Are dogs allowed on Cherohala Skyway?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Cherohala Skyway but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Cherohala Skyway?

No, Cherohala Skyway does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Cherohala Skyway?

Cherohala Skyway is rated expert. It is 41.2 miles long with 9,183 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See North Carolina trail conditions

ExpertPoint to Point

North Carolina

Cherohala Skyway

Robbinsville, North Carolina

41.2 mi

Distance

9,183 ft

Elev. Gain

17h 21m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

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 the remote interior of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:258 ft

Max:1,649 ft

2,799 ft

3,340 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.