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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Boomer501
April 12, 2015
8 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
My wife and I were up from Florida for our 10th Anniversary. We spent several days riding around the many great places to see in and around the Smoky Mountains. We found this particular road more enjoyable than the Dragon for several reasons. One and most important, less traffic. Also, this road has a much wider variety of elevation changes making it more fun on a bigger bike. Finally the length of the road made it last longer than the little squirt over the mountain on Hwy 129.
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AaronF
August 30, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Of all the great rides to be had in this region, The Cherohala Skyway is, IMHO, the crown jewel. The lack of amenities only means that there are lees obstructions to detract from the beautiful views. Tellico Plains on the west side and Robinsville on the east side will each have whatever you need to start or finish your ride. A must do!
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TheBuffaloSoldier
August 6, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is a fantastic ride with enough variation to make the ride challenging but fun at the same time. I took the ride on a Monday afternoon so the roads were mostly void of cars and there were a modest number of motorcyles out, which made for a really pleasant riding experience. Plenty of places to stop and take pictures of the incredible scenery. I took my ride in late July and at higher elevations was quite chilly so bring a jacket or flannel shirt even during the summer!
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3 riders found this road review useful