Motorcycle

Cherohala Skyway

Sweeping curves up to 1,650 meters through the Cherokee and Nantahala national forests.

Tennessee · North Carolina
69.0 km
2 min read

Photo: Ebyabe · CC BY 2.5

Distance: 69.0 km · 43.0 mi
Highest point: 1,650 m · 5,400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours one way without stops
Best season: April–November; October brings the best fall color

Cherohala Skyway guide: Tellico Plains, the high overlooks, Robbinsville, combining it with the Tail of the Dragon, fuel, fog and the best season for riding.

Overview

Finished in 1996 after decades of work, the Cherohala Skyway runs 69 kilometers between Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina. Its name joins the two national forests it crosses, the Cherokee and the Nantahala, and it climbs to about 1,650 meters, with long views over ridge after ridge of the southern Appalachians.

Unlike the tight bends of the nearby Tail of the Dragon, the skyway has wide, sweeping curves and good pavement, which makes it a favorite with motorcyclists and sports car drivers. Many riders link the two into a loop of about 200 kilometers in one day.

There are no gas stations or shops between the two towns, and at the top fog and cold can arrive quickly, even in summer. Pullouts with restrooms and overlooks give regular places to stop.

Cherohala Skyway: stops along the way

1

Tellico Plains, Tennessee

The western start, with gas, cafés and a visitor center for the skyway.
2

Turkey Creek Overlook

One of the first big overlooks, looking west over the Tennessee foothills.
3

Haw Knob and Santeetlah Overlook

The high section near the state line, above 1,600 meters, with long views into North Carolina.
4

Robbinsville, North Carolina

The eastern end, about 25 minutes from Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon.

Cherohala Skyway: good to know

Fill up in Tellico Plains or Robbinsville; there is no gas in between.
Carry a warm layer and rain gear for the high section.
Watch for wildlife and gravel in the curves, especially early in the morning.

Road rules along the way

Laws change at each state line.

Tennessee

Top speed limit: 70 mph (113 km/h)
Phone while driving: Hand-held phones banned
Motorcycle helmet: Required for all riders
Lane splitting: Not allowed

All Tennessee driving laws

North Carolina

Top speed limit: 70 mph (113 km/h)
Phone while driving: Texting banned
Motorcycle helmet: Required for all riders
Lane splitting: Not allowed

All North Carolina driving laws

Checked Oct 25, 2026; posted signs take priority.

Fuel, rest areas and charging

Counted along 107 km (66 mi) of road.

Gas stations: 3
Rest areas: 1
Fast chargers: 0
Longest stretch without gas: 106 km · 66 mi

Where to fill up

Fill up around Tellico Plains, Tennessee: the next 106 km (66 mi) have no gas station on the route.

Leg by leg

Leg	Distance	Gas stations	Rest areas
Tellico Plains, Tennessee → Turkey Creek Overlook	26 km	1	0
Turkey Creek Overlook → Haw Knob and Santeetlah Overlook	43 km	0	0
Haw Knob and Santeetlah Overlook → Robbinsville, North Carolina	38 km	2	1