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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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FBFletch
November 1, 2012
11 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Next to the Beartooth Hwy in MT/WY, this is tied for second on my list of best roads in the country (with the Chief Joseph's Scenic Hwy in WY).

There are lots of overlooks with great scenery. However, once you get on it (at either end), don't expect to find food or gas until you get to the other end (approximately 50 miles).

As already mentioned folks often compare the Cherohala to the Tail of the Dragon but, there is no comparison. The Cherohala is hands down the better of the two. The Dragon has a 1000 foot elevation change over its 11 miles while the Cherohala has a 4300 foot elevation change over 50 miles. And, the Cherohala is one of the best kept secrets in the country. Half of the folks who have ridden the Dragon don't even know the Cherohala exits.

As a side note, the first picture provided here is nice but, it is NOT of the Cherohala Skyway. It's actually the (ONLY) overlook on the Tail of the Dragon.
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Guest
June 20, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I made the trip this April along with my son in law to get away from a long Michigan winter.We had plans of riding the Dragon. Because of a rock slide the dragon was closed and we happened upon the "Cherohala Skyway". My wife & I usually spend a month every summer riding in the Rockies which is hard to beat but I must say the Skyway was a great start to a great year of riding. The views were spectacular with a hint of snow still on the ground and no leaves on the trees. We are planning a return trip mid July to spend a week. Yes the Dragon is on our agenda ! Colorado trip planned for September.
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Guest
March 27, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
dont miss this one, nice easy riding, prime scenery, good pavement, plenty of scenic pull offs,(bet ya use one to put a jacket on) we try to ride the smokies every 2 to 3 years, this road is always a must for us.
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