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3 Breathtaking Attractions You Need to Experience at the Gatlinburg SkyPark

Skylift-Bridge[1]
August 8, 2024

The great thing about staying at our Smoky Mountain campground is that we are just minutes away from some of the most popular destinations in the Smokies, including the Gatlinburg SkyPark! This exciting park offers the opportunity to take your vacation to new heights with several attractions that provide stunning aerial views of downtown Gatlinburg and beyond! Here are 3 breathtaking attractions that you need to experience at the Gatlinburg SkyPark:

1. Gatlinburg SkyLift

The original attraction that started the Gatlinburg SkyPark is the Gatlinburg SkyLift itself, an iconic chairlift ride that transports guests from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain! This was the first four season scenic chairlift in the South when it opened in 1954, and today’s SkyLift features a comfortable, 3-seat chairlift that was built in 2017. After departing from the heart of town, you’ll travel 1,800 feet above sea-level to experience the most incredible views in Gatlinburg! Your admission ticket includes all day access to the SkyLift, so ride during the day to enjoy the mountain scenery and then again at night to see the sparkling lights of downtown Gatlinburg below!

2. Gatlinburg SkyBridge

Gatlinburg SkyBridge during fall

Another one of the breathtaking attractions that you need to experience at the park is the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America! This jaw dropping bridge stretches almost 700 feet across a deep valley in a single span and reaches a height of 500 feet above Gatlinburg, providing phenomenal views that you won’t find anywhere else! If you think crossing the bridge will get your heart racing, just wait until you see the 30 feet of see-through glass flooring in the middle of the span! You are welcome to explore the bridge at your own pace and take as many photos as you want!

3. Gatlinburg SkyTrail

In addition to the bridge and chairlift, the mountaintop attraction is home to the SkyTrail, a scenic walkway that connects both ends of the SkyBridge! This trail allows you to take a leisurely hike in the mountains and is just over one-third of a mile in length, making it an enjoyable walk for everyone in the family (even dogs). The SkyTrail features several distinct sections, including an Elevated Boardwalk that runs along the hillside of the ravine that cuts under the SkyBridge. The Tulip Tower is a 70 foot tall steel observation tower set in the back of the ravine and is accessed by a pair of rope bridges. Finally, the Path is the non-boardwalk portion of the trail cut into the natural hillside, extending from the Tulip Tower across to the west end of the SkyBridge.

More About Gatlinburg SkyPark

skydeck at gatlinburg skylift park

While these are the main attractions at Gatlinburg SkyPark, you’ll be able to enjoy so much more while you’re there! The SkyDeck is a huge observation deck that provides an incredible viewing area for the Smoky Mountain vistas in the distance. You can take photos in front of the mountain views, or just sit back and take them in. There are black bear statues for photo opportunities, as well as a huge water feature that will take your breath away. When you find yourself hungry or thirsty, you can head inside the SkyCenter, which has a bar for anyone over 21, a gift shop for souvenirs, a snack bar, and so much more!

Gatlinburg SkyPark is one of the most thrilling and popular destinations in Gatlinburg! You won’t want to miss out on experiencing it when you stay with us. Wondering what else your family should do when you’re here? Check out these other fun things to do in Gatlinburg with your family!