Cherohala Skyway Backcountry Circuit

The Cherohala Skyway isn’t just about the pavement — it’s the gateway to a network of forgotten forest service roads that snake through Cherokee National Forest’s remote backcountry. Forest Road 217 branches north from the skyway near Beech Gap, climbing through old-growth hardwoods to reach abandoned fire towers and ridge-running trails that most tourists never see. The real prize is the technical descent into Coker Creek drainage, where rocky creek crossings and steep grades separate the serious from the sightseers.

This moderate circuit demands high-clearance 4WD and decent ground clearance for creek crossings and rocky sections. Spring brings muddy conditions and swollen creeks, while fall offers peak colors but crowded main roads. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the national forest, and Coker Creek offers reliable water sources. Best tackled in late summer when water levels drop and roads firm up. You’ll earn solitude and some of Tennessee’s finest mountain vistas without the Smoky Mountain crowds.