North Carolina’s most popular touring road is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches from Afton, Virginia, and westward through the Tar Heel State to near Cherokee in western North Carolina. Beautiful as it is, however, it’s not the state’s only must-experience scenic byway.

The entrance to the much shorter 43-mile Cherohala Skyway is found a mere 40 miles from the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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If you have the time to extend your visit to the Parkway to include a half day to explore the sights along the Cherohala Skyway you won't be disappointed.
The byway passes through the Cherokee National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest. This would be where the road gets its name: Cherohala is combination of the two forests through which it travels.
Joshua Moore / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
The history of this gorgeous road is as equally fascinating as the views. Although the skyway didn't officially finish construction and open until 1996, planning began as far back as 1958.
cherohala.com
In that year, a team of determined locals got together and started plotting how to create a wagon train road from Tennessee to North Carolina. And they did! Eventually, more than 100 million dollars would be allocated to turn that wagon train road into what is now the Cherohala Skyway.
Twenty-three miles of the Cherohala Skyway is located in the state of Tennessee.
Flickr/Jackie

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But the first 18 miles of this scenic drive is found right here in North Carolina's beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Flickr/Gorilla Girl
Especially brilliant during the fall season, the uphill climb through the forest in North Carolina brings visitors to some breathtaking scenery.
On this seamless and scenic journey, you'll follow NC-143, the Cherohala Skyway, to the state line at Stratton Gap, where you'll pick up Tennessee State Route 165.
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The whole trip can easily be accomplished in about two hours.
There are endless overlooks found around just about every turn.
Google Maps/Motorcycle Junky
Be sure to carve out enough time to stop and enjoy the endless views!
The mile-high peak of this highway is an experience every North Carolinian (and visitor) should experience.
Alex Potemkin / E+ Collection via Getty Images
For an old wagon train road, this scenic byway in North Carolina is a beautiful drive.
cherohala.com

Have you explored the Cherohala National Scenic Byway yet?

Love taking scenic drives in North Carolina? The next time you’re on the coast, add a spin on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway to your plans!

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Cherohala Skyway, United States