Cherohala Skyway
Driving the Skyway in North Carolina

Departure: Robbinsville, North Carolina
Destination: Unicoi Crest, North Carolina
Time to allow: 1 day

Enjoy mile-high vistas and brilliant fall foliage, as well as great hiking opportunities and picnic spots in magnificent and seldom seen portions of the southern Appalachian National Forests.

Day 1

  • Start: Robbinsville

    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Located near the easternmost end of the byway, Robbinsville is the gateway to areas like the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

  • Stop 2: Junaluska Memorial and Museum

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 1.61 mi (2.6 km)
    Directions:

    Drive east on Snider Hill St toward Main ST, take a left onto N Main St. then another left onto Tapoco Rd. Make a right onto Old NC-129 and drive for one mile before ending at the Junaluska Museum.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Visit the museum that honors Junaluska, the Cherokee Warrior, and is dedicated to preserving Cherokee Heritage.

  • Stop 3: Santeetlah Gap

    From previous stop: same location

    2, 660 feet photo opportunity

  • Stop 4: Hooper Cove

    From previous stop: 3 minutes / 1.42 mi (2.3 km)
    Directions:

    Drive southwest on the Skyway(NC-143) and turn right on NC-81. After 1.3 miles, end at Hooper Cove.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Enjoy an open area near the Santeetlah Creek drainage; perfect for both a picnic lunch and photo opportunities.

  • Stop 5: Shute Cove

    From previous stop: 3 minutes / 1.62 mi (2.6 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on NC-81 for 1.6 miles to end at Shute Cove.
    Suggested time at this stop: 5 minutes

    From 3,550 feet, Shute Cove offers a stunning view of the valley below.

  • Stop 6: Wright Creek

    From previous stop: 2 minutes / 1.08 mi (1.7 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on NC-81 and end at Wright Creek after 1.08 miles.
    Suggested time at this stop: 5 minutes

    Another scenic view along the byway, Wright Cove gives an overlook of the scenery below from 4,150 feet.

  • Stop 7: Obadiah Gap

    From previous stop: 1 minute / 0.66 mi (1.1 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on NC-81 and after .6 miles, end at Obadiah Gap.
    Suggested time at this stop: 5 minutes

    A crisp view of a mountain vista and the Santeetlah Creek rushing below is visible from the 3,750 vantage point at Obadiah Gap.

  • Stop 8: Huckleberry Knob

    From previous stop: 30 minutes / 13.17 mi (21.1 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on NC-81 toward Wolf Laurel Rd.; after 5.8 miles, turn right to stay on NC-81, then turn left onto the Cherohala Skyway. After 7.3 miles, end at Huckleberry Knob.
    Suggested time at this stop: 10 minutes

    Further down the byway, you will find Huckleberry, a 5,300 feet overlook.

  • Stop 9: Hooper Bald

    From previous stop: 2 minutes / 0.87 mi (1.4 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on the Cherohala Skyway and after .8 miles, end at Hooper Bald.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Pass peculiar Spanish carvings thought to be from the early 1600's and old hunting preserves where exotic species like the Russian Boar might be spotted as you take the quarter of a mile hike on the Hooper Bald trail.

  • Stop 10: Haw Knob Slopes

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 4.21 mi (6.7 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on NC-143 for 4.21 miles to end at Little Haw Knob.
    Suggested time at this stop: 10 minutes

    Take a look at Haw Knob Slopes at 4,890 feet.

  • Stop 11: Mud Gap Trailhead

    From previous stop: 1 minute / 0.57 mi (0.9 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on NC-143 for .5 miles to end at Mud Gap.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Look for Mud Gap Trailhead between Whigg Cove and Stratton Ridge.

  • End: Unicoi Crest

    From previous stop: 1 hour 8 minutes / 39.3 mi (62.9 km)
    Directions:

    Drive northwest on NC-143; after 3.5 miles, NC-143 turns into TN-165. Drive on TN-165 for 23.1 miles and then turn left onto TN-165 before taking another left onto Unicoi Ln. Make a slight left onto TN-68, drive for 8.8 miles and then turn left onto Joe Brown Hwy. End at Unicoi Crest after 3 miles.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    At this last overlook before the Tennessee state line, get out and take a picture or two. This overlook stands at 4,470 feet.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 64.51 miles / 103.2 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 3 hours 15 minutes