Cherohala Skyway & Tellico Plains
Regional highlight — National Scenic Byway & Bald River Falls
🚗 1–1¼ hours to Tellico Plains from Johnson City · ~45 miles to Tellico Plains · Johnson City via US-321 S / TN-91 to Tellico Plains
This destination is part of the Tri-Cities region and immediate mountain backyard — included here because visitors and locals both ask for the best nearby outdoor days, not because you're leaving the metro.
Best season: Late spring–fall; winter can ice at elevation
Getting there
Get driving directions from Johnson City ↗ · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map shows Tellico Plains, TN. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.
The Cherohala Skyway is a regional highlight, not an out-of-market escape — it connects our Tennessee foothills to the NC side of the southern Appalachians with minimal tourist-strip clutter.
Tellico Plains is the logical lunch stop; Bald River Falls is the signature photo pull-off a few miles into the NC side.
Highlights
- Cherohala Skyway overlooks — 5,000+ ft elevation views
- Bald River Falls — roadside waterfall near skyway
- Tellico Plains — BBQ and motorcycle culture
- Joyce Kilmer connector for old-growth forest add-on
Sample one-day itinerary
Fuel up; check skyway weather — fog burns off by mid-morning.
TN to NC or reverse; stop every overlook; Bald River Falls walk.
Lunch in Tellico on return; optional South Holston detour.
Know before you go
- No gas on the skyway ridge — fill in Tellico Plains.
- Motorcycles common — watch blind curves.
- Included as local because it starts within our regional footprint.
Links & resources
More day trips
25–35 min 📖 Jonesborough, TN
25–35 min 🌊 Erwin & the Nolichucky Gorge
30–45 min 🛥️ South Holston Lake
30–45 min
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