We have always dreamed of floating through the sky high in the mountains, and with the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg, TN, we could almost accomplish that dream. On our accidental trip to Gatlinburg, we looked around at what to do, and when we heard about the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg – the longest pedestrian bridge in North America – we were immediately drawn to it. There are actually two chairlifts in Gatlinburg, but we really wanted to go over the bridge, so we chose SkyLift in downtown.
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What You Need To Know Before You Go
The SkyLift pedestrian bridge is almost 700 ft long and 150 ft high and even has a clear section in the middle where you can look straight down. It is brand new to the area. If you are afraid of heights, you may want to skip this attraction. The bridge does sway a little towards the middle, but the view is worth it.
Wildfires of 2019
It opened in May 2019, and it is part of the rebuilding process from the destructive wildfires of 2019. Those wildfires devastated the areas of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are believed to be started by two teenagers, and then downed power lines added to the fire’s spread. The two teenagers avoided any prosecution due to jurisdiction inconsistencies between the federal laws governing the national park and the local community laws. The wildfires even
Tickets
There are two lines to get on the chairlift – one for purchases the tickets and one for the chairlift itself. We found it easier to have one of us stand in the chairlift line and the other go buy the tickets. The tickets are good for all day and multiples
Easy Climb on the Chairlift to SkyLift Park
Once we got on the lift, it was a pleasant ride up the mountain. It was just like a ski chairlift, but much easier to get on and off.
As we rode up, we crossed the river that goes through town.
Lounging with a view on SkyDeck
At the top of the lift, there is an observation deck with a souvenir shop and cafe. The deck has cascading fountains all around it and places to sit and just relax. We got some water from the cafe, sat by the fountain, admired the view, and people watched for a while.
The observation deck had some cute photo opportunities with some bear statues with a beautiful view behind it.
SkyBridge Pedestrian Bridge
The ride up and the observation deck were really nice and relaxing, but we came up to walk the SkyBridge. It was a beautiful day, sunny, but not too hot and it was a perfect day to be on the bridge.
Entrance to SkyBridge Pedestrian Bridge
We did feel really high up and the view was amazing. The bridge did sway a little bit when people were walking around you, but it wasn’t enough to be scary.
In the center of the bridge, we stopped to take a photo of the town below and the mountains on the other side. It was absolutely gorgeous on this clear day. We could see for miles. The puffy white clouds, blue of the mountains, the green of the trees, and the colorful little town made a perfect photo.
In the photo below, on the lower right, we saw some of the downed trees from the wildfires.
Clear Section of SkyBridge Pede strian Bridge
In the center of the bridge, there is a clear section, when you can look directly below you. It was a little disorienting looking down as you walk, but a really neat feature.
The view that was saw was worth the price of the ticket, and we can now claim that we walked the longest pedestrian bridge in North America. If you are interested in even more beautiful views, read about the Roaring Forks Motor Trail.
References
- “Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Tennessee.” Best Smoky Mountain Views.
- “SkyBridge, the Longest Pedestrian Bridge in the US, Opens in Gatlinburg.” Wbir.com, 30 Apr. 2019.
I like that the bridge has stabilizing cables along the length to keep it from swaying too much. I think the clear sections in the middle might be a little disconcerting to walk over but I would just look out at the great view.
The bridge walk looks amazing. I love doing things like this. Probably a bit scary when you’re actually doing it but so worth it. We always look out for things like this when we’re travelling and I had no idea that there was a bridge walk this long in America.
I didn’t know this was finished this is been on my list and I would love to travel here my husband and I went to Gatlinburg for a honeymoon I love the aspect of taking the Skylift to this wonderful walkway.
This looks like a lot of fun although I do get spooked by heights, so the clear section will probably completely freak me out but you have to do it, don’t you?
Such an adventurous bridge. I always admire such places.
This bridge looks amazing. However, I’m afraid of heights so I would probably walk back after three steps 😉 Therefore, I particularly enjoy your pictures that allow me to experience something I’ll probably never do. Thank you!