Cherohala Skyway // TN to NC
Car rental for the Cherohala Skyway
43 miles, 5,400 feet. The Dragon's quieter, longer sibling: fewer cars, bigger views, a more open throttle.
Quick answer
These current cars are recommended for a drive on US-129. Compare the current cars before choosing your dates. Choose Maryville pickup or contactless delivery at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Review the pickup instructions for your confirmed booking before traveling.
Key facts
- Length
- 43 miles: Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC
- Maximum elevation
- ~5,400 ft
- Character
- High-speed sweepers and open mountain exposure
- From TYS
- ~75 min · 49 miles to Tellico Plains entrance
- From Maryville
- ~65 min · 42 miles
- Best season
- May–October; closed in winter
- Current vehicles listed
- 8
- Pickup
- Maryville or TYS airport delivery
- Pricing
- Choose trip dates and times on a vehicle page
Best cars for this road
See full fleet →Compare prices for your dates
8 current options. Enter your trip times once, then choose a vehicle to check availability.
Earliest pickup: today at 2:30 PM ET.
Estimates include rental taxes. Optional extras and airport exit parking are separate. Your dates carry through to the vehicle page.
2020 Subaru BRZ Limited
4 seats · Manual · RWD
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2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium
2 seats · Automatic · RWD
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2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 30th Anniversary
2 seats · Manual · RWD · Convertible
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2022 Subaru WRX GT
5 seats · Automatic · AWD
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2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0
4 seats · Manual · RWD
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2021 Subaru WRX STI Base
5 seats · Manual · AWD
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2024 Nissan Z NISMO
2 seats · Automatic · RWD
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1994 Toyota MR2 GT-S
2 seats · Manual · RWD
View vehicle & pricing →Ready to request a trip? You'll create an account, verify your email and phone, and provide your driver's license, a selfie and insurance details before submitting. A request is reviewed before your booking is confirmed.
Need help with seating, luggage or pickup? Ask us before you book.
What the Cherohala Skyway is
The Cherohala Skyway is 43 miles of mountain highway connecting Tellico Plains, Tennessee with Robbinsville, North Carolina. It climbs to approximately 5,400 feet elevation: higher than the Dragon, higher than the Foothills Parkway. The road's character is entirely different from the Dragon: where the Dragon is 318 tight corners at 30 mph, the Cherohala is high-speed sweepers and open mountain exposure where the speed limits are higher and the views are longer.
The name is a portmanteau of Cherokee National Forest (Tennessee side) and Nantahala National Forest (North Carolina side). The road cuts through both. Traffic is dramatically lighter than on the Dragon, and the experience of running the Cherohala on a clear October morning with no other cars visible in either direction is one of the best drives in the region.
The natural pairing: run the Dragon in the morning, take the Cherohala in the afternoon. Deals Gap (the Dragon's western end) is about 45 minutes from the Tellico Plains entrance to the Cherohala. Many guests combine both roads in a single day.
Planning the Cherohala day
Fuel before you start. There are gas stations in Tellico Plains and in Robbinsville at either end; there is nothing in between. A full tank at the start is required.
The road is two lanes with passing zones. Traffic is light by national park standards. On a typical weekday you may have the road nearly to yourself. Weekend fall traffic is heavier but still manageable compared to the Dragon.
Allow 90 minutes to drive the full 43 miles if you stop at the overlooks. The overlooks are worth stopping at. Haw Knob (near the TN-NC border) offers one of the broader views in the region. Round-trip takes 3 hours; one-way to Robbinsville and back by another route (US-129 through Tapoco and back to Deals Gap) is the classic full-day Cherohala plus Dragon loop.
Drive times from our pickup points
| From | To | Minutes | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | Tellico Plains (Cherohala TN entrance) | 75 | 49 |
| Maryville, TN | Tellico Plains (Cherohala TN entrance) | 65 | 42 |
| Deals Gap (Tail of the Dragon) | Tellico Plains (Cherohala TN entrance) | 45 | 38 |
| Tellico Plains | Robbinsville, NC (Cherohala NC end) | 80 | 43 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cherohala harder or easier to drive than the Dragon?
Different. The Dragon (30 mph limit, 318 tight corners, no visibility) is more technically demanding at lower speed. The Cherohala (higher speed limits, open sweepers, longer sight lines) is more forgiving technically but demands composure at higher speeds. Most drivers find the Cherohala more relaxing; experienced drivers find both rewarding in different ways.
Can I combine the Cherohala and the Dragon in one day?
Yes. It's one of the best drives in East Tennessee. Dragon in the morning (Maryville to Deals Gap, morning laps), then drive from Deals Gap to Tellico Plains on US-129 (about 45 minutes), then the Cherohala east to Robbinsville. Return via US-74 to I-40 and back to Knoxville. Full day, worth every minute.
Is there a speed limit on the Cherohala?
Yes, varies by section. The open parkway sections post 35–45 mph. Some technical curves near the summit are marked lower. The Cherohala is not a legal high-speed road; it feels faster than the Dragon because the sight lines are longer, but it's still a posted highway with enforcement.
Does the Cherohala close in winter?
Yes. The high-elevation sections close when snow and ice make them impassable, typically December through March, with the exact dates weather-dependent. Check TDOT's advisory system before planning a late-fall or early-spring visit.
Where do I fuel up for the Cherohala?
Tellico Plains, TN (western entrance) has several gas stations. Fill up before starting. Robbinsville, NC (eastern end) has fuel as well. There is no fuel available on the 43-mile road between them.
How far is the Cherohala from Knoxville?
Tellico Plains, the TN entrance, is about 49 miles and 75 minutes from TYS. The route goes through Maryville on US-411, south through Madisonville, and west on TN-68 to Tellico Plains.
How do I see pricing and request a booking?
Open a vehicle and select your trip start and end dates and times to see pricing. A listed vehicle is not a guarantee of availability for your dates. Continue from the vehicle page to submit a booking request.
Where do I collect the car?
Choose Maryville pickup or contactless delivery at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Review the pickup instructions for your confirmed booking before traveling. Airport delivery has no separate delivery charge. Customer responsible for airport parking fee upon exit, typically no more than $13
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