During our recent trip to Tennessee, we spent a memorable day at Gatlinburg SkyPark, which is home to the SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge.
Coming from our home in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, we were amazed by the towering Great Smoky Mountains, which are on dazzling display at this family-friendly mountaintop park.
There are lots of exciting things to do in Gatlinburg TN, but the SkyPark proved to be one of our favorites, offering a full day’s worth of entertainment for the entire family.
Our walk to the SkyPark entrance took us past numerous Gatlinburg restaurants, moonshine distilleries, shops, and stunning mountain views.
We loved that the park can accommodate disabled individuals on the SkyLift, SkyDeck, lower level of the SkyCenter, and the SkyTrail’s elevated boardwalk. Sadly, the SkyBridge is not wheelchair-accessible.
Read on for our in-depth guide to the breathtaking Gatlinburg SkyPark, including the SkyDeck, SkyBridge and an unforgettable chairlift ride up Crockett Mountain.
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Gatlinburg SkyPark Information
ADDRESS: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg TN
PHONE: (865) 436-4307
TICKET BOOTH HOURS: Summer 9AM–10PM Daily: Fall, Winter, Spring 9AM-9PM Daily
SINGLE VISIT TICKET: Adults ages 12 to 64= $37.95; Seniors ages 65+= $30.95; Kids ages 6 to 11= $23.95; Children ages 5 & under free with a paying adult.
Driving Directions from Pigeon Forge TN
To reach the SkyPark main parking lot from Pigeon Forge TN, follow US-441 S/Parkway 7.4 miles to Gatlinburg, then turn right onto Maples Lane. The parking lot is on the right.
Gatlinburg Walking Directions to SkyPark
SkyPark is in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, located on the Parkway between traffic lights 6 and 8. Just look for the bright yellow chairlift seats.
Note that the SkyPark is only open to pedestrian access. To reach the mountaintop adventure, simply buy an admission ticket and ride the SkyLift chair to the top of the mountain.
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Gatlinburg SkyLift
I have fond childhood memories of family skiing vacations. The skiing was always an adventure, but I remember finding the chairlift ride up the slope just as exciting.
The fun at Gatlinburg SkyPark begins with the SkyLift, a 10-minute chairlift ride that takes visitors 1,800 feet above sea level. Opened in 1954, the Gatlinburg SkyLift was the South’s first 4-season scenic chairlift.
It’s had multiple upgrades since then, from single chairs to double, then to the current 3-seat chairs.
The most recent upgrade occurred after the devastating wildfires of 2016, which left scars on the landscape that are still visible today.
Note that the SkyLift can accommodate infants and children, but strollers are not permitted for safety reasons. Parents are recommended to wear a harness or wrap to keep young children close.
Gatlinburg SkyPark is a pet-friendly attraction. But dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must securely hold their pet while riding the SkyLift.
Our SkyLift ride was a smooth, comfy experience, and we enjoyed seeing Smoky Mountain wildlife and waving at other passengers along the way.
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Gatlinburg SkyBridge
Upon reaching the top of the SkyLift, we headed straight for the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America
It’s nearly as long as two football fields, stretching almost 700 feet across a valley, so this trek is probably not recommended for those with a serious fear of heights.
The SkyBridge provides an incomparable bird’s eye view of Gatlinburg below, and we found it to be just as heart-stopping as any amusement park ride.
My walk on the SkyBridge was shared with visitors young and old, and more than a few newlywed couples taking honeymoon selfies.
While I walked across the gently swinging bridge, Heather spoke with a SkyPark guide, who assured her of the extensive safety measures in places to ensure that the bridge can hold more than 200,000 pounds.
There are multiple wind guy cables, but the bridge is closed whenever winds exceed 30 mph and during thunderstorms and icy weather.
The gorgeous panoramic views from the SkyBridge are well worth the trip. I especially enjoyed looking down through the famous 30-foot glass section, which is located at the bridge’s halfway point.
Standing high above the mountain town of Gatlinburg was one of our favorite experiences on our visit to the Great Smoky Mountains!
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Gatlinburg SkyTrail
While hiking is one of our favorite activities (and a primary reason we picked Gatlinburg for our vacation), we also enjoy a leisurely stroll when we’re surrounded by stunning mountaintop panoramas.
The Gatlinburg SkyTrail– a 0.6-mile round-trip path that connects both ends of the SkyBridge– is an easy and enjoyable walk for the entire family.
It includes two noteworthy sections, the Elevated Boardwalk and the Tulip Tower.
The boardwalk is a wooden walkway that features views of the ravine under the SkyBridge, and can accommodate disabled individuals.
Tulip Tower is a 70-foot-tall, treehouse-like structure with 4 viewing platforms that can be accessed via two rope bridges.
We enjoyed the unique views the SkyTrail offered of the Smokies and the SkyBridge, as well as the interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.
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Gatlinburg SkyDeck & SkyCenter
We concluded our visit to Gatlinburg SkyPark at the SkyDeck amphitheater, where we were treated to 360º views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
The SkyDeck and the popular SkyCenter are filled with visitors enjoying snacks, dine-in meals, souvenirs, and some of the best views in Gatlinburg.
With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a pleasant place to relax after taking in all sights you can see from the SkyBridge and SkyTrail .
My lunch choice at SkyCenter was a 12-inch cheese pizza and a local craft brew, while Heather opted for a Garden Salad and refreshing Twisted Tea.
We spent an hour sitting in the SkyDeck’s comfortable chairs, marveling at the stunning views and making plans for our evening in Gatlinburg.
Overall, we found the Gatlinburg SkyPark to be one of our favorite family-friendly attractions in the State of Tennessee.
So we made a point to return later in the evening for a wondrous night sky full of stars, and dazzling lights shimmering in the town below. –by Heather Taylor & Jon Weaver; all photos courtesy of Gatlinburg SkyPark
