US 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great way to see the mountains. But if you're looking for a less crowded and less developed route you may want to consider heading a bit further south.
The Cherohala Skyway hasn't been around very long. Finished in 1996, this scenic drive takes you from Tellico Plains in Monroe County, TN over the mountains to Robbinsville, NC in Graham County.
This steep and often curvy road gets its name from the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it cuts through during its 36 mile run.
The Cherohala Skyway is a road meant to be taken slowly, so allow at least a couple of hours to explore its many wonders. In fact you could easily spend the whole day on this road and not really see everything it offers. Fall is a great time to hit the Skyway, but it's also one of its busiest seasons.
TN 68 takes your from I-75 through Madisonville and down to Tellico Plains where the Cherohala Skyway begins. For the first few miles you'll drive by the rapids of the Tellico River. On the Tennessee side, the Skyway is Rt. 165.
Before you start heading up the mountain, you may want to take a side trip to Bald River Falls. 
A Forest Service road on your right will take you there. It's about 5 miles to the falls, but well worth the trip. Bald River Falls are about 100 feet high and you can enjoy them from either a bridge next to the parking lot or walk down closer to the falls.
The next big attraction on the Skyway is the lake at Indian Camp Boundary. There is a fee for day use, but if you need a place to cool off or to camp, this is a great stop.
After Indian Creek you begin a steep ascent up into the mountains where you'll find more than 20 different spots to enjoy the views. Just before the Unicoi Crest overlook you'll cross into North Carolina where the road becomes State Rt. 143.
The North Carolina side may be the reason for the name "Skyway." At the highest point, Santeetlah (elev. 5290), you'll be more than a mile high. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the road, one where you'll see very little development in the distance, just lush forests, lakes and other mountains.
The Cherohala Skyway ends at NC Rt. 1127. If you take a left here you can go back to Tennessee via "The Tail of the Dragon." You can also continue on NC 143 to the town of Robbinsville, NC.
Nearby trips:Fort Loudoun Historic Site ,Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
Comments