Cherohala Skyway - By rtcoker

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.