Here in the Tarheel State, we’re pretty blessed. There are so many incredible scenic drives in North Carolina that it’s hard to pick a favorite. Many hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a nationally-known quintessential mountain cruise. However, there’s a lesser-known “skyway” that’s also one of the most beautiful places in NC. The scenery here is unprecedented, so grab your keys, get a playlist ready, and hop in the car for a beautiful cruise through the mountains via the Cherohala Skyway. You’re going to love this NC scenic drive!

This National Scenic Byway spans 18 miles through North Carolina and 22 miles through deeply forested areas in Tennessee.
Cherohala Skyway
Named after the two forests it connects - Cherokee National Forest in TN and Nantahala National Forest in NC, this pristine drive ascends up and over, winding drivers up 5,400 feet elevation throughout the 18 miles in North Carolina. The skyway was even named by Discovery Channel as one of the Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America.
The skyway opened in the fall of 1996 after a whopping 34 years of construction.
Flickr / Gary Boyd
It also ended up being North Carolina's most expensive scenic highway with a price tag of $100 million. Today, drivers can enjoy breathtaking mountain views, several overlooks, multiple hiking trails and waterfalls. The skyway can be reached 12 miles west of Robbinsville on N.C. 143.
It will lead you to some of the most beautiful places in North Carolina.
Flickr / Steve

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The starting overlook gives stunning views of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and you very well may want to detour a bit inside this whimsical, enchanted forest.
Flickr / Marshal Hedin
Some of the tulip poplars within the forest have grown as far as 100 feet high and 20 feet in circumference. The forest features more than 100 different species of trails and 60 miles of hiking trails.
The drive begins at Santeetlah Gap and ascends along Cedar Top Mountain.
Youtube / Killboydotcom
You'll drive through scenic vistas like Little Huckleberry Knob, Hooper’s Bald, Laurel Top, and John’s Knob; some of the oldest mountains in not just the Appalachian, but the world, these peaks go back as far as 200 million years ago. The skyway then takes you to the highest point along the drive, Hooper’s Bald at 5,249 feet (pictured above). It's one of the most astonishing scenic overlooks in North Carolina. The views will make your jaw drop.
While the skyway that connects Robbinsville, NC to Tennessee's Tellico Plains has been called a 'road enthusiast's dream,' it offers so much more than a fun road to drive and wind through.
Flickr / Dzmitry (Dima) Parul
Hooper Bald features an amazing picnic area with stunning views, at the NC/TN state line, the Old Wagon train road crosses the Cherohala. The 30-mile gravel road features extensive backwoods perfect for a primitive camping trip. Once in TN, detouring along Bald River Falls offers spectacular views of water cascading as far as 100 feet onto rocks below, the best part, this can all be viewed from the comfort of your car.
This gorgeous, scenic byway is a prized destination that offers one of the most stunning drives in western North Carolina.
Cherohala Skyway
No matter what season you decide to explore it, you'll be met with wonderful sights.

Not able to make the drive right now? No worries, check out this amazing aerial footage from the Cherohala Skyway:

Sounds like a stunning way to spend a day! Have you ever driven along the Cherohala Skyway? Tell us about your experience along this scenic drive in North Carolina in the comments.

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More to Explore

scenic drive in North Carolina

Elisa Regulski | January 14, 2020

What are the best scenic drives in North Carolina?

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway will take you to some of the most beautiful places in North Carolina. The entire journey spans 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles. Along the way, you’ll see wild horses, coastal villages, and breathtaking landscapes. The Blue Ridge Parkway is another popular route. This gorgeous drive is a whopping 469 miles long, and it’s full of wonderful views. Be sure to make stops along the way to experience some of the most stunning scenic overlooks in North Carolina. If you want to learn more about the best scenic drives in North Carolina, read our feature article here.

What are the most beautiful places in North Carolina?

If you’re looking for pretty views in North Carolina, you must head over to Wiseman's Overlook in Pisgah National Forest. From here, you can witness the majesty of Brown Mountain, the breathtaking views of Linville Gorge, and the rippling waters of Linville River. Bring your camera and capture the sights! Grandfather Mountain is another gorgeous North Carolina destination. From the middle of the swinging bridge, you’ll be met with awe-inspiring views. To learn more about the most beautiful places in North Carolina, read our article here.

What are the prettiest hiking trails in North Carolina?

Everyone in North Carolina should explore the Craggy Pinnacle Trail at least once. Tucked away inside Craggy Gardens is a breezy 1.5-mile hike that’s full of whimsical landscapes. It’s especially lovely during spring when all of the flowers are in bloom. The Mountain-to-Sea Trail is another must-visit hiking spot in North Carolina. This giant trail is home to unimaginable beauty.

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