To experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and do something fun, visit the Gatlinburg SkyPark! This popular destination has been offering phenomenal views of the Smokies for years and is now even better with some new attractions and renovations! Here are 4 fun things you have to experience at the Gatlinburg SkyPark:
1. Gatlinburg SkyLift
No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a scenic ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift, an iconic attraction that originally opened in 1954! While today’s SkyLift is a 3-seat chairlift revamped in 2017, one thing that hasn’t changed is the incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains! The chairlift takes you up 500 vertical feet from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain, where you can see for miles in every direction. Once reaching the peak, you can get off to visit the gift shop and snack bar in the Gatlinburg SkyCenter, walk across the SkyBridge, or explore the SkyTrail!
2. Gatlinburg SkyBridge
Something else you have to experience at the Gatlinburg SkyPark is the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America! This breathtaking bridge stretches 680 feet across a deep valley in a single span. You are free to walk across the bridge at your own pace to enjoy the panoramic views and unique setting among the mountains. The Gatlinburg SkyBridge rises to a height of 140 feet at its midpoint, and the middle of the span features three glass floor panels where you can look down into the forest for an extra thrill!
3. Gatlinburg SkyDeck
Be sure to spend some time relaxing on the Gatlinburg SkyDeck, which features an expansive viewing deck and plenty of outdoor seating. This is the perfect place to enjoy a snack while gazing out towards Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or a craft beer while overlooking the twinkling lights of downtown Gatlinburg at night. From this position at the top of Crockett Mountain, you will appreciate the incredible vantage points you won’t find anywhere else in the Smokies. Don’t forget to bring your camera or cell phone along to snap a selfie or family photo!
4. Gatlinburg SkyTrail
The most recent addition to the Gatlinburg SkyPark is the SkyTrail! The SkyTrail is a scenic walkway that connects to each end of the SkyBridge. It's just over a third of a mile long and features an elevated boardwalk, the Tulip Tower, and a trail cut into the natural hillside. Tulip Tower is the place to go for unbelievable views. It's a 70' tower that you has two rope bridges and four viewing platforms. The SkyTrail also features signage that helps you learn more about the history of the SkyPark.
Where to Stay
Stay just minutes away from Gatlinburg SkyPark at Sidney James Mountain Lodge! We provide a variety of comfortable accommodations for all budgets and tastes, ranging from queen economy rooms to creekside jacuzzi rooms. While staying with us, take advantage of our fantastic amenities including an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna facilities, exercise room, and more. You will also love our location, which is in a quiet area of Gatlinburg where you can enjoy private picnic areas by a mountain stream. There is even a convenient trolley stop directly in front of our hotel where you can ride the trolley almost anywhere throughout Gatlinburg or to Pigeon Forge!
Seeing the Great Smoky Mountains from the observation deck at the Gatlinburg SkyPark is unlike any other experience. Since you’re ready to start planning, check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Gatlinburg TN today to plan your vacation!
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