If there's one attraction in Gatlinburg that consistently stops people in their tracks — sometimes literally, at the center of a 680-foot bridge 500 feet above the valley floor — it's the Gatlinburg SkyPark. Home to North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge, a chairlift that's been running since 1954, sweeping Smoky Mountain panoramas, and a growing collection of new trails, overlooks, and dining, this mountaintop park has evolved well beyond what most first-time visitors expect.
Here's everything you need to know before you go.
What Is Gatlinburg SkyPark?
Formerly known as the SkyLift Park, the attraction recently rebranded to Gatlinburg SkyPark — though the iconic yellow chairlift that's been carrying visitors up Crockett Mountain since 1954 isn't going anywhere. SkyPark is Gatlinburg's original attraction and still the best way to experience the Great Smoky Mountains from downtown Gatlinburg.
Start your journey with a scenic ride on the iconic yellow chairlift to Crockett Summit. From there, cross the awe-inspiring SkyBridge — the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. After your walk across the SkyBridge, take in breathtaking panoramic views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the newest overlook, Clayton's Landing. Then explore a 1.5-mile trail system, grab a Smash Burger, and take in a sunset from the SkyDeck amphitheater before riding back down.
A single ticket gets you access to everything.
Tickets & Pricing
General admission at SkyLift Park is approximately $30 for adults and $22 for children ages 4 to 11, which includes the round-trip chairlift and unlimited SkyBridge crossings.
Ticket options:
- Single Ride — One round-trip chairlift ride with access to every attraction at the summit. Best for first-time visitors with limited time.
- SkyPass — Unlimited round-trip rides all day, plus skip-the-ticket-line privileges. Best for those who want to ride at sunrise and again at sunset, or who want flexibility to come and go.
- Family Package — Full adult admission plus 20% off up to four junior tickets — the easiest way to bring the whole crew up the mountain.
- Annual Pass — Unlimited access to all SkyPark attractions and experiences, privileges to skip all regular ticket lines, access to presales for all separately ticketed VIP events, and 10 discounted Buddy Passes.
Kids: Ages 3 and under are always free.
Pro tip: If you buy the SkyPass at least 3 days in advance of your selected arrival date, you will save money — and you'll skip the ticket line entirely. Buy online before you leave your cabin.
All the Attractions at Gatlinburg SkyPark
🚡 The SkyLift
The journey starts with the iconic yellow chairlift that has carried visitors up Crockett Mountain since 1954. It's a slow, peaceful ride over the treetops — with the mountain rising ahead of you and Gatlinburg shrinking below — that gives you a genuine sense of the scale of the Smokies before you even reach the summit.
There is no set weight limit for the yellow SkyLift chairs, but no more than 3 individuals can be loaded in one chair at a time. For infants, it's recommended that parents wear their child in a harness or wrap throughout the duration of the visit. Strollers and other wheeled devices are not permitted at Gatlinburg SkyPark.
After you disembark: Note that after unloading out of the SkyLift chair, there are approximately 60 stair steps leading up to the SkyBridge's gateway. If mobility is a concern for anyone in your group, plan accordingly.
🌉 The SkyBridge
The headliner. The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is a record-breaking pedestrian suspension bridge that spans 680 feet across a deep valley near the top of Crockett Mountain. At its midpoint, you are suspended 500 feet above the valley floor with unobstructed views of the Smoky Mountains stretching to the horizon in every direction.
The most talked-about feature? The glass floor. Three glass floor panels are located at the bridge's center. Standing on them and looking 500 feet straight down creates an unforgettable — if slightly unnerving — experience. The glass is extremely thick and completely safe, engineered to hold far more weight than would ever be placed on it.
Importantly: the glass panels are optional. If you prefer, you can walk around them using the regular metal grating walkway. No one will judge you for avoiding them, and the views from the bridge are spectacular regardless of whether you step on the glass.
Photography tip: For the best photos on the glass panels, have someone take a photo from the side or behind you, capturing both your perspective and the drop below.
🏔️ Clayton's Landing
The park's newest overlook, positioned after the SkyBridge crossing. Clayton's Landing delivers sweeping, unobstructed panoramic views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park — a natural stopping point to take a breath, take photos, and let the scale of what you're looking at sink in.
🌲 SkyTrail & Tulip Tower
The all-new 1.5-mile trail system lets you hop on the SkyTrail — a scenic pathway leading to Tulip Tower, where you can learn about the diverse flora and fauna that make the park so special. This is the quieter, more contemplative side of SkyPark — perfect for families who want to spend more time at the summit rather than rushing back down.
