The Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee, USA is located across the Great Smoky Mountains in the Tennessee town of Tellico. Here you will have a fantastic experience with its magnificent views and exciting roadway. If you’re an adventure lover, here you will have one developed areas of mountain wilderness in the eastern U.S.
Things to do
In the Cherohala Skyway, you will have some amazing views. Not only you will appreciate the Citico Creek Wilderness but also the Snowbird Backcountry. At the same time, marvelous places like the Bald River Gorge Wilderness will be your best pictures leads.
At first, you can start your trip through the beautiful mountains and valleys in Tellico Plains. There, you’ll have the option to make the air route. This way, you will pass through the full 43 miles to North Carolina.
On the other hand, by land, you can drive the length of its footbridge. Over there, you’ll enjoy the wildflower-filled sides of the road. You can also stop at Camping at the Indian Boundary, a great place to spend the day. Also, on a motorbike, you can enjoy its winding trails. You’ll have all the excitement and fun you need.
Finally, take a swim in Canvas River Falls, the river that runs through the park. Enjoy a delicious picnic on the river bank.
How to get there
You can get to the Cherohala Skyway from Chattanooga Airport (CHA) and from Knoxville Airport (TYS). Here are the best ways to get there:
- From Chattanooga Airport (CHA):
By bus and taxi: you’ll take the bus from Chattanooga to Athens. It’s a 55-minute journey of $12 to 18 USD. Then, you’ll take the taxi to Cherohala Skyway. It’s a 39-minute journey of $132 to 168 USD.
By Drive: you can rent a car a drive your way to Cherohala Skyway. It’s an hour and 29-minute journey. The prize estimated is $7 to 11 USD
- From Knoxville Airport (TYS):
By Taxi: is an hour and 4-minute journey. The prize is $200 to 240 USD.
By Drive: you can drive to Cherohala Skyway for only $4 to 7 USD. It’s an hour and 4-minute journey.
Towncar: it’s an hour and 4-minute journey of $16 to 180 USD.
When to go
To really appreciate the best views in this place, you have to go in the first two weeks of Octobers. Right there, the mountainsides are blanketed in a pallet of flaming reds, yellows and oranges.
Also, you can visit it in May and early June in order to enjoy its delight springtime’s greens.
How long
To explore this Skyway it takes about three hours to cover the 55 miles at a leisure pace. Also, you’ll need some time to enjoy the overlooks and visitor center. Therefore, I recommend you to spend at least a pleasantly full day.
Opening and Closing Hours
You can visit this place at any time you want. Keep in mind that it takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours to make the complete journey.
Planning
Even though the Skyway is a smooth, well-maintained road, it has no services. You must make sure you have penty of gas, water and snaks before heading out.
Also, remember to have enough gasoline. It is recommended that you book a tour in advance. In this way, you’ll have a complete trip. Above all, the best places to stay are the nearby cabins.
Inside Information
This will be a place full of fauna and flora. You must bring your insect repellent, comfortable clothing, plenty of water and snacks. Remember also your best pair of shoes for the excursion.
History
This site was finally completed in 1996. It was named after two of the forests it crosses Cherokee and Nantahala. In the same way, this place was designated a National Scenic Byway shortly after it opened.
Currently, the skyway is the costliest road in North Carolina. But all the views you can see in it make it worthwhile.
Websites
Other nearby attractions
If you’re going for a trip to The Cherohala Skyway, you can’t miss another of Tennessee’s most popular places: The Tail of the Dragon. Over there, you’ll have an epic road journey between North Carolina and Tenessee. It’s also connected to the Cherohala skyway, so you won’t have to take a detour.
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