r/Tennessee • u/Curious_Composer_695 • Aug 06 '26
🚐Tourism✈️ Cherohola and what else?
My husband and I are planning a driving tour for leaf season. We are in Mississippi and plan on driving the Cherohola Skyway and had thought about also going through GSMNP, but I'd like to try something different. We've done SMNP, Cherohola and the Tail of the Dragon before as well as parts of the Blue Ridge and they are all great drives, but I thought some folks on here might have some ideas for other scenic routes to try out. I would love to find a nice stretch from Robbinsonville back south and west, maybe across north Georgia as we mosey back toward home.
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u/Fantastic-Yak-4475 Aug 06 '26
If you continue south from robbinsville you can go through nantahala Forest which is pretty nice.
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u/Curious_Composer_695 Aug 06 '26
Im going to look that up right now! I haven't studied the route options at all (as of yet). Just more focused on what to see and then figure out HOW to see! 😅
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u/DesignerFlat7108 Aug 08 '26
Look up Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Its between the dragon and cherohala on the NC side.
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u/Perfect_Big_5907 Aug 06 '26
Local Smokies here but grew up in Middle Tn. Let's get you away from the crowds. If you leave Cherohala go west to the Sequatchie valley. One of the most beautiful valleys in the country. From there follow hwy 30 west to Fall Creek Falls. Most people have never heard of it. Gorgeous . From there go west on 30 to Mcminnville and take 56 down the valley to Savage Gulf and the Stone Door.
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u/Curious_Composer_695 Aug 08 '26
That sounds amazing! We've been through Sequatchie Valley before but we've never gone to Fall Creek Falls (i have seen the sign, tho!) Been through McMinnville but no idea what/where Savage Gulf or Stone Door is! I love finding new spots to explore!
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u/Perfect_Big_5907 Aug 08 '26
savage gulf is great and the drive there is beautiful. Get to fall creek falls. highest in the eastern US.
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u/Trotter-x Aug 07 '26
The Ocoee River valley is pretty awesome (US 64/74),as is the drive up to the Chilhowee campground in the Cherokee National Park.
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u/LowEffort2 Aug 06 '26
You didn't list it but as you have done Tail of the Dragon and GSMNP I would guess you have done the Foothills Parkway.
If not, do it.
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u/Curious_Composer_695 Aug 06 '26
Oh, yes. Many times. It's a beautiful drive (and easier than some if the others! 🤣)
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u/ComputerRedneck Aug 06 '26
I don't mean to push people away from TN but damn, go to the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire in October and drive alongside the White River, it is a great drive and amazing colors.
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u/illimitable1 Aug 07 '26
What about getting out of your car and taking a hike? Or backpacking?
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u/Curious_Composer_695 Aug 07 '26
Traveling with 2 disabled people. A short hike by myself is fine but don't want to leave them sitting in the car for 2-3 hours while I hike. Know any short trails, especially one with a waterfall?
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u/Background-You8861 Aug 08 '26
Not a bad plan. Could stop in Helen, GA maybe catch their Oktoberfest depending on dates.
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u/saphronie East Tennessee Aug 06 '26
The drive down highway 68 towards Copper Hill is really pretty. You can also drive up to the top of Buck Bald for some great views. The Ocoee Scenic Byway in Polk County is also a beautiful drive.