What Is Gatlinburg SkyPark & SkyBridge?
Gatlinburg SkyPark is a mountain‑top scenic attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, centered around a yellow chairlift ride called the SkyLift that carries visitors up Crockett Mountain to superb panoramic lookouts over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The park’s premier experience is the SkyBridge — the longest pedestrian cable suspension bridge in North America at about 680 feet (207 m) in length. Standing roughly 150 feet above the valley floor, it offers sweeping mountain vistas and a memorable walk across valley terrain.
Key Attractions at SkyPark
🪜 SkyLift Scenic Chairlift
- Rides up Crockett Mountain, where SkyPark attractions are located.
- Views of Gatlinburg below and the Smoky Mountain ridgelines from the summit.
🌉 SkyBridge Experience
- Walk at your own pace across the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.
- Optional “Pass the Glass” section with see‑through panels in the middle.
- Great for photos and mountain panoramas.
🌲 SkyTrail & Hiking
- ~1.5 miles of scenic trails that explore mountain woods - included with admission.
- Trail signage highlights local ecology and the history of the area.
- Tulip Tower lookout and boardwalk paths add variety to your hike.
📸 SkyDeck & Observation Areas
- Relax on benches or in amphitheater seating while taking in 360° views.
- Popular at sunset and at night when Gatlinburg lights sparkle below.
🍔 Dining & Shopping
- Smoky Mountain Smash restaurant for burgers and snacks.
- SkyPark Shop and SkyCenter for souvenirs and local gear.
Hours & Ticket Options
Typical SkyPark Operating Hours
- Open daily year‑round (except seasonal closures like Christmas Day).
- 9 AM – 9 PM most of the year. In summer months, the mountain views and chairlift stay open until ~10 PM, giving opportunities for sunset or night experiences.
Tickets
- SkyPass (All‑Day + Skip the Line): Unlimited access to SkyLift and attractions.
- Single Visit: One round‑trip SkyLift ride with access to all included areas.
- Kids 5 & under are typically free.
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring–Summer | Clear views, longer daylight, lush greenery. |
| Fall (Leaf Season) | Spectacular autumn colors from SkyDeck and SkyBridge views. |
| Evenings/Nights | Gatlinburg lights and mountain ambiance after sunset. |
Arrive early in peak tourist seasons (summer and fall) to reduce SkyLift wait times.
Estimated Drive Distances from Popular Cabins
Here are approximate distances by car from your cabin rentals to Gatlinburg SkyPark / SkyBridge:
🏡 From Ridge View Lodge
- About 9 miles - roughly 23 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
- This cabin is in the Birds Creek Rd area, outside of Gatlinburg.
🏡 From Appalachian Escape Cabin
- Approximately 7 miles -roughly 15–20 minutes by car, again depending on traffic and route.
- This cabin is in a more wooded, secluded setting between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, so the scenic drive is part of the experience.
Tips for Your Visit
📷 Photo & View Tips
- Sunrise & sunset light on the mountains makes the SkyBridge scenery especially dramatic.
- At night, head up for illuminated views of downtown Gatlinburg.
👟 What to Wear
- Good walking shoes are recommended for SkyTrail and SkyDeck strolls.
- Light layers work best during colder times of the year - mountain breezes can be cooler than in downtown Gatlinburg.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen in summer - mountain sun can burn you.
🎟️ Combine with Other Attractions
- Gatlinburg has many nearby activities — historic downtown, distilleries, national park hikes, etc.
- Consider a combo ticket with other local attractions when available.
Quick Summary
- SkyPark + SkyBridge offers stunning Smoky Mountain views via a scenic chairlift and the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.
- Attractions include SkyLift, SkyTrail hikes, SkyDeck viewpoints, and dining options.
- Hours: Generally 9 AM to 9 PM (later in summer).
- Distances: ~9 miles from Ridge View Lodge and ~7 miles from Appalachian Escape.