Cherohala Challenge

The Smoky Mountain Wheelmen proudly present the 24th Edition of the Cherohala Challenge.  The event offers three distinctive rides that almost anyone can find a ride that will fit their skill level with rides of  35, 62, and 115 miles.  Join us Saturday, June 6, for breathtaking views and pride inducing climbs on one of three world class routes. The 2026 edition moves the start/finish to Vonore to enhance, safety, new routes, and a new overall experience!   The title event, the Cherohala Challenge Century, is not for the faint of heart. This once in a lifetime ride tests riders with 115 miles and 10,350ft of climbing across two states. Riders begin in Vonore heading climb to Deals Gap and brave the fabled 318 curves of the Tail of the Dragon. After besting the beast, riders will descend the mountain into the Joyce Kilmer Forest near Robbinsville, North Carolina. What goes down must come up and riders begin their ascent across the magnificent Cherohala Skyway. And keeping with tradition