Scenic Byways & Drives
Breathtaking Getaways
These scenic drives will give you a taste of everything the TN Overhill region has to offer. Whether it’s the Cherohala Skyway or one of the more remote drives, you’ll experience a lot. All from the comfort of your car.
BYWAY BOOKENDS
TN Overhill has a scenic drive on both sides of the region. The Cherohala Skyway and the Ocoee Scenic Byway both make for great adventures and wonderful memories.
CHEROHALA SKYWAY
The drive is about 50 miles long with views of ancient forests where Cherokee tribes and early pioneers traveled and settled in the Appalachian Mountains along with mile-high vistas with magnificent views.
FARMS, FIELDS, & HISTORY
This drive from Sweetwater to Athens is a curvy rural backroad that passes several dairy farms. Along the way you will pass several historic landmarks and buildings full of our local culture and history.
HIWASSEE RIVER RD.
This drive will take you on a path to several historically relevant sites as well as lead you to one of the most popular fishing destinations in the area, Big Bend and the Apalachia Powerhouse.
MAIN STREET TO THE MOUNTAINS
This drive will take you from Athens to Robbinsville, NC going through Tellico Plains and traveling along the beautiful Cherohala Skyway. You’ll see national forests from above the tree line and end up in a wonderful destination in North Carolina.
OCOEE SCENIC BYWAY
The Ocoee National Forest Scenic Byway winds through the Ocoee River Gorge in the Cherokee National Forest. One section climbs to the top of the Chilhowee Mountains with breath-taking views of the Tennessee Valley.
TELLICO RIVER RD.
Located near Tellico Plains, this road winds alongside the Tellico River as it tumbles through the Cherokee National Forest. Along the way, you will pass the Historic Tellico Ranger Station, built as a CCC Camp and lovingly restored.
TWO RIVERS: ONE RIDE
This drive from Copperhill to Benton winds through the rugged Ocoee River Gorge, with curves surrounded by rock bluffs on one side & the Ocoee River on the other. Take time to look at the rock formations in the river beds and road cuts.