Explore the only hiking trails in downtown Gatlinburg with a trip up to Gatlinburg SkyPark! This popular mountaintop destination is not only home to the breathtaking SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, but also a unique collection of trails that offer spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains! You can easily access these trails via the SkyLift, a relaxing chairlift ride that departs just minutes away from our Gatlinburg hotel! Here are the top 4 reasons why you’ll love the hiking trails at Gatlinburg SkyPark:
1. Stunning Mountain Views Around Every Bend
You’ll discover stunning mountain views around every bend while exploring the 1.5 miles of pristine trails at Gatlinburg SkyPark! While traveling along slopes and winding pathways, each step guides you deeper into the beauty of the Smokies. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s black bear neighbors and other wildlife that call these mountains home!
The trails begin at Clayton’s Landing, the new westside expansion at Gatlinburg SkyPark, and are included with your admission to the park. Just keep in mind that the hiking trails close 30 minutes before dusk!
2. Unique Elevated Boardwalk Trail
Another reason to add the hiking trail to your list of things to do in Gatlinburg SkyPark is that they feature a unique elevated boardwalk trail called the SkyTrail! This wooden pathway traces the ridge behind the SkyBridge, which offers fascinating signage about the SkyBridge’s engineering, the history of the iconic Gatlinburg SkyLift, and the 2016 wildfires that swept through Crockett Mountain.
Just off the SkyTrail, discover the 70-foot-tall Tulip Tower that beckons adventurers with 4 viewing platforms that are accessed via a pair of rope bridges!
3. Convenient Location in the Heart of Downtown Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg SkyPark is the ONLY location in downtown Gatlinburg where you can go hiking, plus you can bring your dog! The convenient location makes it easily accessible; just head over to the SkyLift, which is situated right along the Parkway, and enjoy the chairlift ride up 1,800 feet above sea level to the top of Crockett Mountain! The Gatlinburg SkyLift was the first four-season scenic chairlift in the South when it opened in 1954 and is now the longest-running attraction in Gatlinburg!
4. Open All Year Long for Your Enjoyment
The hiking trails at Gatlinburg SkyPark are open all year long for your enjoyment, so experience a winter hike along snow-covered landscapes, visit in autumn to witness the gorgeous fall colors, or come in spring to see the beautiful wildflowers! The summer is also an excellent time to visit, as you can take advantage of long days of blissful sunshine!
Gatlinburg SkyPark is typically open on winter days from 10 AM to 6 PM (with hours extended to 8 PM on Friday and Saturday nights) and in spring, summer, and fall from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Best Hotel Near Gatlinburg SkyPark
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg today to stay within easy walking distance of the SkyLift chairlift ride to Gatlinburg SkyPark! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smokies!
