One great thing about the internet is that we’ve discovered so many wonderful things from around the world. If you can travel at all, there’s always something unique you can find to do. Maybe it’s even in your own state or area, but even if it’s a state away, now is the perfect time to try some of these fun activities. With COVID-19 still ravaging our nation, we’ve learned that it’s OK to get out of the house and do some things as long as you follow safety guidelines and social distancing. A lot of people have changed their typical travels to do things that require driving instead of flying.
If you’re anywhere within the vicinity of Tennessee and would like to do something fun in the Smoky Mountains, you must check out the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, SkyDeck, and the SkyBridge. These attractions give visitors the chance to experience remarkably beautiful mountain sights that otherwise would not be viewable without some serious hiking going on. The Smoky Mountains are a part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province and a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. The range runs along the North Carolina and Tennessee border in the south-eastern area of the United States.
The Smoky Mountains have a history that spans thousands of years, from the European settlers in the 1800s and all the way back to the Paleo Indian tribes. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 and it serves to protect most of the mountain range. It’s also the most visited national park in the U.S. It’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a part of the International Biosphere Reserve. The Smoky Mountains are made up of more than 187,000 acres of virgin forest. In the lower elevations, there are cove hardwood forests that have some of the most diverse North American ecosystems.
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift opened in 1954 to public visitors and is located across the street from the Ripley’s Believe or Not attraction.
The SkyDeck was added in 2019 and from there, you can enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and you can also stroll around for a panoramic view. Or if you’d like you can simply relax in a chair on the deck and enjoy beer and snacks from the cafe.
The SkyBridge was fully completed in 2019 and from there, you can have the unforgettable experience of enjoying amazing views and even some excitement. The bridge reaches a height of 140 feet and spans 680 feet. It’s the longest North American pedestrian suspension bridge. Here’s the best part: spaced throughout the bridge are glass panels that you can walk across to see the view of the woodlands below.
For more information, check out the website.
h/t: Shared
