One of the most visited tourist attraction near Robbinsville, NC by road enthusiasts, nature photographers or anybody who is just seeking for a relaxing ride and nature-inspired adventures. Cherohala Skyway is known for its spectacular scenic overlooks, beautiful mountain views, world class hiking trails and pristine waterfalls. It was also featured in Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America.
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile (69 km) National Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina in the southeastern United States. Its name is a portmanteau of Cherokee and Nantahala, the two national forests through which it passes. Along with multiple vistas and overlooks, the skyway provides easy vehicular access to various protected and recreational areas of the Unicoi Mountains, including the Citico Creek Wilderness, the Bald River Gorge Wilderness and old growth trees in the interior of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
Mile High Legend – 43 mile National Scenic Byway from Robbinsville NC to Tellico Plains TN
The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after planning and construction for some thirty-four years. It was North Carolina’s most expensive scenic highway carrying a price tag of $100,000,000. It winds up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 18 miles in North Carolina and descends another 23 miles into the deeply forested back country of Tennessee. The Skyway is well known in motorcycling and sports car circles for its long, sweeping corners and breathtaking scenic views.
It could be extremely dangerous at night and in the winter months. There are no facilities other than a couple of restrooms for the entire 41 miles so make sure you have enough gas to make the crossing. There are also picnic tables with mile-high views along the way that visitors can enjoy.
Vehicles can turn around at one of the overlooks or continue down the ridge in Tennessee. At the state line, the descent starts into the Tellico River basin. If continued into Tennessee, take a detour to Bald River Falls on paved Forest Service Road 210 to see the 100-ft. waterfall from the car (or motorcycle).
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is part of the Nantahala National Forest, approximately 3,800 acre tract of publicly owned virgin forest in Graham County, NC, near Robbinsville as a living memorial to the writer/poet Joyce Kilmer. Veterans of the Foreign Wars asked the government to set aside a fitting stand of trees to serve as a living memorial to Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action during World War I. Although Kilmer was both a soldier and a poet, he is most remembered for his poetry about common, beautiful things in nature
One of the largest contiguous tracts of old growth forest in the Eastern United States, the area is administered by the U. S. Forest Service. The memorial is a rare example of old growth cove hardwood forest, a diverse type unique to the Appalachian Mountains. In 1975 the memorial forest was joined with a much larger tract of the Nantahala National Forest to become part of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.
Due to a devastating disease of the American chestnut tree that caused a rapid, widespread die-off of the once plentiful tree from its historic range in the Eastern United States, the American chestnut, once the dominant tree of the forest, was affected by the chestnut blight. Although the last of the Kilmer chestnuts had probably died by the late 1930s, their wood is so rot-resistant that remnants of the massive logs and stumps are still visible.
Another more recent loss is that of the giant hemlocks due to an infestation of an exotic insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid. For safety of visitors from a falling limb or tree, Forest Service managers decided to bring down dead trees near the memorial trail in a way they believed would mimic natural blowdown. In November 2010, the Forest Service blew up the trees with explosives, making the lower loop trail much lighter and drier.
The best way to enjoy the impressive memorial forest is by doing the easy 2-mile hike to see the majestic Trees such as Sycamore, Beech, Basswood, Red and White Oaks and Hemlock. Some of the trees are over 400 years old and the oldest Yellow-Poplars are more than 20 ft (6.1 m) in circumference and stand 100 ft (30 m) tall. Aside from the trees there are also other variety of shrubs, vines, ferns, mosses and other plants to see. This popular family hiking destination features an easy two-mile, figure-eight trail and has two loops: the 1-1/4 miles lower loop passes the Joyce Kilmer Memorial plaque, and the upper ¾ mile loop swings through Poplar Cove, a grove of the largest trees.
The trailhead parking area has a flush toilet and picnic tables. No camping or overnight parking is allowed.
The only way to see the impressive memorial forest is on foot. The figure-eight Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail covers two miles and has two loops: the 1.25-mile lower loop passes the Joyce Kilmer Memorial plaque, and the upper 0.75-mile loop swings though Popular Cove – a grove of the forest’s largest trees. The trailhead parking area has a flush toilet and picnic tables. No camping or overnight parking is allowed.
Located about 15 miles from Robbinsville. Take Highway 129 North for 1½ miles to the junction with Highway 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Turn left on Highway 143 and travel approx 4 miles to a stop sign/T intersection. Turn right and drive for approx 7.3 miles and bear to the right at the junction of Santeetlah Gap and the Cherohala Skyway. Continue for another 2½ miles to the entrance of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest on your left.
Tourist attraction in Swain County, North Carolina
Ok so this wasn’t on MY bucket list .. but was on my husband’s so it was on our anniversary trip to-do list! And it really didn’t disappoint ether! 318 turns in 11 miles with steep drops and no guard rails! This road is not for inexperienced drivers… But if you drive slow and take the turns carefully it is a pretty amazing experience. There are some cool shops just before you drive into TN that mark the beginning of your drive, and they have memorabilia and stuff. Look for the dragon statue to your left– he is all made of metal! Just beware.. it isn’t for people who don’t like heights or who can’t navigate turns well.
