Exploring the Sky-High Adventure: A Guide to Gatlinburg SkyPark's Hiking Trails

Exploring the Sky-High Adventure: A Guide to Gatlinburg SkyPark's Hiking Trails

SkyPark offers visitors a unique mountain adventure that combines breathtaking views with accessible hiking trails. While most people know SkyPark for its record-breaking SkyBridge, the park's hiking trail system provides an equally memorable experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Your Gateway to the Smokies

The centerpiece of Gatlinburg SkyPark's hiking experience is a scenic 1.5-mile trail system that opened as part of the park's ongoing expansion. This isn't your typical mountain hike—it's a carefully crafted journey that combines natural beauty with fascinating history, all while offering some of the most spectacular views in the Smokies.

What Makes the Hiking Trails Special

The Hiking Trails stand out as a truly unique hiking experience. The trail is nestled in the heart of Downtown Gatlinburg, offering visitors a taste of the National Park through lush trails teeming with life. What makes it even more special is that the trail is an enjoyable walk for adults, kids, and even dogs, making it perfect for families looking to explore together.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty

One of the most exciting aspects of hiking our Hiking Trails is the opportunity to encounter the area's diverse wildlife. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls these mountains home, and be on the lookout for our Black Bear neighbors that also call this mountain their home!

The park attracts bears due to natural food sources for them, but please do not approach bears if you see them on the trail.

The trail also offers panoramas of the many mountain peaks that surround Gatlinburg, and the calm that these trails provide in the midst of a bustling city. This unique juxtaposition of urban accessibility and natural tranquility makes the SkyTrail a truly special hiking experience.

Planning Your Adventure

Getting There

To access the Hiking Trails, you'll need to ride the famous yellow chairlift that has been a Gatlinburg landmark since 1954. The SkyLift brings riders up 500 vertical feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, where your hiking adventure begins.

Best Times to Visit

If you want to try to avoid the crowds when you visit the Gatlinburg SkyPark, the best times to visit are early morning and late in the day. The park is open year-round, offering different seasonal experiences throughout the year.

Trail Accessibility

The Hiking Trails are currently open for day time use only.

Pet-Friendly Adventure

Dog owners will be delighted to know that our trails are pet-friendly so you can bring your dog along on the adventure.

Beyond the SkyTrail: Complete SkyPark Experience

While the SkyTrail is the focus of this guide, it's worth noting that your hiking adventure is just one part of the complete SkyPark experience. The park also features:

• The SkyBridge: The longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America at 680 feet long
• Clayton's Landing: The newest overlook offering breathtaking panoramic views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• SkyDeck: An expansive viewing area with seating and spectacular mountain vistas
• Smoky Mountain Smash: A restaurant where you can grab a mouthwatering Smash Burger

Tips for Your SkyPark Hike

1. Wear appropriate footwear: Sturdy shoes will make your hike more comfortable and safer
2. Bring a camera: The views and wildlife sightings provide countless photo opportunities
3. Start early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
4. Pack water: Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months
5. Respect wildlife: Observe bears and other animals from a safe distance
6. Take your time: With interactive signage and multiple viewing platforms, there's plenty to see and learn

A Trail with Heart and History

What sets the our trails apart from other hiking experiences is its deep connection to the area's history and resilience. The trail spans areas that were burned in a 2016 fire, and emotions can run high on this trail as it was one of the hardest hit areas during the fires. Walking this trail is not just about exercise and views—it's about witnessing the remarkable recovery and renewal of this mountain landscape.

Our Hiking Trails are a testament to the enduring spirit of the Smoky Mountains and the communities that call them home. Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking for a unique experience or a family wanting to introduce children to the joys of mountain exploration, the SkyPark offers something truly special.

As you plan your visit to Gatlinburg, make sure to include the SkyPark's hiking trails in your itinerary. Every encounter is a reminder of the rich biodiversity that thrives in this protected wilderness, and every step along the SkyTrail offers a new perspective on the natural beauty that makes the Smoky Mountains so beloved.

From the elevated boardwalk to the symbolic Tulip Tower, from wildlife encounters to stunning mountain vistas, our Hiking Trails provide an unforgettable hiking experience that captures the essence of what makes the Smokies so special. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and prepare for a sky-high adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.