The Gatlinburg Sky Lift offers breathtaking views of the Gatlinburg Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains.
Experience One of the Best Views in Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg is a hub of activities and attractions. For a truly elevated experience while in Gatlinburg, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. One of the area’s oldest attractions, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift offers breathtaking views of the Gatlinburg Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains.
About the Gatlinburg Sky Lift
The idea for the Gatlinburg Sky Lift was cultivated when Rel Maples, a local innkeeper, asked Everett Kircher to build a chairlift in Gatlinburg. The Sky Lift officially opened in 1954 and was the first chairlift in the South.
Today, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift retains its vintage look with modern tune ups for safety. The Sky Lift features 92 chairs that can fit up to three passengers.
Riding the Gatlinburg Sky Lift
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift takes riders 1,800-feet high up Crockett Mountain on a peaceful and relaxing journey. The scenic overlook showcases the mountains and panoramic views of Gatlinburg. During the day time, take in the lush, natural setting of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At night, the Gatlinburg Parkway dazzles with street lights and traffic lights.
Once you arrive to the top of the mountain, walk around the Sky Deck for 360-degree views. Visit the gift shop to purchase a souvenir photo or grab and snack and something to drink before heading back down. The roundtrip ride on the Sky Lift takes about 20 minutes.
Future Additions to the Gatlinburg Sky Lift
The Sky Deck is currently under construction, following the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires. Along with a new Sky Deck, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift is also set to see another addition, the SkyBridge. The SkyBridge will be almost 700-feet long and 150-feet high. Once completed, this is expected to be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
Information About the Gatlinburg Sky Lift
Since the Gatlinburg Sky Lift is conveniently located on the Gatlinburg Parkway, those staying at a downtown Gatlinburg hotel can easily get to the popular attraction via the Gatlinburg Trolley or simply walking.
Gatlinburg Sky Lift Ticket Prices
Tickets to ride the Gatlinburg Sky Lift can be purchased in person or online.
Gatlinburg Sky Lift Hours
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is open daily, year-round (weather permitted). However, the Sky Lift is closed on Christmas Day.
Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Early September–late May, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Directions to the Gatlinburg Sky Lift
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is located at 765 Parkway at traffic light #7 in downtown Gatlinburg. On-site parking is not available, but to due to its central location downtown, a number of parking lots and garages are located nearby the Sky Lift.
Enjoy this fun video “Mayhem on the Gatlinburg Skylift with Adam the Woo