318 turns in 11 miles, one of if not the best drive I’ve ever been on! If you love curvy, challenging mountain roads and amazing views, this is the route for you! I drove through completely by accident on my way to the Foothills Parkway but I’ve always wanted to drive the tail of the dragon and I got to its something you must do if in the area!
The Dragon is popular and internationally famous destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts since 1981. Known as America’s number 1 motorcycle and sports car road, famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles (18 km). The road earned its name from its curves being said to resemble a dragons tail. The stretch bears the street name Tapoco Road in North Carolina and Calderwood Highway in Tennessee and is signed entirely by US 129 (hidden SR 115).
Deals Gap, also known as Tail of the Dragon, is a portion of U.S. Route 129 in Blount County, Tennessee, situated in a gap in Swain County, North Carolina, United States. It was publicized as one of the most scenic drives in USA. This road is appealing to those who are looking for adrenaline rush and excitement. With hundreds of blind curves, long blind crests, and high degrees of camber, this road presents plenty of opportunities to leave the pavement both laterally, and longitudinally, and will provide a challenge even for the most seasoned drivers/bikers.
The Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest border the Dragon, there is no development along the 11-mile stretch, this adds to safety as well as natural beauty. The Dragon stretch of US 129 is double-lined as no passing (there are pull offs you can use to allow tailgaters to get ahead of you.) There are also pull-off points along the route for scenic overlooks. The road is certainly breathtaking, but has a fearsome reputation, speed limit was posted at 30 mph in 2002 and still in effect today. Trucks are also prohibited to enter the road due to previous accidents and incidents involving trucks and semi-tractor.
The best time to drive this road is between March and November. Winter months can be hard to predict. The weather on this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable and it does not take much time for the bright sun shine to change over to moderate to heavy snow fall. This road had a reputation for being extremely dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, and driving under these conditions, can be challenging. This road is not for the faint hearted, but if you are looking for a little excitement and adrenaline pumping journey, dont miss this one.
This is a beautiful campground. The owners are helpful . It is the type of mountain setting you look for and it delivers with a creek, trees and a river.
Such a nice place to stay. Each site is next to the river or the creek that runs through the property. Looked like every site had shade as well. The family works hard to keep the place well maintained and clean.
At the risk of losing the benefits of having this campground nearly to ourselves, we feel compelled to give the new owners the highest accolades. They are extremely responsive and have really spiffed things up. The campground itself is quaint and lovely, with a good size creek running through it and bordering the Valley River on one side. It is easy access just off Hwy. 74 outside of Marble (between Murphy and Andrews).
We love this little gem of a campground!
Turkey Creek, a small babbling brook, meanders through our quiet, little cove on its way to the confluence of the Nantahala and Little Tennessee Rivers, which is just a short hike through a southern Appalachian hardwood forest. A wide variety of vegetation ensures a continual display of color throughout the year.
At the office you’ll find firewood and ice for sale. Next to the office is the game room which has a foosball table and a pool table (closed while social distancing measures are in place). A sanitary dumping station is next to the office for travel trailers and recreational vehicles, there are no sewer hook-ups. Below the office is the beautiful, tiled bathhouse with hot showers. There’s a small, coin-op laundry room that also has double sinks for washing dishes.
TCC’s park like setting has the following. Most campsites have 20 amp electrical service and water. All sites have picnic tables and fireplaces. Most of the creek sites have 10′ x 12′ raised tent pads, some are 12′ x 12′ .
Most sites are shaded at least part of the day.
There are 9 sites with water and 30 amp service, We can take up to 30ft rigs, including tongues, on travel trailers due to the tight turns in our roadways.
Free WIFI is available around the office/deck/bathhouse complex. WIFI is limited so we ask you to read our policy and comply.
It is our goal to provide a comfortable, peaceful, restorative and joyful experiences. At The Heart Center, we invite you to reclaim your own inner peace, physical and emotional harmony, innate wisdom and power, strengthen your personal relationships, and rediscover your unique connection to nature and the Divine.
Nelson’s Nantahala Hideaway is nestled in the heart of the Nantahala forest at Topton, NC. Fidely Nelson settled our family here in the late 1800’s and we invite you to experience true Southern Appalachian hospitality at our campground and cabins surrounded by hiking, trout fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, horseback riding and more. After an exciting stay in the Nantahala gorge… enjoy rustic living and spend a relaxing evening around your own private campfire. Walk in the footsteps of the great Cherokee Chiefs and discover “what Fidely did” in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains.
Stay at one of the oldest private campgrounds in Western North Carolina. 80 plus years of peaceful relaxation. Tucked up in a valley at 2,000 ft. above sea level you will be next to a beautiful state stock Panther Creek that falls into Lake Fontana. Catch Rainbow trout , Brook trout, and Brown trout right from your camp site. Where the star’s are bigger and brighter because you are no where near city lights. No highway noise, just creek and crickets. Hiking trails from campground.
Feel the peace of God’s great Earthly Creation as your Cares float down the creek. Off the beaten Path, our valley is home to Panther Creek. We can’t wait to meet you!
