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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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Guest
March 27, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I live 30 minutes from the Dragon. I ride it, to get to the Cherohala because the Cherohala is far more fun than the Dragon. I ride it year round, several times a year, even in the snow on New Year's Day every year! Some statements below are not accurate. It is 18 miles from the end of the dragon to the beginning of Cherohala. A shortcut through Joyce Kilmer forest avoids Robbinsville and makes it about 10 miles between the two great roads. the Fugitive movie was filmed in Swain county, not Graham county. It was filmed at the Cheoha Dam at the end of the Dragon, right near Deal's Gap. There are a couple motels in Tellico Plains, but lodging is easier to find in Robbinsville. However, I would suggest staying in Townsend, TN and then ride a triangle. Foothills Parkway to Dragon, to Cherohala to TN hwy 360, back to 411 back to 129, ride along the lake, back over the Foothills and back to Townsend. I ride that route in about 3 1/2 hours all the time.
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25 riders found this road review useful
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Sooner805
July 22, 2012
35 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This truely is one of the best rides in the nation and I would like to thank the contributor for the detailed description. This road has it all with the exception of amenities. Fuel and food are availible at each end but none on the ride itself. The road is often compared to the Dragon as most motorcycle roads are but I believe this road is much better due to its longer length and elevation changes. The road surface is good and access is limited. Caution is a must because the road has many surprises and higher speeds leading into a sharp turn. The scenery is wonderfull.
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15 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
January 10, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
In 2008 my wife and a Group of 6 bikes rode to Tenn. to do the tail of the Dragon. that was a kool ride but it couldnt compare to the beautiful sights of the Cherohala Skyway its a ride you got to do before you die. Breath takeing . W9ERE GONNA GO BACK
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9 riders found this road review useful