If you are looking for the most unique experience in the Smokies, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is everything you’ve been dreaming of. Located at the top of the iconic SkyLift, 1,800 feet above sea level, it is the longest on the continent.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Gatlinburg SkyBridge before you go.
How to access the Gatlinburg SkyBridge?
Located at SkyLift, to cross the 680-foot record-breaking bridge, you need to get an admission ticket for the Park and ride the yellow chairs to the top of the mountain.
From the mountain-top SkyDeck, the SkyBridge stretches almost 700 feet across a deep valley. In the middle of the bridge, there are 30 feet of glass panels, where you can peer 150 feet down to the ground below.
The bridge is wide enough for people to pass each other comfortably, allowing you to walk across at your own pace, taking in the panoramic views before walking back when ready.
Why should you visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge?
The SkyBridge is roughly 500 feet above downtown Gatlinburg and 1,800 feet above sea level. From the SkyBridge, you can see stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, specifically the three highest peaks in the Smoky Mountains and the entire downtown parkway of Gatlinburg.
This is definitely an incredible but easily attainable experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Check it off your bucket list, and enjoy the most unique experience in the area when you visit Gatlinburg.
The SkyBridge has been featured on numerous national news outlets such as CNN, NBC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, ABC World News, Fox News, Yahoo, People.com, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, Southern Living, and more!
How much does the ticket to Gatlinburg SkyBridge cost?
Tickets to the SkyLift park include the SkyLift ride up the mountain, complete with a photo op on the iconic yellow chairs, access to the SkyBridge, the new SkyDeck, SkyCenter, and SkyTrail. All together cost only $31.95 with discounts for seniors and children ages four to eleven. Children under four have free access.
Did the SkyBridge crack?
In June 2020, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge made the big news in the United States due to it being cracked. A guest cracked one of the heavy glass panels in the middle of the bridge, which are designed to let fearless guests test their mettle. And so, the SkyBridge was temporarily closed until they could fix the obvious crack.
How did the Skybridge crack?
Guests were way up in the air, taking in breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Then, one visitor attempted what was described as a “baseball-style slide” across one of the glass panels. Perhaps it was a personal challenge, but still, upon impact, he created an uproar.
It is believed that the keys from his pocket cracked the glass, but thankfully, no one was ever in danger from this unfortunate challenge. After all, there are multiple levels of redundancies that would prevent a catastrophe from occurring. He cracked the upper layer of one of the glass-floor panels on the pedestrian bridge. Thus, several other layers remained.
Still, it should be noted, even if this challenge didn’t put anyone in danger, if you ever find yourself 140 feet in the air, don’t run, don’t bounce, and don’t jump. After all, better be safe than sorry.
Is the SkyBridge dangerous?
Several federal regulations mandate legitimate safety requirements that govern popular attractions with scenic walkways featuring a length of the glass, such as Gatlinburg Skybridge. Indeed this is a unique experience, but protective top layers of glass are still needed. As seen above, there was no actual danger when the glass cracked, but danger prevention always needs to be taken.
Park officials said the structural integrity of the bridge was never in danger. There were multiple more layers of thick glass, and presumably, it would have taken a lot more “baseball-style slides” to break through to the other side.
Surely, reading about the supposed to be the longest and best SkyBridge on the continent being cracked brings fear. However, one incident of a silly personal challenge should not deteriorate your spunk to challenge yourself to visit this marvelous glass bridge. This is definitely one of the best experiences you could ever have.
If you still have any concerns about the bridge’s safety, at the beginning of the trail, you will find an informative sign about the bridge’s construction.
Check this video to get more tips:
What else is there to do at the SkyLift Park?
First and foremost, the best thing to do while at SkyLift Park is, enjoy the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. This is perhaps the best spot in the Smokies to admire the scenery of the three peaks and Gatlinburg.
To relax and simply take in the breathtaking views, chill on the SkyDeck, near a fire pit. Then take a walk up the SkyTrail and test your mettle on the SkyBridge’s glass panels.
Lastly, visit the SkyCenter, which has a gift shop and a snack bar serving pizza, pretzels, wraps, polish dogs, frozen beverages, and White Claw. There is a seating area along the second floor of the SkyCenter, offering a unique vantage point to take in one of the best sights in all of East Tennessee.
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Final Thoughts
The SkyBridge offers iconic views of downtown Gatlinburg, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more. With its panoramic views, it’s a great place to watch the sky at dusk. The 30-feet of glass panels on the bridge offers spectacular views and a blast of adrenaline, making SkyBridge one of the best spots in the Smokies for thrill-seekers. So, if you visit Gatlinburg, make sure to include the SkyBridge on your bucket list!