Gatlinburg SkyBridge

About the SkyBridge

Opened in May 2019, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is a record-breaking pedestrian suspension bridge that spans 680 feet across a deep valley near the top of Crockett Mountain. At its midpoint, you are suspended 500 feet above the valley floor with unobstructed views of the Smoky Mountains stretching to the horizon in every direction. The bridge holds the title of North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge and is the headline attraction of Gatlinburg SkyPark (formerly branded as SkyLift Park).

The SkyBridge is part of Gatlinburg SkyPark, which also includes the iconic SkyLift chairlift that has been operating since 1954, the SkyDeck observation area at the top of the mountain, the Tulip Tower vista, and SkyTrail, a walking experience through the forest with overlook platforms. A single admission ticket grants access to all of these experiences, and you can stay at the top as long as you like during operating hours.

The star attraction for most visitors is the glass floor section located at the bridge's center. Six reinforced glass panels totaling about 30 feet of length let you look straight down 500 feet to the valley floor, a thrilling (or terrifying, depending on your perspective) experience that creates some of the most memorable photos of any Gatlinburg visit. The original 2019 build had three panels (15 feet) of glass, and the section was doubled to six panels (30 feet) in August 2020 after a visitor cracked one of the original panels (no injuries; the multi-layer safety glass performed exactly as designed).

Approximate drive time from our cabins in Gatlinburg's Chalet Village neighborhood: 15 minutes to the SkyPark base station at 765 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg.

The Complete Experience

The SkyLift Ride Up

Your adventure begins with a ride on the SkyLift, an open-air, double-seat chairlift that has been carrying visitors up Crockett Mountain since 1954. The roughly 5 to 7 minute one-way ride offers beautiful views over downtown Gatlinburg's rooftops and into the surrounding peaks. It is a pleasant, gentle experience rather than a thrill ride. Leashed dogs are allowed on the chairlift if they are well-behaved, and there is no extra fee for pets.

SkyDeck and Tulip Tower Views

At the top of the chairlift, the SkyDeck observation platform offers panoramic views before you even reach the bridge. The deck includes covered seating, a full bar, fire pits, a gift shop, and interpretive signs that help you identify the mountains and landmarks visible from this vantage point. Take time to appreciate the views from here, grab a drink, and walk the short Tulip Tower spiral overlook before heading to the bridge.

Crossing the SkyBridge

The bridge itself is a marvel of engineering. At 680 feet, it is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The walkway is solid metal grating (you can see through it in places), with the six glass panels in the center section that provide the famous look-straight-down experience. The bridge is wide enough for two-way traffic with comfortable passing room, and the cable system is rated to hold far more weight than the bridge will ever carry.

The bridge does sway slightly in the wind. This is intentional and is what makes a suspension bridge safe; rigid bridges of this length would fail under wind load. Some visitors find the gentle sway unsettling while others barely notice. If you are sensitive to motion, walk steadily and focus on the views rather than looking at your feet.

SkyTrail and Mountain Lights

SkyTrail is a wooded walking path with elevated overlook platforms that loops away from the bridge for a quieter perspective on the Smokies. From mid-November through early January, Mountain Lights blankets the entire SkyPark in seasonal lights, with displays along the bridge, the trail, and the deck. A Mountain Lights ticket is usually required for evening entry during the holiday season.

Glass Floor Panels

The six glass panels at the bridge's center span about 30 feet and are the main attraction for many visitors. Standing on them and looking 500 feet straight down creates an unforgettable (if slightly unnerving) experience. The glass is extremely thick, multi-layered safety glass and is engineered to hold far more weight than would ever be placed on it. Even when a visitor cracked a panel in 2020, the multi-layer construction performed exactly as designed, and no one was at risk.

The glass panels are optional. If you prefer, you can walk around them using the regular metal grating walkway. No one will judge you for avoiding them, and the views from the bridge are spectacular regardless of whether you step on the glass.

2026 Tickets and Pricing

Gatlinburg SkyPark publishes two main 2026 ticket tracks at the window: a standard general admission and the SkyPass all-day unlimited pass with skip-the-line access.

2026 Window Pricing

• Adult (12 to 64): $39.95
• Senior (65+): $32.95
• Junior (6 to 11): $25.95
• Children 5 and under: Free

2026 SkyPass (All-Day Unlimited + Skip-the-Line)

• Adult: $52.95
• Senior: $45.95
• Junior: $38.95
• Save $5 per SkyPass when you book 3 or more days in advance online.

