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The Cherohala
Skyway, dedicated in October 1996, connects
Tellico Plains, Tenn. with Robbinsville, N.C.
The 50-mile scenic highway is named from a
combination of the Cherokee and Nantahala
national forests, which it traverses. The Skyway
is designated as a National Scenic Byway by the
Federal Highway Administration, one of only 20
such roadways in the nation. The western end of
the skyway begins at an elevation below 1,000
feet and follows the Tellico River Gorge for
four miles.
It climbs the Unaka
Mountains to an elevation of 5,390 feet at
Santeetlah Gap before descending toward
Robbinsville.
Facilities:
Informational kiosks are located at each end of
the skyway. Parking is provided at major
overlooks and trail access points. Picnic
tables, two restroom facilities, and natural
history signs at major overlooks are scheduled
to be completed in the summer of '97.
Camping and picnic
facilities are located nearby in the Cherokee
and Nantahala national forests. For information
on camping contact the Cheoah Ranger District
Office, Nantahala National Forest, Route 1, Box
16A, Robbinsville, NC 28771 (704/479-6431) or
Tellico Ranger Office, U.S. Forest Service, 250
Ranger Station Road, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
(423/253-2520).
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