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Cherohala Scenic Skyway - Tennessee & North Carolina

AKA: State Route 143

Tellico Plains, TN - Robbinsville

Distance/Driving time: 51 miles/1h, 18m

County(ies): Graham

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• By far my favorite road in the area. more...
  Similar to the Foothills Parkway in that there is no commercial traffic allowed. You get a good mix of sweepers and twisties along the Skyway, plus you climb and descend several thousand feet, all while riding along the side of a mountain looking into a large valley. Pull offs and overlooks are ample so be aware of cars pulling into or out of them. You can get up to a decent speed out here but be smart about it or you can find yourself heading into a sharp curve entirely too fast. Keep an eye out for the advisory signs to have an idea of what's ahead of you. Again, easily my favorite road in the area. Not as technical as, but to me more fun than the 'Dragon' since you can go a little faster and take your eyes off the road. Highly recommended. - Dustin from New Bern, NC (6/21/11)
• The Cherohala is a must ride for all motorcyclists. more...
  Road surface is excellent and well-maintained. There are absolutely no commercial buildings along the entire route and very few (if any) intersecting roads. Best to ride during a weekday - weekends see thousands of riders and more LEO activity. The scenery is spectacular- the Blue Ridge Parkway has the edge for views, but the Cherohala is more fun to ride. Mostly sweepers and no really tight corners. Lots of pullovers for photos, stretches or picnicking. - 'GatorLarry' (7/6/10)
• Just rode this last month for the 'Rumble on the Dragon'. more...
  Horrible weather, hit snow and sleet just above the 4,000 foot level so we all turned around. This is an amazing ride, but I wouldn’t recommend running the 'Dragon' in the rain, did it twice. Will go back in the summer, think the weather will be a bit better! - Anonymous (11/27/09)
• Great road. Remember this is a ride and not a race. more...
  Approximately 3,000 foot elevation change. Overnight dew may still be on the road late in the morning. Several increasing radius sweepers. I believe the Cherohala is a far better ride than Deal’s Gap and much safer. A great loop ride will include Deal’s Gap. No services – food or fuel. I live on NC highway 28 near NC 143. - Anonymous (10/24/07)
• Not as technical as some parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. more...
  Still a very scenic road. Watch out for Tennessee police. I saw 6+ on this small stretch of road. - Anonymous (9/24/07)
• A wonderful way for the novice to feel like a pro! more...
  Huge winding sweepers climb you up about 4,000 feet. Plenty of scenic pull-outs to take pictures. Signs indicate your elevation. October colors are incredible!! Robinsville and Tellico are both very biker friendly. It's a great way to warm up for, and to get to, Deals Gap! - Rick Torgerud (5/30/07)
• This has to be one of the best roads in Tennessee to ride. more...
  It has it all. Scenery, long, fast, sweeping curves, lake views, and some very fast straights too. It ends in Robbinsville, North Carolina and passes over the Smoky Mountains between the Cherokee National Forest and the Nantahala State Park at an altitude of around 5,300 ft. It is a must ride for every one that loves the road on two wheels. - Rider from Tennessee (5/30/07)
• Most of the road is sweepers and straights with no switchbacks. more...
  A well maintained road, easy to ride with some of the best views in the Smokies. - Rider from Knoxville, Tennessee (5/15/07)
• Probably the 2nd best motorcycle road in the southeast (behind the Blue Ridge Parkway), but also very dangerous. more...
  Lots of long sweeping turns, sharp cutbacks, with long fast straights. Beautiful road. - Rider from Hephzibah, Georgia (11/22/06)

Other Resources:

• America's Byways - Cherohala Skyway
• Weather.com - Overhill Skyway
• North American Sportbike Road Registry - Tennessee Sport Bike Roads
• Guy Boutin's Motorcycle Touring and Travel Pages - The Cherohala Skyway
• Rand McNally Road Atlas

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