From the Great Smokey Mountains to the rolling hills along the Cumberland, Tennessee is full of beauty. And scenic drives offer the best ways to marvel at these exquisite landscapes. One of the best scenic drives in Tennessee, the Cherohala Skyway is largely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the entire country. If you’ve yet to take this scenic drive, it’s time to plan your trip.

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Setting out along Tennessee's Highway 143 will yield some of the most breathtaking views in the entire state. It's here that you'll be able to admire the largest stretch of grassy heaths in the world. One of the best scenic drives in Tennessee, this route keeps you close to waterfalls, lakes, and wildflowers provided by the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smokey Mountains.
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This 43-mile National Scenic Byway sets out from Tellico Plains and reaches all the way to Robbinsville, North Carolina. Tellico Plains can be accessed via 1-75 (exit 60). As you set out on the trip, be sure to fill up on gas as stations will be sparse in this area. You can stop by the Cherohala Skyway Visitor's Center to learn about the history of the region as well as nearby recreational activities.
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Construction for the Cherohala Skyway began in 1958 and took nearly forty years to complete, with the total cost of construction coming to one hundred million dollars. The route gains nearly 4,000 feet in elevation and its highest point reaches the slopes of Haw Knob at 5,400 feet.

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Some major points of interest along the scenic drive include Huckleberry Knob, Hooper Bald, Big Junction Overlook, Lake View Overlook, and Turkey Creek Overlook. These overlooks provide the perfect opportunity to pull off the main highway and admire the stunning landscape.
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While the drive is certainly beautiful all year round, there's no time like autumn to really see the splendor of surrounding colors. Whether you have a few hours or an entire day, spending time on Route 165 will make for a memorable trip.

Have you recently driven along the Cherohala Skyway? Do you agree that it’s one of the best scenic drives in Tennessee? Be sure to share your experience with us!

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best scenic drives in Tennessee

Beth C. | July 16, 2021

What are the most scenic places in Tennessee?

As you can tell from the article outlining one of the best scenic drives in Tennessee, the Volunteer State is chock-full of beautiful natural scenery. If you're on the lookout for the most scenic places in Tennessee, we would recommend checking out any of the following destinations: Tricorner Knob on the Appalachian Trail, the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, Twin Falls, the Tennessee River Gorge, Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Roan Mountain, Cherokee National Forest, Natchez Trace, Lookout Mountain, Fall Creek Falls, Cumberland Caverns, Backbone Rock, Rock City, Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove, and Clingmans Dome. How many of these scenic places in Tennessee have you experienced?

What are the best scenic drives in Tennessee?

One of the best ways to experience Tennessee is to drive through it. Whether you're looking for a short road trip or a lengthy one, you'll find no shortage of gorgeous roadways through the Volunteer State. Some of the best scenic drives in Tennessee include Natchez Trace Parkway, Little River Road, Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway, Cades Cove Loop, Grundy State Forest, Roan Mountain Road, Great River Road, Ocoee Scenic Byway, Reelfoot Lake, and the Tail of the Dragon. Have you ventured out on some of the best scenic drives in Tennessee?

What are the best road trips in Tennessee?

If you're interested in road-tripping your way through Tennessee, you're in luck! There are quite simply so many road trips that will bring you the best of the state. One of the most unique road trips in Tennessee is one we've put together that highlights the most haunted locations throughout East Tennessee. Think you've got what it takes to embark on this spooky road trip?

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Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN, USA