Tennessee is full of beauty everywhere you look, but when folks think of scenic drives and stunning overlooks, it’s no surprise that East Tennessee is the best spot to go. The vistas and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains are unparalleled anywhere else in the country, and there is no place that those views are more on display than the Cherohala Skyway in the southeast corner of the state. If you haven’t driven this beautiful road yet, you need to get in the car now and head out today. Take a look!

Dzmitry (Dima) Parul - Flickr
Tucked in the heart of Southeast Tennessee, Cherokee National Forest offers some of the best views in the entire country.
Doug Bradley - Flickr
By far the best way to see the National Forest is the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile byway that cuts right through the heart of the forest, offering truly incredible views at every turn.
Dzmitry (Dima) Parul - Flickr
The name Cherohala comes from the two forests that the skyway passes through, the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina.

Related Stories

Drawing BBQ Inspiration From Texas, Kansas City, And Beyond, Honey Fire BBQ Company Is Bringing A New Kind Of 'Cue To Tennessee

Drawing BBQ Inspiration From Texas, Kansas City, And Beyond, Honey Fire BBQ Company Is Bringing A New Kind Of 'Cue To Tennessee

 I Wandered Off The Beaten Path On This Iconic Tennessee Location To See One Of The Best Cabins In The Smokies

I Wandered Off The Beaten Path On This Iconic Tennessee Location To See One Of The Best Cabins In The Smokies

 This Speakeasy Hidden In An Old Bank In Tennessee Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In An Old Bank In Tennessee Is Perfect For A Date Night
Dzmitry (Dima) Parul - Flickr
The byway starts in Tellico Plains in Tennessee and winds through and over the mountains into Robinsville, North Carolina. Over the course of the road, it goes from elevations as low as 900 feet above sea level to over a mile high.
Justin Ruckman - Flickr
All along the way, there are pull-offs every few miles or so. Some of them are picnic areas, some are scenic overlooks, and some are trailheads with short hikes to the tops of nearby mountains.
John Gretchel - Flickr
Bald River Falls is a short drive off of the Skyway on the Tennessee side of the road. It's a good offshoot that is right next to the road!
John Gretchel - Flickr
Overall, the Cherohala Skyway is something that every Tennessean should experience at least once. The views and adventures are absolutely unbeatable, and it really shows off the best of the state. Pack your car and head out there today! What are you waiting for?

Speaking of hidden Tennessee treasures, we bet you didn’t know that you could camp on the beachfront at this Tennessee State Park.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles