Last week, I decided to take a trip up to Gatlinburg SkyPark. It was a crisp, cold November day – the kind of day that makes you grateful for a good jacket. And perfect weather for a Smoky Mountain adventure.
The experience starts with that bright yellow SkyLift. When you hop into the chair and began the slow ascent, you can’t help but take in the view, crossing River Road and climbing Crockett Mountain. It’s a peaceful (and cold) ride, and the higher you go, the more incredible the scenery gets.
At the top, you arrive at the SkyPark, home to the world famous SkyBridge. It’s massive, stretching across the valley like something out of a movie. Fun fact: it’s the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. Walking across it is both thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking. There’s a glass section right in the middle, so you can look straight down. You just take a deep breath and step right onto it. It’s an unforgettable moment—a little terrifying, but totally worth it.
After crossing the bridge, I took a stroll along the SkyTrail. The trail winds around the mountain and gives you more views of the surrounding peaks. It’s not a tough hike, so it’s great for anyone who wants to explore a bit without breaking too much of a sweat.
By this point, I was ready to relax. Luckily, the SkyPark has a great bar and restaurant area. I grabbed a couple of beers and found a spot to sit. There’s something special about sipping a cold drink while looking out at the Smokies. The SkyDeck makes it easy to kick back and enjoy the view.
Once I had my fill of the scenery and the drinks, I hopped back on the SkyLift for the ride down. This time, the views were even better because the sun was starting to dip behind the mountains. The golden light made everything look magical.
If you’re in Gatlinburg, you’ve got to check out the SkyPark. It’s more than just a tourist spot—it’s an experience. Whether you’re crossing the bridge, hiking the trail, or just soaking in the views with a drink in hand, it’s a day well spent. We make it easy because the SkyPark ticket office is located RIGHT NEXT to the Historic Gatlinburg Inn.
