Cherohala Skyway

Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway running from Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina.  The road runs through Cherokee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest and the name is a portmanteau of the forests.  In North Carolina, the road follows NC Highway 143 and in Tennessee, it follows TN Highway 165.  The scenic drive is complemented with numerous overlooks to stop and take a photo and provides access to hiking trails in both forests.

Points of Interest in North Carolina:

The points of interest are in ascending order of milepost from Unicoi Crest on the state line to Santeetlah Gap.

Milepost 0.2: Unicoi Crest is right on the state line and has great west-facing views for watching the sunset.

Milepost 6.1: Big Junction has great views looking into Tennessee.

Milepost 7.5: Hooper Bald Trailhead has a picnic area and half-mile trail to the top of the grassy Bald at over 5,000 feet.  Also provides trail access to Snowbird Backcountry Area.

Milepost 14.5: Shute Cove Overlook has scenic views looking down into the Santeetlah Creek valley.

Milepost 17.6: Santeetlah Gap has views looking towards Joyce Kilmer Forest.

Points of Interest in Tennessee:

The points of interest are in ascending order of milepost from Tellico Plains to the state line.

Milepost 16.1: Turkey Creek Overlook has great panoramic views, as well as picnic tables and restrooms.

Milepost 17.5: Lake View Overlook has long distance views into Cherokee National Forest.

Trails:

Several short trails are right along the skyway as well as longer trails into the wilderness.

Hooper Bald Trail (#60)

Hooper Bald Trail leads from the parking area at milepost 7.5 in North Carolina to the summit of the grassy bald at 5,429 feet.

Wildlife:

Carolina lily (Lilium michauxii)

External Links:

Cherohala.com website: https://cherohala.com/

Nantahala National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=81840