The planning stage of the Cherohala Skyway began in 1958 and, after 30 plus years of
construction and 100 million dollars, opened October 12, 1996. This paved two-lane road
climbs to elevations over 5300 feet and extends over 50 miles. In April 1997, the state of
North Carolina declared it a Scenic Byway and it later became one of only twenty highways
deserving the distinction of "National Scenic Byway". Crossing through the Cherokee and
Nantahala National Forests from which it gets it's name - Chero, from Cherokee, and
hala, from Nantahala - this ridge route connects Robbinsville in North Carolina to Tellico
Plains in Southeast Tennessee. The route through the North Carolina side looks down on the
Appalachian Mountains and the Snowbird, Slickrock and Joyce Kilmer Forests and on clear
days you can see as far as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On the Tenessee side
you will enjoy the splendor of the Cherokee National Forest, including Bald River Falls
and the Tellico River.
Take a leisurely journey
on the Skyway and enjoy the spectacular scenic overlooks some of which offer picnic
tables, or hike one of the many trails and view the wildlife of the forests. Backpackers, Bicyclists, Birdwatchers, Hikers,
Photographers, and Siteseers all enjoy the opportunities offered while traveling on the Skyway. Listed below are several of the
overlooks and their elevations:
- Shute Cove, 3550 ft.
- Obadiah Overlook
- Santeetlah Overlook, 5390
feet (highest elevation)
- Big Junction, 5240 feet
- Haw Knob Slopes, 4890 feet
- Stratton Meadows, 4320
feet
- Hoopers Bald, 5290 feet
- Spirit Ridge,
- Beach Gap, 4490 feet
- Between East and West
Rattlesnake Rock, 4110 feet
- Bushy Ridge, 3750 feet
- Turkey Creek overlook,
2630 feet
The skyway has several
rest area facilities, but there are no gas stations, restaurants or overnight
accommodations on the Skyway. Remember the temperature is about 20 degrees cooler at the
higher elevations.
Time Needed: about
2 hours depending on weather and traffic flow.
Directions: From
Robbinsville, North Carolina, you can take 129 N from Robbinsville turn left on Massey
Branch Rd, following 143 West; or you can go to the end of Main Street in Robbinsville,
bear right at the end of the street, left at the stop sign, continue past Stanley
Furniture manufacturing on the right, and bear right on Snowbird Road. Then bear left,
staying on Snowbird Road which merges with 143 West. Continue on 143 West and Santeetlah
Road. Continue on 143 West and left at the Cherohala Skyway sign.
For more
information call: 1-800-470-3790
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