About Cherohala Skyway Pullouts
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile road across the mountains between Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina, finished in 1996. Its named overlooks are worth a stop. The unnamed pull-offs between them are where you get the road to yourself.
What they are
Gravel or compacted-dirt widenings in the shoulder, large enough for a car or two, with no sign, no railing and no interpretive panel. Some look through gaps in the trees at ridges and valleys; others open onto a long horizon. Quality varies, which is part of the pleasure: you find them by watching the edge of the road.
Using them
- Choose well: a pull-off with a clear sightline to the horizon is better than one in the trees. If you can see sky, stop.
- Park fully off the road: the Skyway has fast traffic and sharp curves.
- No facilities: no restrooms, water or cell signal. Fill the tank in Robbinsville or Tellico Plains.
- Time to allow: 5 to 10 minutes each.
Season and conditions
The Skyway is open year-round, weather permitting. It tops out above 5,000 feet, so fog, ice and early snow are possible from late October, and winter closures happen. Check the Nantahala National Forest page for updates before a winter trip.
Pair them with
The named stops, Santeetlah Overlook, Stratton Ridge, Hooper Bald and Unicoi Crest, are spaced along the North Carolina side. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest has a side road for old-growth poplars. The Skyway is national forest, so the national park's parking tag does not apply here.
A full drive end to end with stops takes about half a day. Start early, carry water and a snack, and don't expect a place to eat. This is a road for people who enjoy driving slowly and stopping often.