Cherohala Skyway & The Indian Boundary 2022

Indian Boundary Lake — Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

Indian Boundary Lake is a peaceful mountain lake located within the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Surrounded by forested hills and campground areas, the lake offers calm water, wooded shoreline, and views of the southern Appalachian foothills. It’s a popular stop for fishing, paddling, picnicking, and quiet walks, with a loop trail encircling much of the water that provides easy access to scenic shoreline views.

The lake sits near the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway, making it a common starting point or rest stop for travelers heading into the higher elevations of the mountains. With its accessible setting and reflective water, Indian Boundary Lake provides a relaxing contrast to the winding mountain drive that follows.

Cherohala Skyway — Tennessee & North Carolina

The Cherohala Skyway is a scenic mountain road stretching roughly 40 miles between Tellico Plains, Tennessee and Robbinsville, North Carolina, crossing the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Known for its sweeping curves, high elevations, and expansive mountain views, the skyway climbs to over 5,000 feet and offers numerous overlooks that reveal layers of Appalachian ridgelines stretching to the horizon.

Designed as a scenic byway rather than a fast travel route, the Cherohala Skyway features well-spaced pull-offs, quiet forest sections, and panoramic vistas that change with elevation and season. From spring wildflowers to fall foliage and winter mountain views, it remains one of the most scenic drives in the Southeast and a favorite for road trips, photography, and leisurely exploration.

 November 2022