Looking Skyward, The Skylift Gives Its Name a Facelift

Gatlinburg’s oldest attraction is moving forward with a new name. The Gatlinburg Skypark is part of the rebranding process that has already spawned multiple improvements since the Gatlinburg fires of 2016 shut down what was left of the old, simple ride to the top.

It first opened in 1954, giving people a glimpse of unseen Smoky Mountain views prior. A steep climb of 500 feet up Crockett Mountain is what it offered, with a gift shop at the top and time to soak in the glory of the Smokies and take pictures of the experience.

In recent years, it’s become a full-on attraction with the addition of the SkyBridge, Tulip Tower, a SkyTrail, a SkyDeck to relax, a SkyCenter with snacks plus beverages, and more developments on the way, including an indoor ticket center at the bottom of the mountain in Gatlinburg.

Stay tuned for the new happenings at Gatlinburg SkyPark, as the ticket center expects to open in the fall, and phase one will open on the west side of the Skybridge sometime in 2024. Part of this will involve a new set of eating, entertainment, and adventure options for paying customers.

I have never been on the old or new incarnation of the Skylift. I’m waiting to see the entire process come to fruition before visiting. It’s given me more intrigue as I hear additional information about what’s coming in. As a Gatlinburg resident, it’ll be quite enticing, but we’ll wait and see. Anakeesta has wholly impressed us with their work, and I’d like to give the new SkyPark a fair shot when it’s time.

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