Gatlinburg SkyPark: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park — now officially branded Gatlinburg SkyPark — is home to North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge and the town's longest-running attraction. Here's everything you'll find at the top of Crockett Mountain, and how to plan your visit.

The SkyLift

Every visit starts with the SkyLift itself — the iconic yellow chairlift that has been carrying visitors up Crockett Mountain since 1954, making it the longest-running attraction in Gatlinburg. The open-air ride climbs roughly 500 feet above downtown, giving you a bird's-eye view of the Parkway, the surrounding forest, and the Smoky Mountains beyond as you ascend. Leashed dogs are welcome on the lift and ride free. Sunset is the most magical time to ride, when the light over the Smokies is at its best.

The SkyBridge

The headline attraction is the SkyBridge, which opened in May 2019 and holds the title of the longest pedestrian cable suspension bridge in North America. It stretches 680 feet across a deep mountain valley, and at its midpoint you're suspended roughly 140 to 150 feet above the valley floor. The center span features glass-floor panels where you can peer straight down — a genuine thrill (or terror) depending on your comfort with heights. Most visitors spend 20 to 30 minutes crossing, stopping for photos of the panoramic Smoky Mountain views; some lie down on the glass for the ultimate photo. Note that the SkyBridge is not wheelchair accessible.

The SkyTrail and Tulip Tower

Beyond the bridge, the SkyTrail is a roughly 1.5-mile network of walking paths through the forest at the summit, with overlook platforms along the way. The highlight is Tulip Tower, a 70-foot observation tower offering 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains — worth the climb. The gentler Towhee Trail offers a three-quarter-mile wooded descent, and the newer Clayton's Landing overlook adds another panoramic vantage of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's an easy way to add a bit of nature to your visit without leaving the park.

The SkyDeck

When you're ready to slow down, the SkyDeck is the open-air amphitheater at the summit — a place to relax with rocking chairs, benches, and a cozy firepit while you take in the view. It's the social heart of the park, and it's especially pleasant in the evening. The SkyDeck has accessible seating areas and restrooms.

The SkyCenter

The SkyCenter houses the park's gift shop and dining, including the Smoky Mountain Smash restaurant and a snack bar. It's the spot to grab a meal or a cold drink with a view, pick up souvenirs, and warm up in cooler months. Between the SkyCenter, the SkyDeck, and the trails, you can easily spend a couple of hours at the top rather than treating it as a quick up-and-down.

Planning your visit

A single admission ticket covers the round-trip chairlift and access to every attraction — SkyBridge, SkyTrail, Tulip Tower, SkyDeck — and you can stay at the top as long as you like during operating hours. Kids 5 and under are free. Buying tickets online ahead of time typically saves money and lets you skip the line, which matters during peak season.

The park is open daily year-round, with extended hours in summer and special holiday lighting displays (Mountain Lights) on winter evenings, which are ticketed separately. For the smallest crowds, visit early on a weekday right at the 9 AM opening, or in the mid-to-late afternoon after the morning rush; winter weekdays in January and early February are the quietest of the year. Parking is not included in admission — the nearest paid lot is just behind the park, or you can park free at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and ride the trolley in. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Gatlinburg SkyBridge?

The SkyBridge is 680 feet long, making it the longest pedestrian cable suspension bridge in North America. At its midpoint you're suspended roughly 140 to 150 feet above the valley floor, and the center features glass-floor panels you can look straight down through.

Do you need a ticket for the SkyBridge?

Yes. Access to the SkyBridge requires a SkyPark admission ticket, which includes the round-trip SkyLift chairlift and access to all the other attractions — SkyTrail, Tulip Tower, and the SkyDeck. Kids 5 and under are free, and buying online ahead of time usually saves money and time.

Is the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park dog-friendly?

Yes — leashed dogs are welcome on the SkyLift and at the top, and they ride free. Dogs are the only pets allowed. Keep your dog leashed on the open chairlift and clean up after them. Note the SkyBridge itself is safe for dogs but the open chairlift may not suit anxious pets.