cherohala skyway

This ride is a great experience. Think Blue Ridge Parkway, without all the traffic, at mostly higher elevations. I have only ridden this on a motorcycle, but it certainly would be enjoyable by car as well. There are lots of scenic overlooks, and my favorite is Big Junction, at 5,240 ft above sea level. It has plenty of room for lots of motorcycles/cars, and great views.Be mindful of the weather. It may be great weather where you are before departing, but that can change at 4,000 to 5,000 feet, where most of this ride is. It can be quite chilly, and sometimes foggy or rainy up on top these ridges.If you have ridden the nearby Tail of the Dragon (US 129), this is a completely different experience. It is very similar to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the design and relative gentleness of the curves (as opposed to the Dragon), but there is usually little traffic. There often are a few speed traps, so watch your speed. Personally, I like it better than the Dragon, but I also do not ride a crotch rocket.

A 43 mile scenic drive through the mountains. You will go from approximately 900 feet above sea level to slightly more than 5,000 feet, so it you are on a motorcycle, it will get colder as you gain elevation, even in the summer.Best time to enjoy this drive is mid-October, when the leaves are turning colors. But that is also when the drive is busiest; loaded with sports cars, motorcycles and families.Don't be in a hurry so you can enjoy the sights, as you weave along the skyway. Make sure you bring a camera, especially if the weather is mild & clear. From the highest point, approximately 5,000 above sea level, you enjoy a beautiful view.

This is an absolutely beautiful motorcycle road! Have done it both in the summer and fall and it never dissapoints.

Great scenery, good road. I rode this after riding the Tail Of The Dragon. I wasn't expecting the same thrill as the Dragon, and I didn't get it. On the other hand, you can relax through the curves on the Cherohala, not worrying about ridiculous 30 MPH speed limits imposed on the Dragon, and we didn't see a single police officer on the Cherohala. (Although only saw 1 on the Dragon.)We didn't see any accidents on the Dragon, however we did come upon a bike rider who had taken a corner on the road leading to the Cherohala too fast and wrecked his bike. No serious injury (other than a finger nail was ripped out of his finger in it's entirety) but the bike was not drivable due to damage to the throttle control.When we left Robbinsville it was about 85 and Sunny. The temps dropped into what I guess was mid 50's at the highest elevations. (About the lower limits of what I consider "comfortable" wearing short sleeves and a mesh jacket.)Pulling into Telico Plains it started raining. We spent about an hour at a gas station as it passed over and headed back to Robbinsville. We hit rain about 10 miles before the NC/TN border and it continued almost all the way back to Robbinsville. Temps were even cooler at the top elevations, PLUS being soaked to the bone from the constant rain.I have to say, however, I learned a lot during this heavy rain about how my ZX-6 handled corners in extremely wet conditions, learning that they stick better than I would have thought.

Motorcyclists Dream ride! Beautiful views and great people all along the way make this a destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. Be sure to dress accordingly, the weather can change around every switchback!

This is undiscovered country compared to the smokys a lot less travel and just as beautiful and look out for Jim Tom

Even at this time of the year, where all seems grey, the valleys and ridges look magnificent, especially if you can catch a sunset.

The skyway offers great views and there are multiple hiking trials to access from the highway such as Huckleberry Knob.

OK, so here is the deal. I am a 60 year old guy who loves to ride motorcycles. I only live 35 miles from the skyway and most weeks in the spring,summer,and fall you can find me there. If you are in the area be sure to take the drive to Robbinsville N.C. 52 miles I think. Gas up as there are no gas stations on the parkway. I recommend gassing up at the Cherohalla Exon on the bypass. They have great burgers if you are hungry. You will top out at just over 5000 ft and the temp will be around 15deg cooler. This is one of the best drives or rides you will ever take. You can see God's handy work around every curve.

We had never heard anyone talking about taking this scenic drive but we like to explore new roads so we took a chance on this drive. It was definitively a great decision. We enjoyed this drive as good or maybe better than the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go prepared for some really steep inclines and hair pin curves and make sure that you have plenty of fuel before you start on the drive though, it is remote with no available gas one you are on it. We drove all the up to the Tennessee line and then turned around and came back down the same road because of our room reservations and did not have the time to go further. I definitively did not want to get caught driving in the dark on this steep, curvy road!

This is one of America's most beautiful scenic byways. A many Parking lots to take pictures. Go there when Indian Summer has come. During weekdays, it is an absolutely quiet place to take a meditative walk through the forests or over the plains. On weekends many people drive there as a getaway from hectic business. A paradise for animal watchers. Take your camera with you. On clear days, you can see for more than 150 miles far into the range forest areas. Bears are rare to see, but different birds of prey live here, as well as deers and squirrels.

This road was completed recently at an enormous costs and it is fabulous. There are rest rooms on the TN side of the road and many scenic picnic tables along the way to enjoy! Gas up before you leave Robbinsville or the TN side because it is remote!

Beautiful scenery even in December; would love to drive it in spring and fall. Many pull offs and breathtaking vistas. We encountered snow and ice at the summit, 5,000' plus. Fun to play in the snow for this Florida girl.

The views are beautiful with pull-offs to enjoy them even more. The skyway goes over to Tellico Plains, TN and within an hour you can enjoy shops, restaurants and a beautiful waterfall.

This is one sweet ride take your time to view all the sights. There are alot of stopping places to get some great pictures. Watch your speed while on the skyway.