Cherohala Skyway

Riding Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway of about 43 miles that crosses the Cherokee and Nantahala national forests between Tellico Plains, Tennessee and Robbinsville, North Carolina — the name joins the two forests. It climbs above 5,000 feet, with long, fast sweepers and wide overlooks instead of the tight bends of its famous neighbor, the Tail of the Dragon.

There is no gas and almost nothing else along the skyway, so fill up in Tellico Plains or Robbinsville. At the top the weather changes quickly: fog, cold and wind are common even when the valleys are warm, and the higher section can close in winter.

Ridden together with the Dragon it makes one of the classic motorcycle loops of the southern Appalachians.

• Skyline Drive104 mi
• The Snake24 mi
• Blue Ridge · Linn Cove Viaduct11 mi
• Tail of the Dragon8 mi
• Natchez Trace · Birdsong HollowDestination