Begin by heading north on 19 from Maggie Valley into Cherokee (about 15 miles). 

In Cherokee, you will turn right onto 441 north, towards the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  There is a visitors center at the entrance to the Park that is very interesting. 

Continuing north on 441, you will come to the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park.  Here you have the option of going on into Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, then on to the Cherohala Skyway.  Or, option 2, you can stay on some less congested roads.

Option 1: (This is the Gatlinburg option.  Scroll down for option 2)

Continue north on 441 into Gatlinburg.  You can stop here if you like, or continue on into Pigeon Forge.  Again, you can stop if you like. 

Find 321 and head towards Townsend and Maryville.  You'll pass through Townsend and by the Foothills Parkway.  Continue into Maryville where you'll pick up 411 South. 

Take this until you reach 360 South towards Tellico Plains. 

When you reach 165, head east, and this will put you on the Cherohala Skyway. 

When you reach the North Carolina border, the road will change to 143, and will wind up at 129, near Robbinsville. 

Take 129 through Robbinsville, and hook up with 19(/74/23).  Head east.  You can either take 441 north into Cherokee and hook back up with 19 and head north to Maggie Valley, or take the 4 lane through Sylva into Waynesville.  Just look for the Maggie Valley exit.

Option 2:

Turn left on Little River Road at the Sugarlands Visitors Center. 

Follow this as if you are going to Cade's Cove.  If you have time and wish to visit Cade's Cove, it is beautiful, but takes quite a while as it is a one lane, one way loop with slow moving traffic. 

If not, turn right onto 337.  This will take you into Townsend, TN.  337 will merge with 321, so stay on 321 South until you see the Foothills Parkway. 

Head south on the Foothills Parkway.  This road will dead end into 129.  Turn right here. 

Follow 129/115 until you get to 72, and turn left. 

Follow 72 until you get to 411/33, which is also a continuation of 72.  Continue on this road until you get to 360, and turn left. 

Follow 360 South towards Tellico Plains. 

When you reach 165, head east (left), and this will put you on the Cherohala Skyway.  When you reach the North Carolina border, the road will change to 143, and will wind up at 129, near Robbinsville. 

Take 129 through Robbinsville, and hook up with 19(/74/23).  Head east.  You can either take 441 north into Cherokee and hook back up with 19 and head north to Maggie Valley, or take the 4 lane through Sylva into Waynesville.  Just look for the Maggie Valley exit.