Show all reviews

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

I live 30 minutes from the Dragon. I ride it, to get to the Cherohala because the Cherohala is far more fun than the Dragon. I ride it year round, several times a year, even in the snow on New Year's Day every year! Some statements below are not accurate. It is 18 miles from the end of the dragon to the beginning of Cherohala. A shortcut through Joyce Kilmer forest avoids Robbinsville and makes it about 10 miles between the two great roads. the Fugitive movie was filmed in Swain county, not Graham county. It was filmed at the Cheoha Dam at the end of the Dragon, right near Deal's Gap. There are a couple motels in Tellico Plains, but lodging is easier to find in Robbinsville. However, I would suggest staying in Townsend, TN and then ride a triangle. Foothills Parkway to Dragon, to Cherohala to TN hwy 360, back to 411 back to 129, ride along the lake, back over the Foothills and back to Townsend. I ride that route in about 3 1/2 hours all the time.

35 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This truely is one of the best rides in the nation and I would like to thank the contributor for the detailed description. This road has it all with the exception of amenities. Fuel and food are availible at each end but none on the ride itself. The road is often compared to the Dragon as most motorcycle roads are but I believe this road is much better due to its longer length and elevation changes. The road surface is good and access is limited. Caution is a must because the road has many surprises and higher speeds leading into a sharp turn. The scenery is wonderfull.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

In 2008 my wife and a Group of 6 bikes rode to Tenn. to do the tail of the Dragon. that was a kool ride but it couldnt compare to the beautiful sights of the Cherohala Skyway its a ride you got to do before you die. Breath takeing . W9ERE GONNA GO BACK

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I couldn't say enough good things about this GREAT ride! Of course I've only been riding for 49 years and my opinion is that of a newby.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Especially nice after completing the "Tail of the Dragon," only a few miles away! The sweeping turns and ability to see the scenery make it great!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I vacationed in the area for 10 years and never missed a chance to ride the Cherohala Skyway at least once each trip. It's great riding surface, combined with the gentle to somewhat sharp turns, makes a most memorable biking day. Many bikers from all over make each pull-off stop a social experience worth repeating. Have fun and enjoy the magnificent views.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Ridden 3 times. Much better, I think, than the "Dragon". One of my favorite roads. D

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Awesome road, I was in western NC riding with some buddies 3 weeks ago and rode this and the Dragon, both were excellent rides. I think I enjoyed this road more then the Dragon, less traffic and more sweepers.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This is a must do!!! Great ride...Lots of twisties! The views are breathtaking. BE VERY CAREFUL...The fog can be really thick in spots.I think it's a better ride than the "Dragon"

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

It is like the extension of the Blue Ridge Pkwy from Robinsville NC to Tellico Plains TN

62 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

How could you put three of the worlds greatest roads this close together?! This is a great companion road to "The Dragon" and the Blue Ridge Parkway. A beautiful ride in the clouds, and to stop at a rest area and hear the motorbikes roaring through the hills is music to my ears. A very well done road...

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This is a fantastic road trip on a bike. It has nice curves and beautiful views of the mountains. Go in the fall, you wont believe the colors this place has. It has plenty of rest stops but make sure you have drinks all there is up there is restrooms, nothing else. Make sure you get gas before you start and give yourself plenty of time before it gets dark, no lights would be very dangerous at night. Please dont let this stop you from taking tis trip. Once you've been you will go back. This is a ride you will wont to do over and over, I know me and my riding partner will.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

This is a wonderful place to ride. Great scenery, great places to ride from Tellico include Etowah, Ducktown, Helen Georgia, beside the Hiwassee, the Ocowee and over to Maggie Valley. Best place to stay is the Cherohala Motorcycle Resort on Reliance Road. Nice, clean, friendly people. Very Safe. Great Barbecue in Tellico Plains as well.

28 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Not much more to say other than "heaven" This area in general is the best motorcycling I've ever done in North America, and this road delivers on all aspects. Would plan a trip back here in an instant

17 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Rode it TN to NC direction what a beautiful ride want to go back and ride it the other direction. Very little traffic for Labor Day Weekend. Hard to keep eyes on the road with such beautiful views!

37 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

The Cherohala is a great ride! We visited last weekend in June 2014, and enjoyed the overlooks and twisties on this great road. Half of our ride was in mist to rain, but both did not seem to take away from the fun of riding this road. Be prepared to bring several seasonal attire, the elevation change makes it very cool at the top.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Beautiful, scenic ride. Doesn't get as much traffic as "The Tail of the Dragon", so it's much more enjoyable to ride.

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.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

was checking out the downtown tellico plains area and saw the nicest custom chopper i have ever seen outside the cotton pickin inn restaurant. so decided to get a bite to eat. the service was awesome the burger was nice big and filling. it turns out it is the owners chopper hes won multiple awards and built it himself. he also has a couple more. he said that he will be displaying them all summer. anyways the skyway was an amazing experience and the weather was great. the trees were so green. i will be back there in the fall. unfortunatly i went alone but definatly bringing friends nexttime to experience this

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great riding folks. Much better than the Dragon. There is a wonderful little eats place on the west end on the side of a river. Not far from the Harley Store. Have fun on this one but be very careful.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Just rode this weekend. Probably wouldn't have given the road a 10 because at the highest elevation it looked like most of the trees were dead and ugly. From 4,000 feet down, the leaves were spectacular. The entire road was great for the motorcycle, and the great views topped the uglier ones.

