The Gatlinburg SkyPark Experience: Is It Worth the Views?

Step into the Smokies with sky-high excitement and unforgettable mountain moments waiting ahead.

 Be prepared for a day filled with adventure and excitement at the Gatlinburg SkyPark. The Gatlinburg SkyPark is a popular mountain attraction where you can see panoramic views of some of the most beautiful scenery in Tennessee, all while being surrounded by beautiful mountaintops. This attraction features many unique elements, such as the longest suspended bridge in the United States, which is located at 2,800 feet above sea level. The Gatlinburg SkyPark also has a chairlift that dates back to the early 1900s, which provides visitors with the unique experience of gliding over the city below. This article will help you to find the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN.

SkyPark is Tennessee's premier viewing area. Designed to ensure a memorable Smoky Mountain visit, the adventure begins with an exciting ride on the Yellow Chairlift (SkyLift) to Crockett Summit. At Crockett Summit, guests transition from the SkyLift to the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, for spectacular views of the Smokies. On the other side of the SkyBridge, Clayton's Landing offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests can enjoy a Smash Burger from Smoky Mountain Smash and a refreshing beverage from Smoky Mountain SIPS, both of which are located in the park's newest dining facilities, before exploring the open 1.5-mile trail system. The first trail, called the SkyTrail, will take you through beautiful landscapes to Tulip Tower, which contains information about the abundant variety of plants and animals native to the region. The adventure concludes on the SkyDeck, an inviting outdoor amphitheater perfect for relaxing while enjoying the view.

The Gatlinburg SkyLift provides a scenic chairlift journey from downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of Crockett Mountain, rising to about 1,800 feet above sea level. The ride lasts roughly 10 minutes and offers impressive views throughout the ascent. As the chairlift nears the top, visitors get their first glimpse of the famous Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Once at the summit, guests can stop by the SkyCenter for light refreshments, enjoy sweeping 360-degree mountain views from the SkyDeck, cross the SkyBridge, or simply relax while taking in the Smoky Mountain scenery. Operating since 1954, the Gatlinburg SkyLift is recognized as the first year-round scenic chairlift in the southern United States.

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is located at the top of the Gatlinburg SkyLift, 1,800 feet (550 metres) above sea level. The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest bridge in North America and also provides a unique experience in the Smoky Mountains. The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is nearly 700 feet (213 metres) long. The construction of the park was carefully planned. There are many opportunities to stop and admire the view, including black bears that can be seen wandering the valley. Also, at the halfway point of the walk is a 30' glass walk, which is a key feature of this walk. The retail store located at the west end of the bridge provides visitors with branded merchandise.

The new Clayton’s Landing is located above Gatlinburg SkyPark on the west side and blends together high-class food, delicious drinks, and expansive mountain views. At 10,000 square feet, Clayton's Landing can accommodate over 235 people within its casual dining areas, complete with glider chairs, tables, and fire pits. Clayton's Landing also has direct access to the newly constructed hiking trail system from the viewing deck on the SkyBridge after crossing the iconic bridge. There are 2 dining options available to all visitors of Clayton’s Landing: Smoky Mountain Smash for gourmet smash burgers made with the finest quality ingredients and generously sized signature sauces, and Smoky Mountain SIPS, which feature a unique selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as a variety of non-alcoholic selections.

The SkyTrail, along with the system of connected hiking trails, is the only dedicated hiking experience found in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. The SkyTrail is over 1.5 miles long. The SkyTrail begins at Clayton's Landing and is free of charge with admission. Each trail is carefully camouflaged into the landscape as it travels through the rolling slopes of the wooded mountains with views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding area, with opportunities to see wildlife native to the area, including black bears. Along the route, guests can enjoy the elevated SkyTrail wooden boardwalk that runs behind the SkyBridge, featuring information about the engineering of the SkyBridge, the history of the Gatlinburg SkyLift, and the impact of the 2016 Crockett Mountain wildfires. A highlight along this route is the Tulip Tower, which is a 70-foot-tall steel observation tower accessed with rope bridges and has four viewing platforms.

SkyPark Shop is located at the base of Gatlinburg SkyPark, just below 765 Parkway in the Downtown Gatlinburg area. The store offers an assortment of premium-quality apparel, including t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts, along with an assortment of fashionable accessories. The store also includes travel mugs and beverage holders.

The month of February includes Love Is In The Air, which changes the park into a romantic getaway with Valentine-themed lighting adorning the SkyBridge, wonderful opportunities for photos, giveaways (all week long), and exciting surprises, all part of the normal admission ticket. From February 21 through 28, it is "Pancake Week", where they welcome Smoky Mountain Smash to the park each day after 9 AM, serving pancakes, eggs, sausage/bacon, and fresh OJ, all while surrounded by incredible views of the mountains. Music lovers will not want to miss Music on the Mountain, which runs from March 2 to May 30 from 5 PM to 8 PM, with every artist performing live and ranging from Country to Indie Rock, Blues to Bluegrass — all while overlooking Gatlinburg! Thrill-seekers can catch the Rucksack Circus crew as they perform stunts at the SkyPark Highlining Event on March 13–14, 2021, from 10 AM–3 PM. Family-friendly fun continues with Face Painting and Balloon Art every Saturday from March 14 through July 25 between 11 AM and 2 PM as guests visit the park. On April 5, the park hosts a free Easter Sunrise Service atop Crockett Mountain at 6:30 AM so that guests can ride the SkyLift before dawn. The beauty of spring takes center stage during Mountain Laurel Days from May 1 to June 1 as they celebrate the blooms within the Smokies, followed by the Festival of Flags from May 15 to July 5, featuring the American flag.

Stay near Pigeon Forge attractions at Smoky View Inn — enjoy comfortable lodging on the Parkway with convenient access to local entertainment. Book your stay today.