Rising Above: The History of Gatlinburg’s Chairlifts

The story begins in the winter of 1953, when local innkeeper Rel Maples approached Everett Kircher with an idea: build a chairlift up the mountain behind his lodge to bring visitors above Gatlinburg. Kircher was already known for his ski-area engineering, and after visiting the proposed site, he agreed to take on the project. 

To get started, Kircher purchased a used chairlift in California, transported and reassembled it on Crockett Mountain, and thus Gatlinburg’s first scenic aerial ride was born.  In 1954, the original Gatlinburg SkyLift welcomed its first riders making it the first four-season scenic chairlift in the South.

The original lift was a single-seat chair, which, over time, was upgraded to carry two people per chair. Through the decades, various renovations and safety improvements have been made. By the late 1980s and beyond, major reconstructions modernized much of the lift’s structure.

One of the defining moments in the chairlift’s history came in 2016, when devastating wildfires swept through the area. The top terminal of the SkyLift was destroyed, prompting rethinking and rebuilding plans.

Rather than rebuild piecemeal, the operators chose a holistic renewal. In May 2019, the SkyLift reopened with modern upgrades including a new lift system, a SkyDeck, a SkyCenter, and the addition of the SkyBridge for visitors to cross dramatic spans between mountain ridges.

Today’s lift is a comfortable three-seat chairlift, part of the larger SkyPark experience, and is often a must-do for visitors seeking sweeping views over Gatlinburg and the Smokies.

Gatlinburg’s aerial attractions extend beyond one lift. Some of the notable additions include:

• Ober Mountain: Part of the Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area complex, this lift rises high above the peaks and is among the longest aerial rides in Tennessee.
• Anakeesta: This enclosed ride with 360 degree views gives guests a scenic ascent.

These lifts, together with the Gatlinburg SkyPark, weave a tapestry of elevated views that have become part of the region’s identity.

Over its many years of operation, the Gatlinburg chairlift has become more than a tourist ride, it’s a local icon, a constant in change, and a visual signature of the town. Many locals and return visitors carry stories of first dates, family vacations, and even proposals happening high above the town.

As new lifts and attractions continue to join the skyline, the SkyLift remains the longest-running attraction in Gatlinburg, and a living bridge between past and present.