🎭 SkyDeck Amphitheater
The SkyDeck amphitheater is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the view. After all the walking, bridging, and trail exploring, this is where you settle in with a drink and let the Smokies do the rest of the work. Sunset from the SkyDeck is one of the most reliably spectacular experiences in all of Gatlinburg.
🍔 Smoky Mountain Smash & Smoky Mountain SIPS
Hunger and altitude go well together, as it turns out. Grab a mouthwatering Smash Burger at the Smoky Mountain Smash restaurant and pair it with a refreshing craft beverage from Smoky Mountain SIPS. Both are located at the summit — no need to come down the mountain just to refuel.
🛍️ SkyCenter & SkyPark Shop
Before you go, stop by the SkyCenter for snacks and souvenirs, and don't forget to visit the brand-new SkyPark Shop for exclusive logo wear and gifts. Your summit photos (taken by park photographers at the top of the chairlift) can be purchased here as well.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Buy tickets online in advance. The SkyPass allows guests to skip the ticket line at the entrance to the park — on a busy summer or fall Saturday, this alone can save you 30–45 minutes. Buy at least 3 days ahead for the best price.
Go early or go at sunset. Midday crowds are heaviest in summer and fall. The chairlift opens early — arriving in the first hour means a quieter crossing of the SkyBridge and better light for photos. Alternatively, the SkyPass is specifically designed for people who want to experience the park both during the day and at sunset — two completely different views.
Parking: Visitors can park in the SkyBridge Parking lot located at 510 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. The park itself is located at 765 Parkway — look for the yellow chairlift chairs ascending the hillside.
Wear comfortable shoes. Between the 60 stairs to the SkyBridge, the 680-foot bridge crossing, Clayton's Landing, and the optional 1.5-mile SkyTrail, you'll put in more steps than most people expect. Leave the sandals at the cabin.
Weather check. The SkyBridge and SkyLift can close temporarily during high winds and lightning. Check the forecast before heading out — morning visits are typically calmer than afternoon.
For guests with a fear of heights: You'll know within the first few moments on the SkyLift whether this is for you. The chairlift is open-air with no safety bar between your legs and the drop — if that sentence made you nervous, go in prepared. That said, thousands of people who consider themselves afraid of heights cross the SkyBridge every year and call it one of the best experiences of their trip. Take it at your own pace; there's no rush.
Is Gatlinburg SkyPark Worth It?
For most visitors, unequivocally yes. The SkyBridge made Google's 2022 "Year in Search" list as one of the Top 10 Most Scenic Spots in the U.S. — and the views back that up. What's changed since the original park opened is the depth of experience available at the summit: the SkyTrail, Clayton's Landing, Smash restaurant, and SIPS bar mean a single ticket can now fill several hours comfortably.
If you're debating between the Single Ride and the SkyPass, the SkyPass pays for itself if there's any chance you'll want a sunset visit — which, once you see the daytime view, there will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age and weight limit for Gatlinburg SkyPark? All individuals regardless of height, weight, or age are permitted on the SkyLift yellow chairs and on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. There is no set weight limit for the yellow SkyLift chairs, but no more than 3 individuals can be loaded in one chair at a time. Kids 3 and under are always free.
Is the SkyBridge glass floor mandatory? No. The glass panels are optional — if you prefer, you can walk around them using the regular metal grating walkway. The views are spectacular from anywhere on the bridge.
Can I bring a stroller to Gatlinburg SkyPark? Strollers and other wheeled devices are not permitted at Gatlinburg SkyPark. It's recommended that infants and toddlers ride in the lap of their parent during the SkyLift ride.
How long does a visit to Gatlinburg SkyPark take? A basic Single Ride visit — chairlift up, SkyBridge crossing, SkyDeck time, chairlift down — takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. With the SkyTrail, Clayton's Landing, and a meal at Smoky Mountain Smash, plan for 3–4 hours. SkyPass holders often spend a full day.
Is Gatlinburg SkyPark open year-round? Yes, with some seasonal variation in hours. Check the park's official hours page before your visit, especially for winter and holiday periods. Weather can also affect daily operations.
Where do I park for Gatlinburg SkyPark? Park in the SkyBridge Parking lot at 510 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. The park entrance is at 765 Parkway.
Pair Your SkyPark Visit with a Gatlinburg Cabin Stay
The SkyPark is best experienced when you're not rushing — and there's no better way to take your time than staying in a Gatlinburg cabin rental just minutes away. Walk the SkyBridge at sunset, then come home to a private hot tub, a mountain-view deck, and a fireplace. Colonial Properties has cabins ranging from cozy 1-bedroom retreats for couples to large group lodges — all in the heart of the Smokies.
Browse Gatlinburg Cabins → | View Cabins with Mountain Views →
