Cherohala Skyway

Welcome to the Cherohala Skyway, one of the most spectacular, yet underappreciated, mountain driving experiences in North America. Stretching for forty three miles, this National Scenic Byway acts as a vital, paved artery…

As we begin our rigorous ascent from the Tennessee valley, our first significant vantage point is the Lake View Overlook. Even at this relatively early stage of the climb, the sheer topographical drama of the Unicoi Mountains is…

Continuing our upward trajectory, we arrive at the Turkey Creek Overlook. Notice how the temperature has already begun to drop, and the atmospheric pressure is subtly decreasing. …

We have now breached the five thousand foot elevation mark and arrived at Hooper Bald, a location that presents one of the most enduring ecological mysteries of the Appalachian Mountains. You will immediately notice a stark,…

Just a short drive from Hooper Bald, we reach the trailhead for Huckleberry Knob, another spectacular grassy bald that holds the distinction of being the highest point in Graham County, North Carolina. Standing at an impressive…

We have reached the absolute zenith of our vehicular journey: the Santeetlah Overlook. At an elevation of five thousand three hundred and ninety feet, this is officially the highest point on the paved Cherohala Skyway. …

As our journey along the high ridge concludes and we descend off the main pavement of the Skyway, we enter the final, and perhaps most spiritually profound, chapter of our exploration: the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Located…

Our expedition across the Cherohala Skyway concludes as the long, winding descent finally deposits us near the quiet mountain town of Robbinsville, North Carolina. We have traversed forty three miles of some of the most demanding…