Gatlinburg SkyPark in Tennessee
- Laura
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
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In the heart of Gatlinburg Tennessee visit the SkyPark. To get to the park, ride a chairlift from the bustling Parkway to the top of Crockett Mountain. At the summit, climb a tower and cross North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge for panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Read our Gatlinburg SkyPark blog post for information on how to plan your day.
A much-loved attraction that some visitors return to year after year, a trip to the SkyPark is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN for couples.
GATLINBURG ATTRACTIONS
WHAT IS THE GATLINBURG SKYPARK
The SkyPark is an attraction in downtown Gatlinburg Tennessee. The mountaintop park is accessed via the SkyLift chairlift (there is no public road access to the site).
Once at the top, visitors can explore the SkyBridge – the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. In addition, there are mountain trails to hike, a tower to climb, decks with chairs, shops, eateries, and dramatic views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
WHERE IS THE GATLINBURG SKYPARK
Gatlinburg is located along the northern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Entry to the Gatlinburg SkyPark is found on The Parkway in Gatlinburg between traffic lights 6 and 8.
Click on this link for information on airfares to Gatlinburg.
PIGEON FORGE & GATLINBURG TOURS
GATLINBURG SKYPARK TICKETS
There are four general admission ticket options (2025):
SkyPass All Day Adventure: Unlimited rides with skip the line access. Great for folks who want to see the sun rise and sun set from the mountain in the same day. Price: $52.95
Single Visit Ticket: One round trip journey to the summit. Price: $39.95
Smoky Mountain Sunrise: early morning access to all attractions, breakfast, and a Smoky Mountain sunrise. Price: $59.95
SkyPark Annual Pass: Unlimited access to all attractions throughout the season. Some blackout dates apply. Price: $77.95
PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY
There are a number of paid public parking lots located off of The Parkway. The lot closest to the Gatlinburg SkyPark is at 510 River Road, Gatlinburg TN. This lot sits right behind the SkyPark.
Click on this link for information on regional rental car prices.
The SkyLift is wheelchair accessible as is the SkyCenter and SkyDeck amphitheater. The SkyBridge, Tulip Tower, and trail system are not wheelchair accessible.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TOURS
GATLINBURG SKYPARK OPENING DAYS & HOURS
In the spring, summer, and fall the SkyPark is open every day from 9am till 9pm. The park may have shorter hours during the winter; and may not open, or close early, due to adverse weather. Check the SkyPark website for closings due to winter maintenance and holidays.
GATLINBURG TN HOTELS NEAR THE SKYPARK
Gatlinburg has a wide range of accommodation in the downtown area, and on the Gatlinburg free trolley route. Consider these well-reviewed hotels near the Gatlinburg SkyPark:
GATLINBURG SKYPARK THINGS TO DO
The SkyLift
The SkyLift chairlift carries visitors from downtown Gatliburg to the 1800 foot summit of Cockett Mountain. On the 10-minute ride up (and down) the mountain, enjoy views of the Smoky Mountains, downtown, the Riverwalk, and SkyBridge. The SkyLIft is the longest running attraction in Gatlinburg, and well-loved for a reason.
SkyDeck & SkyCenter
Exiting the SkyLift, visitors will find the SkyDeck. At the summit of Crockett Mountain, the area offers a large outdoor seating area on multiple levels. Comfy chairs are nestled around firepits. There is a cascading waterfall and gorgeous views of town and the mountains.
The SkyCenter is found off of the SkyDeck. In the SkyCenter, visitors will find a photo kiosk, gift shop, café, and indoor seating area with 360’ views.
The SkyBridge
The SkyBridge is a cable bridge that stretches roughly 700 feet across two mountain peaks (about the length of two football fields). The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America has 30 feet of clear glass at the bridge’s halfway point. Crossing the SkyBridge (and walking back) is often the highlight of a visit to the SkyPark. Once on top of the mountain, you can cross the SkyBridge as many times as you want.
Clayton’s Landing & Hiking Trails
As you walk across the SkyBridge from the east to the west side, you will arrive at Clayton’s Landing. This 10,000 foot patio is rimmed by a gourmet burger restaurant, Smoky Mountain Smash; and a bar, Smoky Mountain Sips. The viewing deck with fire pits has seating for 235 guests with panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Smokies. A 1.5 mile hiking trail system is accessible from the landing.
SkyTrail
The SkyTrail begins on the east side of the SkyBridge (by the chairlift). The SkyTrail is an elevated boardwalk that wraps around a ridge behind the SkyBridge. The SkyTrail offers great views of the suspension bridge and Gatlinburg. The Tulip Tower is located about mid-way along the trail.
Tulip Tower
The 70 foot Tulip Tower is a steel structure that is only accessible via two rope bridges that veer off of the SkyTrail. The tower has four viewing platforms between sets of stairs. The top of the tower offers cool breezes and all-encompassing views of the park and mountains. Note: the Tulip Tower is only open during the day.
GATLINBURG SKYPARK VS ANAKEESTA
When researching Gatlinburg attractions, many first-time visitors will ask, “What’s better Anakeesta or the SkyPark?” We have visited, and enjoyed, both attractions. Which park is “better” for you will depend on what you seek. Here, we have highlighted some differences between the two parks to help you decide.
We would characterize Anakeesta as a family theme park suitable for children of all ages. Anakeesta has a chairlift, Treetop Skywalk, and tower. It also has “thrill rides” such as the mountain coaster and zip lining. To see all that Anakeesta has to offer, we would recommend a 4-6 hour outing.
In contrast, the SkyPark is more of a nature based attraction, with no thrill rides. It is suitable for children of all ages, but older children who are able to hike, climb the tower stairs, and walk the SkyBridge will enjoy it the most. You can see all of the SkyPark attractions in 2 hours.
The base Anakeesta ticket price is more than the SkyPark, and there are extra charges for certain activities and rides. SkyPark is a great choice if you are short on time, do not have small children, do not care about thrill rides, and are seeking great views and relaxing spaces.
Hope you enjoy the swaying bridge and panoramic views, Laura and Randy
For more information on Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains travel, read our travel blog articles on:
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