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.

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.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Rode the Skyway Saturday, Oct 3rd from Robbinsville to Tellico Plains. This is a slower paced , more scenic route to travel. Several places to pull over and shoot pictures of the mtn's. Still a lot of curves and good riding. Lots of bikes travel this road also. The trees are still mainly green, just starting to change color. Road was clean, no construction, and no enforcement seen.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

The Skyway isn't as challenging as the Tail of the Dragon nearby, but is still a road to be respected. Lots of elevation changes and lots of tight curves. Be careful riding in any weather but especially in the fog. At 5,000 feet, the Skyway is susceptible to foggy weather. After all, it is at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Other than that, it is a sensational road to ride with lots of places to pull off to check out the scenic overlooks and multiple long, sweeping curves.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

One of our favorite rides. It can get foggy and we have made the ride in the rain. The road is well maintained and is a fairly easy ride in good weather. Love to go every year.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

A new place to stay in Tellico Plains has opened up that is motorcycle specific. It's called Hunt's Lodge Motorcycle Campground. www huntslodge com Great place, super-friendly owners. They ride, too.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I am staying at Hunts Lodge 4/23-4/25/09 will update upon return

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

The Cherohala Skyway is all it lives up to be. We are already planning a fall color return trip! The only downside to our weekend was at the Cherohala Grocery, stay away from this store and gas station! Owners are very rude and have no respect for their patrons other than wanting your money!

21 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Wow!!! Fantastic road, views, curves!!!

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.

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!

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!

18 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

The Cherohala is one of the best roads that cross the Great Smoky Mountains Park. Second only to Highway 441, in my opinion. Beautiful scenery, low traffic (at least it was so the day I last rode it), and some really nice curves make this simply a must-do ride if you ever find yourself nearby.

Some loose gravel on some sections of the Skyway. Looked like recent rains had washed it out into the roadway, so be careful for that. As of May 12, 2013, the washed-out portion near the Tennessee/North Carolina state line is still in repair.

The Cherohala is definitely a must-ride road for anyone finding themselves in the area.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great ride, one of the best areas of the US I've ever riden

187 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Really enjoyed this road. Rode it from Rt.28 to it's end in TN. Must do ride when in the area. We came from Cherokee, rode Cherohala, the north to get Tail of the Dragon US129 and then back out Hellbender Rt.28. What an awesome day of riding.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

WHAT A GREAT RIDE. Much better than the Dragon. Nice folks on the west end at a small eatery next to a beautiful stream.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Being from Michigan, I am not used to all the elevation changes, twists and turns, but I would not have missed this ride for anything. The scenery was fantastic. The road is in great shape. The people we met were friendly. It was a 10 out of 10 for sure.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Nice views and elevation changes. Be prepared for changes in weather. On a ride in during fall '08 the temperatures dropped to near freezing with a foggy mist on my descent. Visibility was about 10 feet and cold. Had to raise the visor and lower the windscreen to see.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This route can start in either TN or NC, because of the elevation it can snow at the higher points of this route unexpectedly! Also, the cell phone coverage is spotty at best.

2630 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

--
Lots of reviews. They all agree this is one spectacular road ride. Traffic moves well, so there are no bottlenecks and the accidents on the Dragon. Here you have the space to see views plus do the motorcycle lean often. If you're in the area, do

36 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Did it right after the Dragon. Nice sweeping corners, excellent road.

4000 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Great road, through and through. One of those roads where the harder you push, the more it rewards you, but you can also just cruise around at the speed limit and enjoy the sights, of which there are MANY. My only problem with the road is the problem I have with the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's wet up there...a lot. It's the elevation that does it, and while the Skyway is noticeable cooler on a dry summer day, compared to the lowlands, on a rainy day it is absolute frigid. I was freezing my ass off enough to not really even enjoy the road my last ride on it...in August! :(

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I would vote this as the best ride in TN

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I rode the skyway june 29 2009. It was great. Met biker from all over at the pic. stops.This is a must.

21 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Third time to ride this route. Has gotten pretty populated and this time many reckless polaris slingshots with no regard to human life- passing in blind curves. Several close calls. This will be our last time on this route unless Law Enforcement takes note- probably after loss of life . Other than that- awesome scenary and excellent roads

19 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

A group of of went down and road this route and we all loved it. The road conditions were great as the last half had been recently paved. The Cherohala had great views all the way through. We will go back and ride this route again.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

This road is nice. The problem is that I did this road after I had ridden Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, Tail of the Dragon and other motorcycle roads on the same trip. The other roads are better so I was not impressed by the Cherohala Skyway

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

One of the best roads in US. A good combo of long curves and short switchbacks. Unlike the Deal's Gap , you'll ride it at higher speeds and reaching the highest point in the Mountains.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Haven't riden this on two wheels but know the road and it is beautiful. Leafy and slick even for cars when wet in late fall. Beautiful area! The movie "Nell" starring Jodie Foster and Liam Nelson was filmed in the Nantahala National Forest, and the orignial Nell's house was on the Santeetlah. A big boulder on the east side of hwy 129 used to be painted with her name. It marks the spot above where she lived. "The Fugative" and "Witness" with Harrison Ford were also filmed in Graham County, North Carolina.