Cherohala Skyway
Driving the Skyway in North Carolina
| Departure: | Robbinsville, North Carolina |
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| 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.
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Start: Robbinsville
Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes Located near the easternmost end of the byway, Robbinsville is the gateway to areas like the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
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Stop 2: Junaluska Memorial and Museum
Directions from previous place: 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.
Distance from Previous Site: 1.61 miles / 2.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 5 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 45 minutes Visit the museum that honors Junaluska, the Cherokee Warrior, and is dedicated to preserving Cherokee Heritage.
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Stop 3: Santeetlah Gap
2, 660 feet photo opportunity
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Stop 4: Hooper Cove
Directions from previous place: Drive southwest on the Skyway(NC-143) and turn right on NC-81. After 1.3 miles, end at Hooper Cove.
Distance from Previous Site: 1.42 miles / 2.3 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 3 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 20 minutes Enjoy an open area near the Santeetlah Creek drainage; perfect for both a picnic lunch and photo opportunities.
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Stop 5: Shute Cove
Directions from previous place: Drive west on NC-81 for 1.6 miles to end at Shute Cove.
Distance from Previous Site: 1.62 miles / 2.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 3 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 5 minutes From 3,550 feet, Shute Cove offers a stunning view of the valley below.
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Stop 6: Wright Creek
Directions from previous place: Drive west on NC-81 and end at Wright Creek after 1.08 miles.
Distance from Previous Site: 1.08 miles / 1.7 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 2 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 5 minutes Another scenic view along the byway, Wright Cove gives an overlook of the scenery below from 4,150 feet.
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Stop 7: Obadiah Gap
Directions from previous place: Drive west on NC-81 and after .6 miles, end at Obadiah Gap.
Distance from Previous Site: 0.66 miles / 1.1 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 minute Suggested Time at This Site: 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.
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Stop 8: Huckleberry Knob
Directions from previous place: 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.
Distance from Previous Site: 13.17 miles / 21.1 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 30 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 10 minutes Further down the byway, you will find Huckleberry, a 5,300 feet overlook.
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Stop 9: Hooper Bald
Directions from previous place: Drive west on the Cherohala Skyway and after .8 miles, end at Hooper Bald.
Distance from Previous Site: 0.87 miles / 1.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 2 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 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.
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Stop 10: Haw Knob Slopes
Directions from previous place: Drive west on NC-143 for 4.21 miles to end at Little Haw Knob.
Distance from Previous Site: 4.21 miles / 6.7 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 10 minutes Take a look at Haw Knob Slopes at 4,890 feet.
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Stop 11: Mud Gap Trailhead
Directions from previous place: Drive west on NC-143 for .5 miles to end at Mud Gap.
Distance from Previous Site: 0.57 miles / 0.9 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 minute Suggested Time at This Site: 20 minutes Look for Mud Gap Trailhead between Whigg Cove and Stratton Ridge.
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End: Unicoi Crest
Directions from previous place: 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.
Distance from Previous Site: 39.3 miles / 62.9 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour 8 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 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.
