Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is a mountaintop attraction that combines an iconic open-air chairlift, North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, and panoramic Smoky Mountain views into an experience that ranks among the most memorable family activities in the entire region. Located right on Gatlinburg's main Parkway — a 15-minute drive from Pigeon Forge — the SkyLift has been carrying visitors to the summit of Crockett Mountain since 1954, making it one of the oldest continuously operating attractions in the area.

The experience begins with the chairlift ride itself. Open-air chairs (no enclosure, no doors) carry riders up the mountainside at a gentle pace, sailing over the treetops with nothing between your feet and the forest canopy below. For kids who are comfortable with heights, this is an exhilarating sensation — the closest they will come to flying without leaving the ground.

The ride takes about 8-10 minutes each way and provides increasingly dramatic views of Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountains, and the valleys below as you ascend.

At the summit, the SkyBridge is the headline attraction. This 680-foot-long pedestrian suspension bridge spans a valley between two mountain ridges, with the forest floor 140 feet below. Walking across it is a unique sensation — the bridge sways gently with foot traffic, creating a mild thrilling bounce that kids find exciting.

At the center, glass floor panels let visitors look straight down to the trees below. Brave kids and adults plant their feet on the glass and peer into the void. More cautious visitors can easily avoid the glass panels by walking on the solid sections.

The SkyDeck observation platform at the far end of the bridge provides the most expansive views in the area. On clear days, the panorama extends across multiple mountain ridges, with Mount LeConte — the third-highest peak in the Smokies — dominating the eastern horizon. Interpretive signs identify visible peaks, and binocular stations let kids scan the ridgelines for wildlife and distant landmarks.

The mountain summit also features walking trails through native mountain vegetation, a gift shop, and a small snack bar with drinks and basic refreshments. The trails are short and accessible, winding through wildflower gardens in spring and summer and offering close-up views of mountain fauna. During fall foliage season (mid-October through early November), the surrounding mountains explode in color, and the chairlift ride through the autumn canopy is a visual experience that families describe as the highlight of their entire Smoky Mountain vacation.

Important practical considerations for families: the chairlift is open-air with a lap bar, and children must be able to sit calmly for 8-10 minutes at heights of 50+ feet above the ground. This makes the attraction unsuitable for very young children (under 4-5) and children who are genuinely afraid of heights. There is no alternative way to reach the summit — the chairlift is the only access.

The bridge and mountain summit have no stroller access. Depending on weather, the summit can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley, so a light jacket is advisable even in summer.

The SkyLift Park's location in downtown Gatlinburg makes it easy to combine with the town's eclectic collection of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Families often pair a morning SkyLift visit with lunch in Gatlinburg and an afternoon exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is accessible from multiple entrances within 5-10 minutes of town.