If you love heights, this is one tourist attraction you won't want to miss.
The country's longest pedestrian suspension bridge will open just a few hours north of here.
The 680-foot-long SkyBridge, which debuts at 1 p.m. May 17, is part of the newly renovated SkyLift Park at the top of Crockett Mountain in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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"Guests will be able to walk across at their own pace, taking in the views and enjoying the spectacular setting before walking back when they're ready," the SkyBridge website states. "With a height of 140 feet at its midpoint, the SkyBridge is an absolutely spectacular but easily attainable experience you'll remember for a lifetime – especially as you cross the glass-floor panels in the middle of the span."
In recent years, only one part of the attraction has been open for business: the SkyLift, a chairlift that takes visitors from downtown Gatlinburg to the the mountaintop and back. Since deadly wildfires ravaged the area in November 2016, operators haven't allowed passengers to get off the lift at the top of the mountain, WBIR-TV reported.
But that's about to change. In addition to the bridge, the updated park will have an observation deck, a gift shop, and a snack shop and bar, WVLT-TV reported.
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New admission prices will be posted closer to the park's grand opening date, according to the park's Facebook page. Tickets for the chairlift are $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11, for a single ride. When the Skydeck and Skybridge open, however, that price will be all inclusive. Or, you can buy an unlimited ticket (ride all day) for just $18 for adults and $14 for children. Also, members of the military and up to four immediate family members can save $2 on single or unlimited tickets.
While you’re in the area, why not make a weekend of it? Dollywood is nearby, in Pigeon Forge.
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Dollywood has won the amusement industry's Golden Ticket award for friendliest park the past six years, best shows for nine years running, best Christmas event for 10 years running, best food four out of the past seven years and was ranked as the third best park in the world.
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