Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway | Image Credit: D. Hunter Turner, Little River Creative

The Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway: Your Road to Fall

The Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway that crosses through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina – which is actually how it was named. ‘Chero’ from Cherokee and ‘hala’ from Nantahala.

The Skyway is a wide, paved, 40-mile-long, two-lane road connecting Graham County, NC to Monroe County, TN. Elevations along the road range from 5,400 feet above sea level at the state lines near Haw Knob to 900 feet above sea level at the Tellico River in Tennessee. The byway which opened and was dedicated in 1996 cost more than $100,000,000.00 to construct.

2024 Road to Fall Color Predictions

Fall colors begin changing at the highest elevations first and work their way down mountain ridges into the lower hollows and valley areas. Many factors such as rainfall and temperatures play into the intensity and longevity of the fall spectrum. You may use the chart above as a guide for this year’s color predictions but keep in mind this is only a guide.

Stay and Watch Fall Unfold in the Mountains

Don’t miss a single moment, a single color, a single memory – check out your lodging options now. There are so many activities in addition to traveling the Skyway while you are here – kayaking, canoeing, cycling, fishing, stargazing, hiking, horseback riding, and 4×4 and gravel trips. Stop in and pick up your copy of the Road To Fall brochure with a bucket list of activities available at both the Graham County and Monroe County welcome centers. Once you make the trip from one visitors center to the other, pick up your free, limited-edition Road to Fall souvenir!

Cherohala Skyway Points of Interest

Hooper Bald

Known as home to the famous flame azaleas, this hike is equally beautiful in the fall. Explore a casual, well-maintained hike to a grassy area with stunning vistas after learning about the area’s rich culture and history at the trailhead interpretation center. This is a great location to observe migrating birds and monarch butterflies.

Huckleberry Knob

For those seeking a dreamy picnic spot and 360-degree views of autumn’s splendor, this is a top destination. The 2.5 mile round trip hike will take you out to a large, grassy-top area for taking in the splendor of the autumn celebration.

Indian Boundary Lake

Often referred to as the crown jewel of the Cherokee National Forest, this lake in the sky is as beautiful as it is pristine. The 96-acre lake and surrounding area is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, birding, picnicking, and taking in Fall!

Turkey Creek Overlook

Take in the beauty of the mountains at the accessible Turkey Creek Overlook. At 5,400 ft in elevation, this view is one you won’t want to leave your camera behind for. It’s also a great place to gaze at the stars with a mostly northern view. This overlook is also the location of the Color Blind Viewer – a unique EnChroma lens viewer installed by the state of Tennessee designed to alleviate red-green colorblindness.