After several months of anticipation, officials at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park have announced that the Gatlinburg SkyTrail is now open.
The SkyTrail is a 0.6 mile roundtrip hiking trail that connects two ends of the famous Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
On the new SkyTrail, guests will be able to take a walk among the clouds on an interactive walking trail.
Note that at the time of this writing, the SkyTrail is currently open for daytime use only, with the exception of the Boardwalk portion of the trail.
The walking trail follows the contours and slope of Crockett Mountain.
The east side features wooden planks. The west side features pavement.
The SkyTrail includes three main sections:
- The Elevated Boardwalk is wooden walkway that spans from the SkyDeck and cuts under the SkyBridge.
- Tulip Tower is a steel tower with an elevated viewing platform, accessible by rope bridges.
- The Path is a smooth walking path that extends from the tower to the west end of the SkyBridge.
Is the SkyTrail open in Gatlinburg?
The SkyTrail is officially open in Gatlinburg.
In an announcement this week, officials said that the Gatlinburg SkyTrail, along with Tulip Tower and the Lights Over Gatlinburg winter spectacular event are all officially open.
As we mentioned above, remember that certain features of the new SkyTrail are currently only available during the daytime.
The SkyTrail was initially projected to open fall of 2020. However, the project suffered several delays.
Along the new SkyTrail, guests will learn about the engineering of the SkyBridge, the history of the SkyLift and the wildfires of 2016.
Read Also: The real story behind the Gatlinburg fires of 2016
Bear sightings at SkyLift Park
We humans do not seem to be the only ones who are excited about the new SkyTrail in Gatlinburg.
Shortly after the announcement, the SkyLift Park social media team shared a video of a bear walking along the SkyTrail.
“They like to patrol the grounds before we open, just to make sure everything is all set before our awesome guests arrive!” officials said in post.
When our team at TheSmokies.com recently visited SkyLift Park, we also spotted a bear along the SkyTrail (pictured above).
Remember, if you see a bear, please keep your distance for the safety of both the bear and yourself.
Read Also: What to do if you see a bear in the Smoky Mountains
Tulip Tower, SkyLift Park’s observation deck
One of the exciting features of the new attraction at SkyLift Park is the Tulip Tower. This steel tower is set in the back of a ravine, which can be accessed by two rope bridges.
The tower offers four elevated viewing platforms. Guests can learn about the story of the tower with information on each level.
At the time of this writing, the Tulip Tower is currently open only for daytime usage.
How much is the SkyTrail in Gatlinburg?
General admission for the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is $29.95 per adult, $18.95 per child (4-11) and $23.95 per senior.
SkyLift Park is famous for its iconic SkyBridge attraction, which holds the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park opened to the public in 1954 as the South’s first scenic chairlift. The SkyLift transports guests into the mountains for one of the most unique views of downtown Gatlinburg.
Visitors can also enjoy the SkyDeck, which offers outdoor seating and beautiful scenic views.
Guests may also wish to visit the SkyCenter building, located on the SkyDeck, for a snack, souvenir and an adult beverage.
Is SkyLift Park wheelchair accessible?
While several experiences at SkyLift Park are wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs and other mobility equipment are not permitted on the chairlift and must be checked at the entrance.
Wheelchairs are available without charge near the loading/unloading area at the top of the lift.
Can you bring your dog to SkyLift Park?
Yes! One of the most exciting features of SkyLift Park is that you can take your fur baby along on your adventures.
If you wish to bring your dog to SkyLift Park, dog owners must adhere to the dog policy, which includes guidelines such as:
- Dogs must be leashed at all times
- Dog owners must securely hold their dog on the SkyLift
- Owners must always accompany the dog and are responsible for the dog’s behavior
Read Also: Top 11 dog-friendly destinations around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge
SkyLift Park is located at 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 and is open year-round.
Visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park website for more information.
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Have you been to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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Hello my name is Rick Taylor I am in a electric wheelchair is there a way that I could drive up to the top an go on the trails ?
Hi Rick,
Some experiences and areas within Gatlinburg SkyLift Park are wheelchair accessible, but others are not. Here’s a link to their wheelchair accessibility information, I hope this helps: https://www.gatlinburgskylift.com/accessibility
What is the age for seniors?
65+