Sevier and Cocke County residents can take advantage of $5 admission on 2026 Local Days (January 9 to 11, 2026) with valid ID. Standard admission includes the round-trip chairlift, the SkyBridge, the SkyDeck, the Tulip Tower, and SkyTrail. Mountain Lights evenings are ticketed separately during the holiday season.

Best Times to Visit in 2026

To Avoid Crowds

• Early morning on weekdays, right when the park opens at 9 AM
• Late afternoon (2 to 4 PM) when the morning rush has subsided
• Avoid Memorial Day, July 4 week, October leaf-peeping weekends, and the week between Christmas and New Year if possible
• Winter weekdays in January and early February are the quietest of the year (and lift tickets are at standard rates)

For Best Views and Photography

• Clear days with low humidity offer the longest visibility into the Smokies
• Sunset and twilight for golden hour photography (the SkyDeck faces west)
• After dark for sparkling city lights in the valley below
• Mid-October for peak fall foliage in every direction
• Overcast days reduce harsh shadows for portrait photos
• Mid-November through early January for the Mountain Lights display

Parking and How to Get There

The Gatlinburg SkyPark entrance is at 765 Parkway, on the south side of downtown directly across from traffic light #7. There is no on-site visitor parking, so the best options are the City of Gatlinburg public garages:

• McMahan Parking Garage (520 Parkway, behind Ripley's Aquarium) is the closest, about a 4 to 5 minute walk to SkyPark. Hourly and daily flat rates apply.
• Ripley's Parking Garage (88 River Rd) is another close option with similar pricing.
• Parkway lots further north and south are usually cheaper but add 5 to 10 minutes of walking.
• The Gatlinburg Trolley (Tan Route) runs along the Parkway and stops within a block of the entrance.

What to Know Before You Go

• Location: 765 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg (look for the iconic yellow chairlift)
• Hours: Spring, summer, and fall, 9 AM to 9 PM daily. Christmas week (Dec 26 to 30) extends to 10 PM. New Year's Eve runs 9 AM to 8 PM. Hours are weather-dependent and the last chair departs 1 hour after posted close.
• Weather closures: The bridge may close during high winds, lightning, ice, or severe weather. Refunds or rain checks are typically offered.
• Accessibility: The bridge is wheelchair accessible, but the chairlift is not; SkyPark offers a complimentary shuttle for guests who cannot ride the chair. Call ahead to arrange.
• Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed on the chairlift and bridge at no extra charge.
• Food and drinks: The SkyDeck has a full bar, coffee, snacks, and seasonal s'mores at the fire pits.
• Plan time: Most visits take 1 to 2 hours; allow longer for sunset, dinner, or Mountain Lights.

Tips for Nervous Visitors

If you are not a fan of heights, here is what you should know:

• The bridge is engineered to be completely safe with massive safety margins.
• The metal grating walkway is solid. You will not slip through.
• You can completely avoid the glass panels if you prefer. They are only in the center 30 feet.
• The gentle sway is normal and intentional. It is part of what makes suspension bridges safe.
• Focus on the stunning mountain views rather than looking straight down.
• Many nervous visitors report it was not as scary as they expected once they got out there.
• You can turn back at any time if you change your mind.
• If you ride up but decide not to walk the bridge, you can still enjoy the SkyDeck, Tulip Tower, and the views with no further commitment.

Visiting the SkyBridge with Kids

The SkyBridge is one of the most kid-friendly attractions in downtown Gatlinburg, with a few caveats. Children 5 and under ride free, junior tickets (6 to 11) are reasonable, and strollers can be left at the base or carried in the chair (one parent rides with the stroller folded across their lap). Most kids ages 6 and up love the glass panels; toddlers tend to be either delighted or upset, with little in between, so be ready to walk around the glass if needed.

The chairlift has a lap bar and operators will slow the lift for younger riders if you ask. Strollers, snacks, and refillable water bottles are all welcome at the top. For a complete kid-friendly Gatlinburg itinerary that includes the SkyBridge, see our Gatlinburg with kids guide.

Nearby Attractions

The SkyBridge's downtown location makes it easy to combine with other activities: