The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after being under construction for some thirty-four years. It is North Carolina's most expensive highway carrying a pricetag of $100,000,000. Winding up and over 5,000 foot mountains for 15 miles in North Carolina and descending another 21 miles into the deeply forested backcountry of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name "Chero...hala". The Skyway is becoming well known for its natural beauty and scenic vistas.

This road connects Robbinsville, North Carolina, with Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It can be desolate at night and extremely dangerous in the winter months. There are no facilities other than restrooms for the entire 36 miles. There is little evidence of civilization from views that rival or surpass any from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Sightseers, motorcyclists, and sports car enthusiasts all come to enjoy this secenic highway. Many just drive to the top to cool off in the summer months. There is usually a ten degree difference in temperatures from the lower elevations. In spring and fall you might want to bring along a jacket.