When was the Cherohala Skyway built?
Usa, north-america
83.36 km
1,646 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Cherohala Skyway is one of the most stunning drives you'll find anywhere. This fully paved beauty stretches for about 52 miles (83km), linking Tellico Plains, TN, to Robbinsville, NC, as TN-165 and NC-143. It took a whopping 34 years to build, finally opening in 1996! The name? A mashup of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it slices through.
Be prepared for some serious elevation! You'll climb to around 5,400 feet (1,600m) near the state line at Santeetlah Overlook, near Haw Knob. Even in summer, the weather can throw you curveballs – think dense fog, thick clouds, and chilly temps. Layer up!
This mile-high route offers an unforgettable experience. It's a hidden gem with breathtaking overlooks around every bend. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts love it for the long, sweeping corners. Just be aware that it can feel isolated at night and turn treacherous in winter. The two-lane road has wide shoulders and plenty of scenic overlooks (15!), so you can pull over and soak in the views.
Give yourself two to three hours to drive it without stops, but honestly, you’ll want to take longer. Nestled amidst hardwood and evergreen forests, this easy drive delivers incredible mountain vistas, vibrant foliage, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a perfect taste of the southern Appalachian Mountains at their finest. Don’t forget your camera!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 83.36 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,646 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Yellowjacket Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Yellowjacket Pass, hanging out way up high in southwestern Colorado, smack-dab in the San Juan National Forest. We're talking 7,785 feet above sea level, people! The road itself? Totally paved – it's actually U.S. Route 160 – so no need to worry about your tires. You can usually hit this pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter, because things can get dicey and they might shut it down for a bit. This beauty stretches for about 40 awesome miles, connecting Bayfield on the west to Pagosa Springs on the east. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, there's a little gravel side trip just west of the pass that takes you even higher, up to a relay station at 8,412 feet! Seriously, the views are killer.
moderateThe high Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Hoover Dam Bypass, officially the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge! This thing is seriously epic, arching high over the Colorado River, right on the Arizona-Nevada state line. If you're afraid of heights, maybe grab a friend to do the driving, because at 880 feet above the river, it's the second-highest bridge in the US – and the tallest concrete arch bridge on the planet! Opened in 2010, this 1,900-foot-long beauty isn't just about getting from point A to point B on U.S. 93; it's a destination in itself. Just imagine cruising across, taking in those views of the Black Canyon. This bridge is not only visually stunning, but also historically significant, named after a Nevada governor and a former NFL player turned soldier. Keep in mind, though, that the bridge has had issues with pedestrian suicides, which officials are trying to address. So, drive safe, be respectful, and soak up the breathtaking scenery!
moderateDurango-Mazatlan Highway: the road with 115 bridges and 61 tunnels
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán (Mexico 40D), an incredible 211km (131 miles) shot through the western Sierra Madre! Forget the old Espinazo del Diablo, this route is a masterpiece of engineering. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels carving their way through mind-blowing landscapes. Starting high in Durango (1,880 meters / 6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the beach vibes of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast, experiencing a crazy mix of tropical forests, pine trees, and even desert scenery along the way. Word of caution: This fully paved road can throw a few curveballs. Watch out for landslides, potholes, the odd blocked tunnel, and some rough asphalt in places. Opened in 2013, the route climbs to almost 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and snow closures – keep an eye on the forecast! The highlights? Prepare to be amazed by the sheer number of bridges and tunnels. Don’t miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a whopping 1.7 miles long! But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge. This isn’t just any bridge, it's the highest cable-stayed bridge on Earth (and the highest in the Americas!), stretching 1,124 meters across a canyon 403 meters below. Seriously epic views!
moderateCarson Pass in California: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Carson Pass in California is calling your name! Perched way up high at 8,592 feet, this mountain pass is located in Alpine County, nestled within the El Dorado National Forest, not far from the Nevada border. The route, known as California State Route 88 or Carson Pass Highway, is a smooth, paved ride stretching about 20 miles from Alpine Village to Kirkwood. Just a heads up, the parking at the summit fills up fast on weekends, so plan accordingly! Now, about the weather: this road is generally open year-round, even in winter! That said, keep an eye on conditions because snow and ice can cause temporary closures, especially due to avalanche danger. There are a couple of particularly avalanche-prone spots to be aware of. But let's talk about the views! Seriously, they're out of this world. Get ready for stunning scenery everywhere you look. We're talking rugged volcanic landscapes, lush meadows, sparkling alpine lakes hugged by forests, rocky valleys, and endless mountain peaks. There are tons of places to pull over, soak it all in, and snap some envy-inducing photos. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!