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Gatlinburg is a popular vacation destination in eastern Tennessee. It borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park. Drive through the park, and you’ll find yourself at the southern end of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
Why is Gatlinburg, TN, such a Great Travel Destination?
For many visitors who visit this mountainous mecca, the main attraction is the dramatic topography and the vistas it affords.
There are many other attractions as well. For example, Anakeesta is an adventure park offering zipline and gondola rides. Dollywood is 10 miles away in Pigeon Forge and is one of the more highly rated theme parks in America. Ober Gatlinburg is a four-season resort that's home to Tennessee’s only ski resort, where the aerial tramway and mountaintop park are open daily.
About the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg, TN
And then, there’s the entire “Sky” complex. Weather permitting, SkyLift Park is open every day except Christmas Day. Visit the cafe, gift shop and bar at the SkyCenter and then you can rest and relax on the SkyDeck.
SkyBridge
The main attraction is the SkyBridge, which opened in 2019. It inspires questions like “Just how long is the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg?” Well, ponder a hike more than two football fields long — 680 feet to be more precise. Now imagine covering that distance on a five-foot-wide footbridge suspended above a deep valley. That’s Gatlinburg’s SkyBridge, a true “bucket list” experience! It is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.
You might also ask “How high is the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg?” At one point, it is 140 feet above the valley floor below. The middle of the span includes some 30 feet of glass flooring. Very strong glass flooring, that is! Walk the SkyBridge at your own pace and revel in panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
For the holidays, workers string more than 60,000 lights along SkyBridge. The display, called “Lights Over Gatlinburg,” is quite a spectacle to behold. From early November to late January, it is one of the state’s most popular holiday lights events.
SkyLift
Gatlinburg is the home of SkyLift, the very first four-season scenic chairlift in the southern United States. It sweeps visitors from the heart of Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain.
SkyLift’s beginnings were humble enough. The original chairlift came from California’s Sugar Bowl Ski Area. From there, it went to a Studebaker dealership in Michigan for restoration. After the footings for the towers were complete, the cables were strung and the chairlift opened in 1954.
At the top, SkyDeck's amphitheater delivers sweeping vistas of Gatlinburg and the highest peaks in the national park. Always changing light and clouds deliver fresh views on the way up and down. Today’s modern three-seat chairlift opened in 2017.
SkyTrail
SkyTrail is a newer trail behind SkyBridge. It consists of a path, an elevated boardwalk, and the 70-foot Tulip Tower. The latter includes four elevated viewing platforms. Access is via a rope bridge.
Eager for even more sky-high vistas? Ascend the Gatlinburg Space Needle via a glass elevator. It will take you to the observation deck perched 400 feet above downtown Gatlinburg.
Best Hotels Near SkyBridge in Gatlinburg, TN
Many of the country’s major hotel brands maintain a presence in Gatlinburg. The Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and the Hilton Garden Hotel are some examples. Here are our recommended hotels near the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg, TN.
The Park Vista
705 Cherokee Orchard Road
The Park Vista is right outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also on the trolley route, so guests enjoy easy access to downtown Gatlinburg. Every room at the hotel features a balcony. Popular amenities include a multi-level indoor pool, fitness center, and 24-hour snack shop. The Vista Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Microtel Inn & Suites
211 Historic Nature Trail
When you stay at Microtel Inn & Suites, you’re a three-minute walk from SkyLift Park. The hotel is also close to the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the convention center. Begin your day with a complimentary continental breakfast.
Hampton Inn
967 Parkway
Guests at the Hampton Inn are a four-minute walk from SkyLift Park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is less than a half-mile away. Rooms have private balconies. There’s an outdoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
Holiday Inn Express
322 Historic Nature Trail
Holiday Inn Express is at the heart of the action in Gatlinburg. It is only a few minutes’ walk from the Space Needle and the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is less than a mile away. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, and water playground.
River Edge Inn
665 River Road
River Edge Inn has 43 rooms with private balconies. It is a quarter-mile from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Ripley's Believe It Or Not and SkyLift Park is minutes away. Guests enjoy concierge services, an outdoor pool, and a free continental breakfast.
Country Inn & Suites
421 Reagan Lane
Country Inn & Suites is at the heart of the action in downtown Gatlinburg. The hotel is a short walk from SkyLift Park, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Pinball Museum. Rooms feature Simmons Beautyrest Recharge mattresses. Partake of free cookies and coffee in the lobby. Amenities include a free hot breakfast buffet, fitness room, and indoor pool.
Hilton Garden Hotel
635 River Road
The 118-room Hilton Garden Hotel is in the heart of Gatlinburg, a 10-minute walk from SkyLift Park. It is 0.6 mi from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Gatlinburg Convention Center. indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center.
Best Western Twin Islands
339 Parkway
Best Western Twin Islands is a peaceful island paradise in the heart of Gatlinburg. It is next to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Stroll the quarter-mile river walk or fish in the river. Swim in the outdoor heated pool. Begin your day with a free hot breakfast.
Plan Your SkyBridge Adventure Today
Guest Reservations is an independent travel network offering more than 100,000 hotels worldwide. Check out the Gatlinburg hotels we recommend above, or browse all our hotels in Gatlinburg, TN.