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Posted by Jon Hoffman in Smoky Mountain Attractions
Why is it that your heart races a little faster and your palms get sweaty? Walking across a bridge doesn't seem like an adrenaline rush until you realize that this is a 680-foot-long bridge suspended 140 feet above a valley. If the gentle sway doesn't cause your pulse to increase, the partial glass bottom and the awe-inspiring views certainly will!
Visit SkyLift Park in Gatlinburg, and you'll see exactly what we mean.
Touted as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, SkyBridge competes for that title with a similar bridge in Canada. No one knows which bridge is technically longer. But Gatlinburg's SkyBridge certainly qualifies as the longest bridge of its kind in the USA... bar none.
To get to SkyBridge, come to 765 Parkway in Gatlinburg and board the legendary SkyLift, a comfortable three-seat chairlift that carries you, safely and smoothly, to the summit of Crockett Mountain.
You'll ascend 500 vertical feet... all the way up to SkyLift Park, founded in 1953 and renovated in 2017.
Once you arrive, drop by the stunning new SkyDeck for vast, panoramic views of the highest peaks in the Smokies.
Here you can shop for snacks and souvenirs in the expansive new SkyCenter, then pose for Instagram-worthy photos against a spectacular backdrop. Plus, you can relax in a comfortable chair while enjoying the endless vistas.
And, to top it off (literally), you can stroll across the SkyBridge.
High railings on either side ensure family-friendly safety. But make no mistake, this pedestrian bridge provides plenty of thrills and chills. About midway across, you'll reach the highest point – 140 feet above the valley. Here you'll come to a glass-bottomed section, where you can catch a dazzling glimpse of the precipitous drop below. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's truly unforgettable – and (of course) perfectly safe.
Cross SkyBridge at your own pace. And be sure to stop along the way to take plenty of pictures. The views from the bridge are like no others in the Smokies – sweeping across downtown Gatlinburg toward row after row of mountains. On a clear day, you'll see almost forever!
When you reach the end of SkyBridge, you can simply turn and head back. Of course, you can linger as long as you like – minutes or even hours – both coming and going. You won't want to rush such a memorable experience.
After your ramble 'cross SkyBridge and back, you can stop by the SkyCenter again to order delectable food and drinks and perhaps purchase a commemorative T-shirt. At certain times and seasons, you can even enjoy live music in the outdoor half-shell.
Then you can board the chairlift to return to the bottom.
SkyLift Park is open daily until 11 p.m., but the last chairlift ticket is sold at the window at 10 p.m. sharp, and the last SkyLift gondola climbs the mountain right at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person for adults and $12 for children. You can purchase tickets online... and, if you buy in advance, you can take advantage of special discounts.
You'll find plenty of other thrilling adventures here in the Tennessee Smokies. Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals to reserve your comfortable cabin, just minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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