The best way to soak in the natural beauty of the Smokies is with one of the area’s scenic chairlift rides! These fun attractions take you on a gentle ride to a high peak so that you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the mountains, and they are all just a short drive away from our hotel! Here are 4 scenic chairlift attractions in the Smoky Mountains that you need to experience:
1. Anakeesta Chondola
The Anakeesta Chondola is certainly the most unique chairlift ride in the Smokies, as this is the world’s only fixed grip transportation system where guests can ride in an open-air 4-person chair or an enclosed gondola! This scenic ride takes you up 600 feet to the summit of the Anakeesta theme park, where you’ll enter through the whimsical Firefly Village. During your journey, you’ll soar above downtown Gatlinburg and float above a natural habitat that is home to both neighbors and many forest friends. Keep your eyes peeled as you may even spot a bear!
2. Gatlinburg SkyLift
Another one of the scenic chairlift attractions in the Smoky Mountains that you need to experience is the Gatlinburg SkyLift! This is the longest running attraction in Gatlinburg and it was the first four-season scenic chairlift in the south when it opened in 1954! The current version is a smooth, 3-seat chairlift that was built in 2017, still providing the same majestic views that guests have enjoyed for years! The ride transports you up 1800 feet above sea-level from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain!
3. Ober Mountain Scenic Chairlift
The Ober Mountain Scenic Chairlift takes you from the popular mountaintop park to the peak of Mount Harrison, which is located at 3455 feet above sea level. This is more than 1650 feet higher than any other chairlift in Gatlinburg or in the entire state of Tennessee! During the ride, you’ll experience a 779 foot rise in elevation, providing the best views in the Smokies without having to take a hike! Once you get to the top, you can see as far as Douglas Lake on a clear day and the flawless view of Mount LeConte is breathtaking!
4. Horizon Skyride at SkyLand Ranch
The newest chairlift attraction in the Smoky Mountains is the Horizon Skyride at SkyLand Ranch! While this ride is located a short drive north of Gatlinburg in Sevierville TN, you’ll find that it is well worth the effort to make the trip! The Horizon Skyride takes you from the parking lot area to the top of SkyLand Ranch, where you can get off to stretch your legs for a bit and enjoy the views. Take a walk along the Legacy Lookout for a stroll 350 feet above the Parkway, see some of the cute miniature animals or kick back to enjoy some of the live entertainment!
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Gatlinburg TN today to stay close to all of these chairlift attractions in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smokies!
