Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway

Drive the mile-high Cherohala Skyway in Graham County near Robbinsville, about 100 miles west of Asheville. This is definitely one of the most scenic drives in Blue Ridge Mountains on North Carolina. The countless mountain views from this 42-mile winding National Scenic Byway show little evidence of civilization. Stop at many overlooks, hike and picnic. It's located near Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Lake Santeetlah, and Fontana Lake.

It's a favorite for motorcycle and sports car drivers with its many twists and turns. Take your time and stop along the way to enjoy. Temperatures can drop as much as 20 degrees during the first 11 miles of your drive, starting on the North Carolina side, since the Skyway climbs from 2,660 ft. elevation to 5,390 ft.! The Skyway follows NC Highway 143 (easier to find on maps) and TN 165 to Tellico Plains, TN.

There are several hiking trails along the way. Our favorite is Huckleberry Knob, the highest point in the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest at 5,560 ft. elevation. See our Huckleberry Knob Hike Guide. A one-mile round-trip to Hooper Bald is near Mile 8. 

The Cherohala Skyway opened in 1996, after 34 years of construction! It is North Carolina's most expensive highway at a cost of $100,000,000 (about $3 million a mile!). It winds up the ridge for about 18 miles in North Carolina and descends another 24 miles into the backcountry of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests - thus the name "Chero-hala."

Bring a picnic! You'll find many tables with mile-high views along the way. The Skyway begins near the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in North Carolina. It can be desolate at night and extremely dangerous in the winter months. There are no facilities other than a couple of restrooms for the entire 36 miles, so make sure you have enough gas before you begin.

You can turn around at one of the overlooks or continue down the ridge in Tennessee. At the state line, the descent starts into the Tellico River basin. If you continue into Tennessee, take a detour to Bald River Falls on paved Forest Service Road 210 to see the 100-ft. waterfall from your car (or motorcycle).

Mile markers begin at the state line, so you will decrease as you drive. Here are some stops with approximate mile markers:

• Mile 18: Santeetlah Gap with overlook at start of the Skyway
• Mile 16: Hooper Cove picnic area
• Mile 15: Shute Cove picnic area & vista
• Mile 10: Spirit Ridge Trail with picnic area and ADA-compliant, paved trail through the forest to an overlook (3/10 of a mile one way)
• Mile 9: Huckleberry Knob 2.5-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Huckleberry Knob (5,560 ft.)
• Mile 8: Hooper Bald 1/2-mile trail to the summit (5,429 ft.), known for summer flame azalea and wildflowers
• Mile 7: Santeetlah Overlook, highest point on the Skyway at 5,390-ft. with picnic tables
• Mile 6: Big Junction Overlook
• Mile 2: Stratton Ridge with picnic area, restrooms and Benton MacKaye Trail access
• Mile 0: Unicoi Crest at Tennessee-North Carolina state line, view of the Tellico River valley
• Mile 23: At the Tennessee line, you will continue the 23-mile drive to the end

Also, check out the Indian Lakes Scenic Byway.