Cherohala Skyway, Deal's Gap Loop

Contributer: Bartman (09-10-2009)
Distance: 106.4 mi.

This winding loop through the forested Smoky Mountains includes some of the most scenic and famous riding roads in the country. Start at the BP station in Vonore, a small town in Monroe County Tennessee recently spotlighted as the home of American Idol contestant Vanessa Wolfe, and travel south down TSR360 to the Tellico River Basin. Stop at Tellico Plains for lunch or continue onto TSR165 and the beautiful Cherohala Skyway. The skyway is a 43 mile scenic byway connecting Tellico Plains to Lake Santeetlah and Robbinsville, North Carolina. Cherohala is a motorcyclist's dream with over 4000ft of elevation changes and endless photo opportunities from waterfalls to majestic scenic overlooks. Catch your breath (or fill up) in Robbinsville, before you tackle the next leg up US129 back to the Tennessee state-line and straight into the mouth of the world famous 'Dragon, Deal's Gap. A quick peak at the famous 'Tree of Shame' should prep you for 318 turns that will test your skills and hopefully leave you breathless and all in one piece. Complete the loop via Hwy 72 back to Vonore.
-- From Bartman:
Starting at the BP station in Vonore, this ride takes you down Highway 360 over to Tellico Plains. Then left onto Highway 143, the Cherohala Skyway then up to Deals Gap for a ride on 'The Dragon'.

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