For this weeks Cruising The Carolinas segment, we are doing a real treat; The Cherohala Skyway.   Located on the NC/TN border, this scenic 36-mile stretch of road winds up and over some of the most pristine, untouched old-growth forests in the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests have to offer.

Start the drive by heading to Graham County and arriving in Robbinsville.  You can get to it by taking US-129 from the Nantahala Gorge area in Topton or NC-28 to NC-143.  Head north on US-129 (this stretch is not as curvy or wild as it is further up the road) and take it to the intersection of NC-143 (you will see signs for the Skyway).  Turn left here and follow NC-143 as it winds around Santeelah Lake and briefly into the Snowbird community of the Cherokee Indians.  NC-143 will eventually lead you to the start of the Cherohala Skyway, which will be apparent as the woods and overgrowth give way to the wide-open views of the mountainous scenery.

Stay on the Skyway until it ultimately reaches its end in Tellico Plains.  From here, you can turn around and head back the way you came.  Or if you are feeling adventurous, continue on our loop.  To do so, turn left onto TN-68 and head south towards Ducktown.

As you head this way, you will eventually turn left onto Highway 123 shortly after passing through Farmer, TN.  As Highway 123 crosses into North Carolina, it will become Highway 294.  Follow this until you intersect with US-74.  Turn left onto US-74 and head east towards Murphy and from there onto Andrews, completing the loop.

Be sure to follow all traffic and helmet laws for both North Carolina and Tennessee.

Gas stations are few and far between in this area.  Be sure to gas up in either Robbinsville or Tellico Plains.

This road is very popular with both car enthusiasts and motorcyclistsand both can be found in large numbers during the week, so be careful.  As with the gas, emergency help is a long way away if something was to go wrong.

Aside from the scenic drive, there are several other things to see and do along this stretch of road.

Junaluska Monument and Museum " Marks the gravesite and monument of the Cherokee leader Junaluska and his wife Nicie.  Granite makers and a museum tell the story of Junaulskas life leading up through the Cherokee Removal.  The monument and museum is located off of Highway 143 adjacent from the Santeelah Lake shores.

Cherohala Skyway Welcome Center " Located on the Tellico Plains side of the Skyway is the welcome center where riders and tourists can purchase souvenirs of their driving accomplishment.
Fields of the Wood Bible Park (Worlds Largest 10 Commandments) " Located off NC-294 is a piece of land called Fields of the Wood.  Maintained and operated by the Church of God of Prophecy, this park features various monuments to the Christian Faith including their centerpiece, the worlds largest Ten Commandments which are built into the mountainside and  is comprised of letters that stand  5-feet high by 4-feet wide.  Admission is free but donations are accepted.


Hiwassee Dam " Located a short drive on Hiwassee Dam Road (off of NC-294 just after Fields of the Wood) lies this 307 concrete dam which provides power to the outlying areas.  Visitors can walk./drive along the top of the dam and enjoy a picnic at a small rest area located on the far side of the dam.  Engineering junkies can check out an old turbine which is on display outside near the parking area.

In case you wonder what the occasional wires going across parts of the Cherohala Skyway are for, they are for the local flying squirrels who use them to make it across the road on the account that their gliding abilities take them only so far across.