15. Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway: A Motorcyclist’s Dream Ride Through the Smoky Mountains

For motorcyclists craving a thrilling yet scenic escape, the Cherohala Skyway delivers an unforgettable ride through the heart of the Smoky Mountains. This National Scenic Byway is renowned for its sweeping curves, breathtaking vistas, and serene wilderness.

As part of the broader Cherohala Skyway Loop, which connects with other iconic routes like the Tail of the Dragon, this ride offers a perfect blend of adrenaline and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a weekend warrior, the Cherohala Skyway promises a journey that’s as exhilarating as it is peaceful. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your ride, including must-see sites, top stops, and what makes this route a motorcycling mecca.

Marc’s take: The Cherohala Skyway is one of the most beautiful rides anywhere! Interestingly enough, almost no one rides it. You can ride for long distances without seeing another vehicle (at least when we rode it). Take a picnic and stop near the top. Picnic tables with incredible views are available for free. Finally, do not pass by the Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center without stopping. It is a surprisingly good museum.

The Cherohala Skyway: An Overview

The Cherohala Skyway is named for the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it traverses. The name is derived by combining “Chero” from Cherokee and “hala” from Nantahala.

It is a 51.8-mile point-to-point ride that climbs from 900 feet in Tellico Plains to over 5,400 feet at its highest point near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. Completed in 1996 after 34 years of construction and a $100 million price tag, it’s North Carolina’s most expensive scenic highway. Its smooth pavement, long sweepers, and minimal traffic make it a favorite among motorcyclists. It is rumored that the Discovery Channel included it in their Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America (but we can’t find it anywhere on their site).

Unlike the intense, technical Tail of the Dragon, the Cherohala Skyway offers a more leisurely pace, allowing riders to soak in ridge-after-ridge views of forested mountains and pristine wilderness.

As part of the Cherohala Skyway Loop, a 138-mile route that includes the Skyway, Tail of the Dragon, and other scenic roads, riders can extend their adventure for a full day of riding. The Skyway itself takes about 1.5 to 2 hours without stops, but you’ll want to budget extra time for overlooks, hikes, and side trips.

Be prepared: there are no gas stations or restaurants along the route, only a couple of restrooms, so fuel up and pack snacks before you hit the road.

Kicking Off in Tellico Plains

Your journey begins in the charming town of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, a gateway to the Cherokee National Forest with a rich Cherokee history. Before you roll out, stop at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center on TN-165. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, it offers free maps, road condition updates, and local souvenirs.

Grab a coffee or a fresh sandwich at Tellico Kats Deli, which has a scenic deck overlooking the Tellico River, perfect for fueling up.

If you’re into history, the Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center nearby dives into the area’s past. It has a ton of really cool historical items from the early to late 1900’s. Charles Hall was a local guy with a penchant for remembering the past by collecting items most people wouldn’t think of keeping. You really do need to see this place.

As you leave Tellico Plains, the road starts gently, winding alongside the Tellico River, famous for trout fishing and whitewater kayaking. The air is crisp, and the dense forest canopy sets the tone for the wild ride ahead. Keep your tank full, as the next fuel stop isn’t until Robbinsville, NC.

Must-See Stops Along the Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway is dotted with 15 scenic overlooks and pull-offs, each offering jaw-dropping views of the Smoky Mountains. Here are the highlights, plus side trips that make this ride unforgettable:

• Bald River Falls (Mile 39, TN Side): Just 5 miles off the Skyway via Forest Service Road 210 (Tellico River Road), Bald River Falls is a must-see. This 90-foot waterfall cascades into a picturesque pool, visible from the road, no hiking required. The paved but narrow road demands caution, but the payoff is worth it. If you’re up for more, Baby Falls, a smaller waterfall, is just a mile past Bald River Falls. Both are perfect for photos or a quick stretch. Visit before fall 2025, as bridge repairs may limit access.