We are just minutes away from some of the best things to do in the smokies. Fishing, water skiing and tubing in Lake Fontana, fast cars in Deal’s Gap and Tail of the Dragon, Whitewater rafting in the Nantahala river, The Smokey Mountain National Park, Deep creek tubing, Shopping in Bryson City, The Smokey Mountain Railroad, Joyce Kilmer Forest, Cherokee NC, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Tsali Mountain Bike recreational area and The Appalachian Trail.
The Kickstand Lodge is a motorcycle riders resort in Stecoah, North Carolina.Located in the Smoky Mountains, surrounded by the best riding in the southeast, the Kickstand Lodge is a great destination for a weekend get-away or a week long stay. There are plenty of attractions in the area to provide you with a new destination for each day of your visit to the Smoky Mountains.
Stay in one of our cabins, bunkhouses or pitch your own tent and enjoy the camaraderie of other motorcycle enthusiasts.
Fernwood Cottage offers a different type of mountain lodging in the Andrews, Murphy, North Carolina area — a vacation rental mountain lodge divided into two separate suites. Each suite is private with its own large living/dining/bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom with shower, handmade king-sized bed, plus queen sofa bed for additional guests and dining table for four. Separate heat and air-conditioning, free WiFi, satellite TV with DVD and VCR. Totally furnished, beautifully decorated and immaculately clean.
Don’t worry about rushing to the grocery store on arrival. A continental breakfast will be waiting for you on your first and second days. You have the privacy of your own cabin, but also the option to bring along friends and family and have the place to yourselves.
We’re Pet Friendly
They are known as the “Museum That Runs” because of their unique goal of offering their visitors an experience unlike any other by starting some of the motorcycles daily. This is home to the world’s foremost All-American Vintage Motorcycle Collection, with over 300 historically important motorcycles displayed in 24 marquees.
Wheels Through Time Museum is home to the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique “one-off” American automobiles. Located just 5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Maggie Valley, North Carolina our museum houses a collection of over 300 rare machines.
We found and purchased our first cabin in Andrews, NC in 2007. Since that time, we have added two more cabins for our guests to visit and enjoy what the area has to offer. Andrews is located in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Andrews is a beautiful and peaceful small town located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing spot to escape the pressures and stresses of everyday life, you have found your dream getaway. Take in the views of nature from your own private deck or relax in the hot tub while listening to the tranquil sounds of the water flowing down Collett Creek.
The Perfect Mountain Cabin Getaway
Dreaming of a romantic getaway in a picture-perfect Smoky Mountain log cabin? That dream comes true at Cherokee Mountain Cabins — hand-crafted one, two and three-bedroom luxury cabin rentals near Nantahala Lake. Mountainside cabins. Creekside cabins. Rustic, romantic and elegant with no shortage of creature comforts —
- Romantic Gift Packages
- Concierge
- Massage
- Hot Tub
- Pool Table
- Outdoor Fireplace
- Gourmet Kitchen
When you stay in our cabins, you’re in the middle of Western North Carolina’s great outdoor playground with whitewater rafting, zip lining, horseback riding, hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, mountain biking and scenic drives all at your doorstep.
Just above Cherokee Mountain Cabins, the beautiful Nantahala Lake is the second highest lake east of the Mississippi. And below our cabins, the Nantahala River offers world-class trout fishing and one of the south’s most popular whitewater sports venues.
Enjoy a complimentary award winning country breakfast served in your own private room. Four decks with creek views for your enjoyment. Gas grill, campfire area, hot tub, hiking trails just to name a few of the amenities right out the front door. Private entrance, fridge and microwave and tv in each room. Jetted bathtub and outdoor hot tub.
Manor is a family operated business. We take pride to provide the same quality of care, friendliness and courtesy as guests would receive in our personal residence. A new experience in vacation living, we want our home to be your mountain home away from home!
Choose from our 1- and 2-bedroom spacious and tastefully decorated suites that sit just beneath the hill of Olde Towne Robbinsville. All suites are furnished with comfortable beds, ensuite baths, fully equipped kitchens, satellite television, high speed Internet, central heat/air along with free local telephone calls, free parking for large trailers, buses or other recreational vehicles. Laundry facilities and gas grills on site.
An ideal location and within walking distance to gift and discount shops, restaurants and a wide variety of entertainment as well as many natural area attractions. A haven for those seeking the cool, casual, unhurried pace of a mountain retreat!
he San-Ran Motel, an American owned and operated business since 1968, is located at 253 Rodney Orr Bypass (US 129) in Robbinsville, North Carolina in the heart of Graham County. We offer newly renovated, quality, clean rooms at reasonable rates. We provide secure off-street private parking with room for trailers and covered parking for motorcycles. A grocery, drug stores and several restaurants are with-in walking distance.
The San-Ran is only 20 minutes from the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. Also nearby is the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, the Appalachian Trail, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Dam, Fontana Lake, the Blue Ridge Parkway and whitewater rafting. Many other attractions such as the Cherokee Gambling Casino and the Smoky Mountain Railroad are within an hours drive.
Each room is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, BBQ grill and Direct TV and are spacious enough for all your riding gear. Park your bikes outside your door under our covered porch.
