Itineraries

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Cherohala Skyway- Looking for ridge after ridge of forested mountainside with sweeping mountain views as far as the eyes can see; abundant and unobstructed scenic overlooks around every corner; world class hiking trails, refreshing waterfalls and scenic overlooks; a road featured as one of Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America. Some call it the “best kept secret.” We call it The Cherohala Skyway – experience it for yourself. 

There are no restaurants or gas stations on the road, so make sure to stop before in Robbinsville NC, or after in Tellico Plains TN. The Tapoco Lodge outside of Robbinsville NC is a great stop for food and/or drinks! 

Recommended Time: 4-8 hrs. 

Tale of the Dragon- Twists, turns, and thick woods, this drive isn’t about scenic overlooks or nature. The Tail of the Dragon is about you, the pavement, and two white knuckles grasping the steering wheel. Considered one of the most exciting roads in America, with 318 curves in 11 miles you will figure out why. Come see why it’s world renowned, and why the locals call it “that damn road to Tennessee”. Make sure to see the Fontana Dam, the largest dam east of the Rockies! The Tapoco Lodge outside of Robbinsville NC is a great stop for food and/or drinks! Recommended time: 4-8 hrs.  

Blue Ridge Parkway- America's Favorite Drive. A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, so you can drive the whole way, or just a section. With elevations over 6000 feet protecting a diversity of plants and animals, providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special. The closest access point is in Cherokee near the Oconaluftee visitor center. Recommended time: 4hrs-days 

The Road to Nowhere- The history of this road is a sore subject for many in the area. A promise to the locals, this road was supposed to allow access to the cemeteries which were cut off when the federal government flooded the area towns after the construction of Fontana Dam. The construction of the road was halted abruptly after finishing the tunnel that eerily ends in the middle of the woods.  Recommended time: 1.5-2hrs. 

Great Smoky Mountain National Park- Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian Mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. On the other end of the park Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer days of attractions. Some good places to visit while in the park….Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and much more.    Recommended time: 4hrs-days

Moonshiner 28- Once one of the major runs for moonshiners with revenuers hot on their bumper, the road today boasts some great twisties, wide sweepers and unsurpassed scenery. Mountain vistas, waterfalls and secluded lakes appear around nearly every corner. Moonshiner 28 winds its way southeastward 103 miles through Franklin and Highlands North Carolina before turning southward into Georgia and South Carolina ending at the sleepy town of Walhalla. Moonshiner 28 is fast becoming one of the great must-do roads of western North Carolina. If you love waterfalls this is the route for you. Make sure to see Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Silver Run Falls, and more! Recommended time: 4-8hrs

If you want a more adventurous drive, consider taking the Parkway to milepost 458.2 and then make the drive to Balsam Mountain via Heintooga Ridge Road. Cross from the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park into the Great Smoky National Park, and you will pass Heintooga Overlook. If you want to find out what “car hiking” is, then continue on your journey and take a forest drive on Heintooga-Round Bottom Road. This one-lane gravel road runs along Balsam Mountain and ends with a trip down into Straight Fork Valley and Cherokee. Make sure to hit up Mingo Falls, 161 steep steps to this 200 foot waterfall.  This road is not safe for RVs, trailers, or Slingshots. 

Recommended time: 4-8hrs

 You will travel along a gravel forest service road to the fire tower. Built in 1933 and in service until the mid-1990s. This makes it one of the oldest remaining fire towers in the state. At 5000 feet in elevation this tower makes for great views. The drive up to the tower is a beautiful winding road that includes a couple of creek crossings and a side spur with a little mud that makes for just the right amount of fun. Remember, if you’re in the back, the driver has complete control of how wet and muddy you get!

Recommended time: 3-4hrs

Make a day of this adventure by continuing the forest service road to historic downtown Franklin where you will find shopping, restaurants, and gem mines. 

Recommended time: 8hrs

Deep Creek- multiple waterfalls and hikes make this a great place to visit.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center- located near the entrance to Great Smoky Mtn National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway this is probably your best chance of seeing Elk.

Mingo Falls, Soco Falls, Asheville, Maggie Valley, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee and so much more……..