Are you looking for fantastic autumn vistas to take in the grandeur of fall colors? One of our first recommendations has to be the Cherohala Skyway.
Running from North Carolina to Tennessee, or vice versa depending on your starting point, the Cherohala Skyway is one of the only places east of the Mississippi River that you’re going to find roadways topping five-thousand feet in elevation. More importantly, it’s practically a non-stop aerial view of mountain wilderness as far as the eyes can see. Featuring some of curviest terrain you’ll find on any road in the world, it’s also a motorcyclist’s dream-come-true. You’ll find plenty of convertibles and bikers enjoying the scenery. There’s even a special Harley store on the Skyway, denoting the importance of this amazing roadway for those who wish to experience an adventure where the street becomes the attraction.
You’ll often hear the roadway called “The Dragon’s Tail”… and there’s good reason for it.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to experience autumn, this is in the top five… if not being the best period. There are areas in New Hampshire and Vermont, roads in West Virginia, and locales in Maine that might want to be the most premier spot for viewing changing canopies… but the Skyway is a fantastic option.
In terms of getting away from everything to experience serenity, we also recommend stopping off at the Indian Boundary campground located on the Tennessee side of the Skyway. It’s about the midway point and is otherworldly.
Indian Boundary Lake in Monroe County, Tennessee.
The only major warning we would give to anyone attempting to do the Cherohala Skyway: make sure you consider how far it will be before you get to the next spot where you can use the restroom AND consider that you will lose cell phone service at many points during the journey. You are truly driving through wilderness but with an awe-inspiring view.
Here’s what the official website has to say about the ride:
Looking for ridge after ridge of forested mountainside with sweeping mountain views as far as the eyes can see; abundant and unobstructed scenic overlooks around every corner; world class hiking trails, refreshing waterfalls and scenic overlooks; a road featured as one of Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America Some call it the “best kept secret.” We call it The Cherohala Skyway – experience it for yourself.
The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after planning and construction for some thirty-four years. It was North Carolina’s most expensive scenic highway carrying a price tag of $100,000,000. It winds up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 18 miles in North Carolina and descends another 23 miles into the deeply forested back country of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name “Chero…hala”. The Skyway is becoming well known in motorcycling and sportscar circles for it’s long, sweeping corners, scenic views and cool summer breezes.
So what do you think? Is this a roadtrip you might consider taking in the near future? Do you have a different scenic route we should consider covering for our autumn series? Let us know in the comments below. And, as always, keep reading That Park Place for all the latest news that should be fun!
