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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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Rick
June 8, 2021
35 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Lots of scenic vistas and great scenery. No tourism so just enjoy the ride.
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RobertRoadstar
September 15, 2021
25 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Loved the Cherohala Skyway run! We rode our cruiser, two up, with a tour pack from Tellico Plains to Robbins and it was a great ride, scraping the floor boards on a lot of the turns. (If you're not dragging your floorboards, your not riding you bike right...) Many scenic overlooks to pull off in for terrific views of both Tennessee and North Carolina (most at the same time) The highlight of this journey is the stop at the Santeetlah lookout rest area, that sets at 5280 feet above sea level and about half way on the route. When you leave Tellico Plains, if the weather is anywhere near 75 degrees, don't forget to bring your leathers because by the time you reach the mile high rest area at Santeetlah the temperatures will be in the 60's. The run up to Santeetlah overlook, is pretty mellow with nice sweeping turns and switchbacks, plenty of vistas and very little traffic. After the lookout the elevations continue downward to where you can pick up plenty of speed without realizing it and that's where the challenge come in with a number of surprise turns that are very tight and require a considerably low speed to negotiate. This is a great ride for all levels of riders, as long as caution is taken near the end where a lot of riders are getting tire or become over confident.
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Jeffery Jowers
January 21, 2020
15 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
It was cold an wet when wife and I rode this. Sun came out at the top. Nice views.
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