Gatlinburg SkyBridge Admission: Is It Free or Do You Need to Pay?

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America — 680 feet of suspended walkway over a mountain valley, with six glass floor panels at the center that reveal the drop below. Here's everything you need to know before your visit, including how admission works and what else is at the park.

Is the SkyBridge Free?

No — the SkyBridge is not free. It's accessed as part of a ticket to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, which includes the chairlift ride up, the SkyBridge itself, the SkyDeck observation area, Tulip Tower, and the SkyTrail walking system. Single-visit admission covers everything in the park for one ride up the mountain; the SkyPass covers unlimited entries and re-entries throughout the day and allows you to skip the ticket line at the SkyLift. A family bundle is also available with discounted junior tickets.

Ticket prices change periodically — check gatlinburgskypark.com for current pricing before your visit. Children 5 and under are free. Sevier and Cocke County residents receive discounted admission on designated Local Days each January.

The SkyBridge Itself

At 680 feet, the SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian cable suspension bridge on the continent. It spans a deep mountain valley at 1,800 feet above sea level, with the walkway suspended 140 feet above the valley floor at its highest point. The bridge sways perceptibly in wind — which is part of the experience for most visitors, and worth knowing in advance if that's a concern for anyone in your group.

The centerpiece is the six-panel glass floor section: 30 feet of reinforced glass panels through which you look straight down 140 feet to the valley below. The panels were expanded from the original three-panel configuration in 2020. Standing on clear glass above a valley that far down is the specific kind of experience that produces very good photos and a genuine adrenaline response even in people who wouldn't describe themselves as particularly afraid of heights. Leashed dogs are allowed on the bridge, which makes this one of the more pet-friendly mountaintop attractions in Gatlinburg.

The SkyLift Chairlift

The SkyLift — a classic open-air, double-seat yellow chairlift — has been carrying visitors up Crockett Mountain since 1954, making it the longest-running attraction in Gatlinburg. The 5–7 minute ride ascends from the Parkway entrance at 765 Parkway, rising above downtown Gatlinburg's rooftops with the Smoky Mountain ridgeline spreading in front of you as you climb. It's a genuinely pleasant, unhurried ascent — not a thrill ride, more of a slow-motion panorama that builds anticipation for the bridge. Leashed dogs may ride the chairlift alongside their owners.

Once at the top, the park is yours for as long as you like within operating hours. The SkyPass covers unlimited up-and-down rides for the day, making it the right choice for anyone who wants to see the views at different times — the morning light on the Smokies and the sunset from the SkyDeck are genuinely different experiences.

What Else Is at the Park

SkyTrail. A 1.5-mile walking trail system through the forested mountain slopes, with overlook platforms and log benches along the route. The SkyTrail boardwalk portion is level and appropriate for all ages; The Path is a natural hillside cut with steeper terrain and views toward the highest Smokies peaks. Leashed dogs welcome.

Tulip Tower. A 70-foot observation tower accessible by two rope bridges, with four elevated viewing platforms — each with a distinct vantage on the surrounding Smokies and the SkyBridge below. The rope bridges provide their own mini-version of the suspended walkway experience before you reach the tower itself.

Clayton's Landing. A panoramic overlook at the summit offering unobstructed views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Dining. Smoky Mountain Smash (smash burgers at the summit) and Smoky Mountain SIPS (craft beverages) are both at the park. The SkyCenter also carries souvenirs and park merchandise.

Getting There and Parking

The SkyLift Park entrance is at 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg — between stoplights 6 and 8, visible from the street by the yellow chairlift cars ascending the mountain. Parking is available at the SkyBridge Parking Lot at 510 River Road, Gatlinburg. The park is also walkable from the Gatlinburg Parkway, and a Gatlinburg Trolley stop is nearby — the free trolley eliminates parking entirely for visitors willing to walk the short distance from a trolley stop. Plan 1–2 hours for a typical visit; budget more time if you're doing the full trail system or plan to ride up again at sunset.

The park may close in fog or heavy rain — check conditions before heading out on uncertain weather days, and confirm hours at gatlinburgskypark.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Gatlinburg SkyBridge?

680 feet — the longest pedestrian cable suspension bridge in North America. The bridge sits 1,800 feet above sea level and 140 feet above the valley floor at its highest point.

Is the glass floor at the SkyBridge safe?

Yes — the six glass panels are reinforced, multi-layered safety glass. The panels were expanded and upgraded in 2020. The glass is designed to remain intact under significant stress; a single panel can crack without compromising the structure, and no injuries have occurred from panel incidents.

Can I bring my dog to the SkyBridge?

Yes — leashed dogs are welcome on the SkyLift chairlift, the SkyBridge, and the SkyTrail walking paths. SkyLift Park is one of the more dog-friendly mountaintop attractions in the Smokies corridor.

When is the best time to visit the SkyBridge?

Early morning for the lightest crowds and best chance of clear views before afternoon clouds build. Sunset from the SkyDeck — if you have the SkyPass for re-entry — is the most spectacular lighting for the mountain panorama. Avoid foggy or rainy days; the park may close in poor visibility conditions.

What Gatlinburg cabin is close to SkyLift Park?

Any Gatlinburg cabin puts you within 10–20 minutes of the SkyLift Park entrance at 765 Parkway. Browse mountain view cabins for elevated properties with views toward the same ridgeline you'll walk across on the bridge.