Gazing up at the rolling hills of the Smokies is an immersive experience, but what if you could see the mountains from an entirely new vantage point? Thanks to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park you can do just that, and get beautiful, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains from high above while enjoying some stellar entertainment and amenities.
Image courtesy of SkyLift Park
See the Smokies in a brand new way
The SkyLift itself has been taking passengers up the 1,800-ft. ascent to Crockett Mountain since 1954, and visitors and locals alike have been enjoying the views in droves since that time. It continues to be one of the most popular attractions in the region, and some new changes have made the experience even more of a must-do if you crave thrilling views and scenic beauty.
Traverse the country’s longest pedestrian sky bridge
Looking for a new way to see just how majestic and beautiful the peaks and valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains are? All you have to do is take a walk across the SkyBridge, which opened in 2019 and stands as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in all of North America. You’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of the gorgeous Smokies vistas while you walk along the bridge at a comfortable pace and snap photos at your leisure.
To make the experience even more dramatic, glass panels in the floor of the bridge expands the view. Steady your knees, look down, and prepare for a sight unlike any other. And if once is enough and you don’t want to walk back across the bridge, you can take the trail and boardwalk that go around the edge of the basin. Called the SkyTrail – what else? – this pathway offers yet another new view of the Smokies, this time on solid ground.
Enjoy the view and amenities of SkyLift Park
Once you’ve enjoyed the ride up you can spend some time exploring the amenities of the SkyDeck and SkyCenter, and soak up some more of the views as well. You can simply sit in a deck chair and relax outside on the SkyDeck, or sit indoors and gaze through the vast glass windows of the SkyCenter. Either way, enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, with Gatlinburg below, and some food and maybe a craft beer to go with the view.
Of course the scenery is still the star attraction up here, and the peak of SkyLift Park provides plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in this singular landscape – with selfies as the order of the day. If you decide to come in the autumn, it goes without saying that you’ll get some of the best examples of the fall colors anywhere in the region.
The eveming is still a popular time to enjoy the lights and the lift rides up and down the mountain, and the area remains open past 9 pm each night. There’s often live music, and special viewing events at seasonal highlights such as the New Year’s Eve fireworks show.
For more information see the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park website.
And for more things to do from your Gatlinburg cabin, check out our many great guides to the best Things to Do in Gatlinburg.
