For an authentic and memorable Great Smoky Mountain experience, get a bird's eye view of Gatlinburg from atop Crockett Mountain at Gatlinburg SkyPark – the city's longest-running attraction. Since 1954, memories have been created here by generations of visitors.
The SkyPark's original attraction – the Gatlinburg SkyLift, the first chairlift of its kind in the South – carries you 500 vertical feet to the top of Crockett Mountain..
"The bright yellow chairs that bring you up to the mountaintop are iconic. For decades, people have said, 'meet me at the yellow chair,'" says Kristen Lodge, vice president of sales and marketing for Gatlinburg SkyPark. "People come visit us year after year."
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Gatlinburg SkyBridge
- Gatlinburg SkyPark: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
- (865) 436-4307
- Parking Information
- Accessibility Accommodations
In 2019, Gatlinburg SkyPark opened another exciting, family-friendly attraction – the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Towering 1,800 feet above sea level, the SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, stretching nearly 700 feet across a deep valley.
"The SkyBridge is a unique experience you can't get anywhere else in Tennessee," Lodge says. "We have a lot to offer here, but the SkyBridge is what is most remarkable. The grandeur of it is pretty incredible – it's longer than two football fields."
If you want a thrill, make your way to the halfway point of the SkyBridge which has 30 feet of glass to walk across for a see-through effect.
"It's so fun to watch people take that first step on the glass – they are like, 'can I really step there?'" Lodge says. "People are often nervous, but they are always so glad they did it."
Visitors can walk across the bridge at their own pace to soak up the panoramic views and snap some photos. Looking down into the valley below, it's not uncommon to spot wildlife, including black bears, in their natural environment.
Clayton's Landing Expansion
In December 2024, Gatlinburg SkyPark unveiled its newest expansion, Clayton's Landing. Named in honor of Clayton Watson, the park's beloved former longtime general manager and father of the current general manager – Clayton's Landing is a scenic viewing area on the west side of the SkyBridge with relaxing glider chairs, tables and fire pits. It offers unrivaled mountain views as well as a new smash burger restaurant called Smoky Mountain Smash. Burgers are crafted using locally sourced meats and produce, and all the signature sauces are made in-house.
"The menu has desserts named after longtime employees, like Mama Nettie's Apple Pie and Aunt Bonnie's Backwood Brownie," Lodge says. "It's cute to have these menu items named for our employees. Smoky Mountain Smash also offers a chicken sandwich, drink specials, slushes for the kids, and ice cream."
New hiking trails were also added in 2024 just steps away from the Clayton's Landing viewing deck. The 1.5-mile trail system is ideal for families with children or anyone who wants to hike in the Smoky Mountains without the intimidation or commitment of a longer, more difficult trail. The Gatlinburg SkyPark trail is the only hiking trail within the city of Gatlinburg.
"Some people drive through the National Park and don't even get out of their car, but here, we bring you up to the top of the mountain so you can experience the Great Smoky Mountains with minimal effort," Lodge says. "In Gatlinburg, the parkway can get hectic and busy, but here, it's just a 10-minute lift ride to get up and out of it all. Riding the SkyLift up the side of the mountain is part of the SkyPark adventure."
Gatlinburg SkyPark Annual Events
Twice a year in spring and fall, Gatlinburg SkyPark hosts the entertaining Rucksack Circus, a thrilling "slacklining" event. The circus showcases the skills of elite athletes performing jaw-dropping balancing feats against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.
"These are very athletic, highly balanced athletes who walk across a tightrope that has slack in it. It's kind of silly like a circus – they are very entertaining," Lodge says. "They walk next to SkyBridge and talk to people on the bridge beside them."
During the holiday season, Gatlinburg SkyPark transforms into a picture-perfect winter wonderland, with a giant lighted Christmas tree and other festive decorations. The SkyBridge shines with lighted arches over it to celebrate the holiday season. Visitors who purchase the SkyPass ticket option can visit the park during the day and then come back after dark to experience all the lights. The holiday lights launch the second week of November in conjunction with Winterfest and stay up until the end of February.
"People come to Gatlinburg to visit all the attractions, but they sometimes forget it's really just a perfect little town nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. From up here, you get that perspective," Lodge says. "At Gatlinburg SkyPark, we are sharing our particular spot on the mountain, and it's like nothing else. We invite people to come experience it."
Paid parking for Gatlinburg SkyPark is available behind the attraction at 510 River Road. Parking is not included in your Gatlinburg SkyPark ticket. Parking lot hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but vehicles parked before 9 p.m. will still be permitted to leave after 9 p.m. No new vehicles are allowed into the lot past 9 p.m.
A large portion of Gatlinburg SkyPark is wheelchair accessible, including the SkyDeck, SkyCenter and SkyTrail. The chairlift is also accessible to guests who are able to stand to load on and off.
Operation hours are based on weather conditions. Please check gatlinburgskypark.com or call 865-436-4307 before your visit.
