Cherohala Skyway

Magnificent Views at Every Turn

The Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway,with sprawling views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River Valley. Enjoy mile-high vistas and vibrant landscapes as well as great hiking opportunities and picnic spots in these spectacular and seldom-seen portions of the southern Appalachians. The Skyway climbs to 5,300 feet in elevation through the Cherokee and Nantahala Forests before dropping down to 800 feet at Tellico, Tennessee. Picnic, hike, camp, canoe or kayak, bird watch, and view breathtaking scenery. The Cherohala Skyway dips and rises, curves and coasts past waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain views that seemingly never end.

The road winds through the picturesque Unaka Mountains. Some will say this drive is equal to the Blue Ridge Parkway as the view simply doesn't get any better than this.

This drive can be accessed via US-74 and NC-28-N.