A Gatlinburg, Tennessee attraction will soon lay claim to an impressive feat. According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, the Gatlinburg SkyLift, which operates an open-air chairlift that runs from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain, opened a 680-foot suspension bridge on May 17.
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The bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States.
Gatlinburg SkyLift shared a photo of the uncompleted bridge in a Facebook post.
Located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Gatlinburg SkyLift offers breathtaking mountain views and is one of the most popular attractions in the Gatlinburg area. SkyLift is operated by Boynes Resorts, which is building the suspension bridge.
In addition to the new bridge, SkyLift will also open new plaza building complete with eating areas and a new sky deck. The company has spent the last two years rebuilding after the 2016 wildfires that ravaged eastern Tennessee.
According to a press release, guests will be able to walk across the pedestrian bridge at their own pace over glass-floor panels, which allow them to take in breathtaking views of the Smokies. The SkyDeck will include a huge observation area, new snack shop and bar, a gift shop and plenty of seating.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that the Gatlinburg bridge was initially believed to be building the longest suspension bridge in the continent of North America. However, at 800 feet, a suspension bridge at Kelowna Mountain in British Columbia, Canada actually stretches beyond the Tennessee bridge.
If you're in the mood to explore more Tennessee bridges (and aren't terrified of heights), the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park in Sevierville, Tennessee boasts America's longest swinging bridge. The impressive 400-foot bridge stretches from the base camp at Foxfire Mountain across Dunn's Gorge to Prosperity Mountain. It's known as America's Bridge to Prosperity.
The Gatlinburg SkyLift is open year round. Ticket prices for adults start at $16 and tickets for kids are priced at $13.
Other attractions in the Gatlinburg region include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, the Ober Gatlinburg theme park and the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
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