October 11, 2023
Your Guide to 4 Scenic Chairlift Rides in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are one of the most popular vacation destinations because of their natural beauty. One of the best ways to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Smoky Mountains is by taking a ride on a scenic chairlift. There are a few different scenic chairlift rides in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains area, and they each offer different things to do and see. Here’s your guide to each of these scenic chairlifts so you can decide which ones you want to visit during your vacation.
SkyLift at Gatlinburg SkyPark
The Gatlinburg SkyPark is home to the first of Gatlinburg’s scenic chairlift rides – the Gatlinburg SkyLift. This three-person chairlift travels from downtown Gatlinburg up to the top of Crockett Mountain to reach an elevation of 1,800 feet. This is the longest running attraction in Gatlinburg and a popular activity for many visitors each year. The chairlift ride is smooth and provides a comfortable journey with amazing views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach the top, you can explore the other things to do at the Gatlinburg SkyPark, such as the SkyBridge, SkyTrail, and Tulip Tower. These are great ways to take in the majestic mountain scenery from unique vantage points. You can also grab a drink or a bite to eat to enjoy on the SkyDeck while gazing out at the sweeping scenic views.
Chondola at Anakeesta
Another one of the most popular scenic chairlift rides in Gatlinburg is the Chondola at Anakeesta. The name Chondola comes from a combination of the words chairlift and gondola. That’s because this is the only place where you can choose between an enclosed gondola cabin or open-air chair on the same cable. The open-air chairs can hold 4 people, and the gondola cabins have seating for 6. The Chondola takes you up 600 feet to the top of Anakeesta where you can explore all sorts of things to do. You can take in the spectacular views from AnaVista Tower, or become immersed in nature on the Treetop Skywalk. Other fun activities include the Dueling Zipline Adventure, Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, challenge courses, and more. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or shop for a souvenir.
Horizon Skyride at SkyLand Ranch
The Horizon Skyride at SkyLand Ranch is one of the most unique scenic chairlift rides in the area. This is the only chairlift attraction in Sevierville, and it offers great views of the town and the nearby Smoky Mountains. The Horizon Skyride brings you up to the top of SkyLand Ranch, where you’ll find tons of outdoor fun. You can walk along Legacy Lookout to enjoy 360-degree views from 350 feet above the Parkway. This walkway also has fun facts about SkyLand Ranch and the history of the farm on which this attraction was built. The Safari Hayride is another great activity for an up-close and personal visit with all sorts of animals, such as llamas, highland cows, longhorns, goats, donkeys, deer, and more. Other activities at SkyLand Ranch include The Wild Stallion mountain coaster, Buckaroo Playground, SkyLand Shootout, gem mining, live entertainment, food trucks, and shopping.
Scenic Chairlift at Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain is an incredibly popular destination in Gatlinburg. Not only can you ride the enclosed Aerial Tram from downtown Gatlinburg up to the top of the mountain, but you can also go on the open-air Scenic Chairlift once at the top. This is one of the scenic chairlift rides in the Smoky Mountains with some of the best views as you rise 779 feet in elevation above the mountaintop park. This is the longest chairlift of its kind at 3,019 feet in length and the highest in the state of Tennessee. You’ll catch gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains and natural wooded scenery. Other great activities you can enjoy at Ober Mountain include the Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide, Wildlife Habitat, Ice Skating, Ice Bumper Cars, and much more. In the winter, you can also partake in snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
More Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
These are the best scenic chairlift rides in the Smoky Mountains area where you can take in grand views and explore fun things to do. If you’re looking for more attractions to visit while you’re in town, make sure you check out these Smoky Mountain attractions off the beaten path for unique, memorable experiences during your vacation!
