. Make a weekend of it and kill two birds with one stone! - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Cades Cove web site - Great Smoky Mountain National Park web site
 

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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I live about one hour ride from either end of this. One of my favorite roads to ride. Elevation changes from 1,500 to 5,600 feet. Temps will drop about 20 degrees from bottom to top. Mostly sweepers, but almost always back and forth, with not many straights. Plenty of pull offs and view points for stops and photo ops. 55 miles from end to end, with no food or gas in between. Pavement is good, No trucks (or commercial vehicles) allowed. Beautiful in spring (azaleas and rhododendron blooming) and fall (all the colors of hardwoods changing). Speed limit is 45 on NC side and 40 on TN side. Curves are superelevated (banked). A couple curves are compound, or decreasing radius and can be tricky, but are clearly marked with extra warning signs and painted markings. about 6 miles east of Tellico Plains is a turnoff to ride back about another 5 miles to Bald River Falls. Definitely worth the ride back, any time of year. For campers there is the Indian Boundary Campground with a lake and horse camp as well. Excellent facilities, about 12 miles from Tellico Plains. This 55 mile stretch is just as beautiful and far less crowded than the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Excellent views of 5,000 to 6,000 foot mountains off as far as 70 miles away can be seen. Riding east to west is entirely different than west to east, so try it both directions if you have the time. Incorporate it with a ride on the Dragon, and then make a roundtrip up highway 360 (in TN) to Hwy 72, back over to 129 (the Dragon), Or take the Foot Hills Parkway into Townsend, TN or all the way to Wears Valley, TN.
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ewingchance@gmail.com
April 8, 2020
31 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
God’s greatness is on full display here!
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Hardrider
June 16, 2020
92 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
Another awesome road in western North Carolina.
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