Gatlinburg Skybridge Review: Is It Worth It? Our Honest Review

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

It’s easy to spot when you’re in Gatlinburg, sitting high above the Parkway.

It’s fun (and scary for many!) to walk across, and it’s a great spot for taking photographs.

But is it worth the price to go up there? Here’s what we thought after our last visit.

We paid for this visit ourselves, and it’s our honest opinion.

skybridge from a distance at skypark gatlinburg
Distance view of the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

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SkyPark Vs SkyBridge

When you buy tickets, you’re buying tickets to the SkyPark, which is the mountain top location where the SkyBridge is located.

Along with the SkyBridge, the SkyPark has a couple of other things, like some walking trails and the Tulip Tower (more on that below). There’s also more that is currently under construction.

But for the most part, if you’re going to the SkyPark, you’re going there to walk across the SkyBridge.

Current Prices: Worth It?

close up side view of the skybridge at skypark gatlinburg
SkyBridge Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

Several months ago, we posted here about how the SkyPark SkyBridge in Gatlinburg had lowered its prices about 30% due to construction.

The prices had dropped from up to $37.95 for last-minute prices, to $24.95.

Currently (End of May 2024), the prices are showing as $29.95 per person. So at that price, is it worth it?

We think the price is too high for what’s currently offered there. That will most likely change as more things are added, including the new area under construction.

If you’re into photography, you may also find it worth this price. The views are great from the top, especially if you’re trying to get photos of downtown Gatlinburg.

view of gatlinburg from the skybridge at skypark gatlinburg
View of Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

The closest comparison in Gatlinburg is to Anakeesta, which is approximately $6 more for a ticket and has much more to do (but not a giant suspension bridge).

What’s Included

SkyLift

ski lift looking up from base station at skypark gatlinburg
Ski lift at SkyPark Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

Your ticket includes the SkyLift, which is a ski lift that takes you from downtown Gatlinburg up to the top of the mountain.

base station and shop at at skypark gatlinburg
Skypark base station in Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

The new base station is easy to find: it is on the parkway in the middle of Gatlinburg and has a unique building design.

view from skilift on way back down at skypark gatlinburg
Skypark ski lift in Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

This is also the only way to get up the mountain, as you can’t drive to the top like some other attractions.

view near the top going up the ski lift at skypark gatlinburg
Skypark ski lift in Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

SkyBridge

The main attraction is the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the U.S.

looking across skybridge at skypark gatlinburg
Skybridge in Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

It’s something you can’t find just anywhere, so it’s a must-do if you’re coming to the SkyPark.

You’d be missing the best part if you ride up to the SkyPark and don’t plan on walking across the SkyBridge.

close up of entrance of skybridge gatlinburg
Skybridge Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

The bridge is huge and even has a section of glass panels to walk across in the middle.

glass panels on skybridge gatlinburg
Glass panels on the Skybridge in Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

The glass wasn’t clean or clear enough to give the full effect of other glass floors/bridges that we’ve been on. But, I wouldn’t want to be the one cleaning the bottom of it either.

There are great views of Gatlinburg along the bridge.

There is a bit of sway when you’re walking across it, though nothing like the smaller bridges of Anakeesta.

view from the skybridge gatlinburg
View from the Skybridge in Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

In the picture below, you can see the construction at the bridge’s far end.

There used to be a small viewing and snack area, but it’s currently being expanded to include a restaurant and more.

Due to that, you have to turn around and head back across the bridge, making it more crowded than when there was room to exit on the other side.

Skybridge Gatlinburg
Skybridge Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

The Tulip Tower And Trails

walking trail bridge at skypark gatlinburg
Wooden walkway at the Skypark in Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

There are some walking trails that follow the mountain around the SkyBridge, linking the sides of the bridge (though one end is currently closed for construction)

The trails also take you to the Tulip Tower, located along the trail.

tulip tower from a distance at skypark gatlinburg
Tulip Tower Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

The Tulip Tower is a 70′ steel tower set in the back of SkyPark, accessible by a short tail and rope bridges.

bottom floor of tulip tower at skypark gatlinburg
Tulip Tower Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

There are stairs leading to different viewing platform levels. 

We were surprised at the amount of flex this tower has. Standing on the top level, you can feel people walking on the bottom platform where the bridges connect!

Food & Gift Shop

restaurant and gift shop at skypark gatlinburg
Restaurant/shop building at Skypark Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

As you return from the bridge, there’s a restaurant and gift shop downstairs.

store at at skypark gatlinburg
Restaurant at Skypark Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

store at at skypark gatlinburg
Shop at Skypark Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

Conclusion

The SkyBridge is very cool to see, and the views of Gatlinburg from here are some of the best. We’d recommend it if you’re looking for somewhere to take some great pictures.

But we think the price (pre-construction) was way too high.

It’s a bit more reasonable now, and future construction projects will help it compete with Anakeesta. Until then, we would choose Anakeesta over SkyPark.

top station at skypark gatlinburg
Skypark Gatlinburg. Photo by Ashley @ TheSmokyMountains.com

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