• Indian Boundary Lake (Mile 14.3, TN Side): A short detour leads to the Indian Boundary Recreation Area, a serene lake surrounded by lush woodlands. It’s ideal for a picnic or a quick dip if you’re riding in summer. The campground here is great for overnight stays, and nearby trails offer dual-sport riding opportunities for adventure riders.

• Santeetlah Overlook (Mile 11, NC Side): At 5,390 feet, this is the Skyway’s highest point and a showstopper. Park your bike, grab your camera, and take in panoramic views of the Santeetlah Creek watershed and the Great Smoky Mountains. Picnic tables make it a great spot for lunch. The elevation means cooler temps, often 20 degrees lower than Tellico Plains, so layer up.

• Hooper Bald (Mile 10, NC Side): A quarter-mile trail leads to the summit of Hooper Bald (5,429 feet), offering 360-degree views of the Unicoi Mountains. It’s an easy hike to stretch your legs and soak in the solitude of the Nantahala National Forest.

• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (Near Robbinsville, NC Side): Just off the Skyway via NC-1127 (Santeetlah Road), this forest is home to 400-year-old tulip poplars over 100 feet tall, some with 20-foot circumferences. The 2-mile figure-8 loop trail feels like walking through a cathedral of ancient trees. Arrive early on summer weekends to avoid crowds. Note: the road to the forest is paved but bumpy, so take it slow.

The Cherohala Skyway Ride: Curves and Views

The Cherohala Skyway is a motorcyclist’s paradise, with long, sweeping corners and smooth pavement that invite you to lean into the ride. The Tennessee side starts with gentle curves along the Tellico River, gradually climbing through dense forests. As you cross into North Carolina, the road gets twistier, gaining over 4,000 feet in elevation in just 10 miles. Switchbacks and hairpin turns keep you focused, but the lack of traffic lets you set your own pace.

The views are the real star. From forested valleys to mile-high ridges, the scenery rivals the Blue Ridge Parkway but feels wilder, with little evidence of civilization. Summer brings cool breezes and occasional thunderstorms, while fall (late September to mid-November) explodes with red, orange, and yellow foliage. Winter riding is risky due to ice and snow, so stick to spring or fall for the best conditions.

Arriving in Robbinsville

The Skyway ends in Robbinsville, North Carolina, a small town (population 620) surrounded by Lake Santeetlah and national forest land. Refuel at Skyway Food Mart on US-129, and grab a burger at Lynn’s Place or dine at the Tapoco Tavern at the historic Tapoco Lodge, which offers riverside views and hearty meals.

Robbinsville is also the gateway to the Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of US-129 with 318 curves. If you’re up for it, head to Deals Gap, the midpoint of the Cherohala Skyway Loop.

Tips for the Ride

• Gear Up: The elevation change means temperatures can drop significantly. Bring layers and rain gear, as mountain weather is unpredictable.

• Fuel and Food: Fill up in Tellico Plains or Robbinsville, and pack snacks or a picnic for overlooks like Santeetlah or Stratton Ridge.

• Timing: Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer and to catch the best light for photos. Fall is peak season for leaf-peepers, so mid-week rides are less crowded.

• Safety: The Skyway’s curves are forgiving, but stay alert for wildlife and occasional gravel on shoulders. Cell service is spotty, so download maps offline.

• Extend the Adventure: Make it a full day by riding the Cherohala Skyway Loop, which includes the Tail of the Dragon.

Why Ride the Cherohala Skyway?

The Cherohala Skyway isn’t just a road, it’s a journey through the untamed beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Its mix of thrilling curves, stunning overlooks, and hidden gems like Bald River Falls and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest make it a bucket-list ride. As one rider on X raved, it’s “one of the most beautiful roads east of the Mississippi River.”

Whether you’re chasing the rush of the ride or the peace of the mountains, the Skyway delivers. So, fire up your bike, hit the road, and let the Cherohala Skyway show you why it’s a motorcyclist’s dream come true.