Cherohala Skyway
A National Scenic Byway with high-elevation views.
Forest Composition
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Cherohala Skyway
Peak fall color is predicted around October 29. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 24 to November 3.
The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Tellico Plains and across Tennessee.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 25): the six weeks to October 13 ran 5.1°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Cherohala Skyway
1 to 2 hours
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway48 mi · 1 hr 13 minGeorgiaPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Cherokee35 mi · 1 hr 18 minNorth CarolinaPeak: Oct 28Status: Moderate color
- Ijams Nature Center60 mi · 1 hr 30 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park63 mi · 1 hr 32 minPeak: Nov 2Status: Moderate color
- Vogel State Park67 mi · 1 hr 40 minGeorgiaPeak: Oct 31Status: Early color
- Blood Mountain70 mi · 1 hr 41 minGeorgiaPeak: Oct 30Status: Early color
- Tennessee Riverpark76 mi · 1 hr 42 minPeak: Nov 3Status: Moderate color
- Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway68 mi · 1 hr 43 minGeorgiaPeak: Oct 29Status: Early color
- Tennessee River Gorge76 mi · 1 hr 45 minPeak: Nov 3Status: Early color