A Family Vacation Guide To The
Appalachian Mountains
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The planning stage
of the Cherohala Skyway began in 1958 and, after 30 plus years of construction and 100
million dollars it opened October 12, 1996.
This paved two-lane road climbs to elevations over
5,300 feet and extends over 50 miles.
In April 1997, the
state of North Carolina declared Cherohala Skyway a Scenic Byway and it later became one of
only twenty highways deserving the distinction of "National Scenic Byway."
CHEROHALA
SKYWAY IS A MUST SEE
Crossing through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests from which it gets it's
name - Chero, from Cherokee, and hala, from Nantahala this ridge route connects
Robbinsville in North Carolina to Tellico Plains in Southeast Tennessee.
The route through the North Carolina side looks down on the
Appalachian Mountains and the Snowbird, Slickrock and Joyce Kilmer Forests and on clear
days you can see as far as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
On the Tennessee side you will enjoy the splendor of the Cherokee
National Forest, including Bald River Falls and the Tellico River.
DON'T MISS THE CHEROHALA SIGN POST TO TELLICO RIVER - INDIAN
BOUNDARY
Take a leisurely journey on
the Skyway and enjoy all the spectacular scenic overlooks some of which offer picnic
tables, or hike one of the many trails and view the wildlife of the forests like deer,
bear, cyotes and bobcats. Backpackers, Bicyclists, Bird-watchers, Hikers,
Photographers, and Sightseers all enjoy the opportunities offered while traveling on
the Cherohala Skyway.
CHEROHALA SKYWAY - BIG
JUNCTION BELEVATION SIGNPOST
Listed below are several of
the overlooks and their elevations:
* Shute Cove, 3550 ft.
* Obadiah Overlook
* Santeetlah Overlook, 5390 feet (highest elevation)
* Big Junction, 5240 feet
* Haw Knob Slopes, 4890 feet
* Stratton Meadows, 4320 feet
* Hoopers Bald, 5290 feet
* Spirit Ridge,
* Beach Gap, 4490 feet
* Between East and West Rattlesnake Rock, 4110 feet
* Bushy Ridge, 3750 feet
* Turkey Creek overlook, 2630 feet
The skyway has several rest area facilities, but there are no gas
stations,restaurants or overnight accommodations on the Skyway.
Remember the temperature is about 20 degrees cooler at the higher elevations.
Sunset on the Cherohala Skyway can provide some of the most breathtaking views!
SUNSET ON THE
CHEROHALA SKYWAY
Allow yourself about 2 hours travel time, depending on weather and traffic
flow.
To get there from Robbinsville, North Carolina, you can take 129 N from
Robbinsville turn left on Massey Branch Rd. and follow 143 West.
CHEROHALA
SKYWAY ARE MAP
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