The Gatlinburg SkyPark has added more attractions that will make you want to visit this popular Gatlinburg attraction! In addition to the SkyLift, visitors can walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, relax on the SkyDeck, visit the SkyCenter, and walk along the SkyTrail. You’ll love being able to ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift, then get off onto the SkyDeck to see incredible mountain views you won’t find anywhere else. And, the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is unlike any other! We have all the details about the Gatlinburg SkyPark below:
Gatlinburg SkyBridge
You’ll love the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, an incredible addition to the Gatlinburg SkyPark. Once you ride the SkyLift to the top of the park, you’ll be able to see the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. It is the longest suspension pedestrian bridge in North America, stretching 680 feet over a valley! At the midpoint of the bridge, it stands 140 feet above the forest floor. To cross from one side to the other, you’ll have to walk across 30 feet of glass panels that look down into the forest. Originally, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge had just 15 feet of glass panels for visitors to enjoy, but 3 more panels were added recently to make the experience even better! Your heart will pound as your cross the panels, but you’ll love the rush of excitement. The SkyBridge is 5 feet wide, providing plenty of room to walk comfortably. You’ll be able to see downtown Gatlinburg and the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains from the bridge, so be sure to take lots of pictures!
Gatlinburg SkyTrail
The Gatlinburg SkyTrail is the newest addition to the Gatlinburg SkyPark. It’s an interactive trail that connects both sides of the SkyBridge! The trail travels along the valley so you can get from one side of the bridge to the other without needing to walk across the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg. The trail can be walked in either direction! It has 3 parts: The Elevated Boardwalk, The Tulip Tower, and The Path. The Boardwalk is an elevated wooden walkway that goes from the SkyDeck along the hillside of the ravine. Along the Boardwalk, there are several interactive signs with info about the area. The Tulip Tower is a 70′ steel tower at the back of the ravine that can be accessed by two rope bridges and features four elevated viewing platforms. The Path is a walkway cut into the hillside that stops at the west end of the SkyBridge and offers gorgeous views along every step.
Gatlinburg SkyDeck & SkyCenter
Between the SkyLift and SkyBridge in Gatlinburg, you can spend some time on the SkyDeck. At the top of Crockett Mountain, you’ll have views of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg you won’t find anywhere else. Take pictures in front of the sweeping landscape, check out the man-made waterfall feature, and grab a souvenir from the gift shop. You can also get drinks from the bar or snacks from the cafe on the SkyDeck. You’ll find so many things to do, you won’t leave for hours! From the SkyDeck, you’ll also have access to the SkyCenter, which offers snacks, panoramic views, a gift shop and more.
Gatlinburg SkyLift
To get to these exciting attractions, you get to ride the traditional Gatlinburg SkyLift. You can’t miss it when you’re in downtown Gatlinburg since the chairs are bright yellow. As many as 3 people will fit on a chair, so you’ll get to share the experience with the people you love! The Gatlinburg SkyLift has been a favorite among visitors for years. Your excitement will build as you get closer and closer to the top of Crockett Mountain to see the SkyDeck and the SkyBridge. Once you explore the SkyPark in Gatlinburg, you then ride back down the mountain in the yellow chairs, watching as downtown Gatlinburg grows closer to you.
History of the Gatlinburg SkyPark
In the 1950s, a local inn owner asked a ski lift constructor to build a ski lift on his property. A ski lift was purchased in California, disassembled, and brought back to East Tennessee. The lift was reconstructed where it stands today. While the Gatlinburg SkyLift has gone through changes over the last few decades, the nostalgia of riding this traditional attraction remains to this day. And the new additions to the Gatlinburg SkyPark make it bigger and better than ever.
Plan a Visit to the SkyPark in Gatlinburg
If you haven’t visited the Gatlinburg SkyPark yet, you should head there today! You’ll love seeing the expansion and taking in the views. If you want a place to stay close to all the action but still far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet, you’ll love our Gatlinburg cabin rentals! We have cabins of all sizes with a variety of amenities, and you can choose whether you want to stay within walking distance of downtown, or in a more secluded area. Take a look at all our Gatlinburg cabins and choose the perfect one for your vacation!
