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February 17, 2025
One of the best ways to experience the majestic beauty of the Smoky Mountains is from the air! The exciting news is that you don’t have to charter an expensive helicopter flight, since several attractions in the Smokies offer spectacular aerial views! With everything from a massive Ferris wheel to one of America’s largest aerial tramways, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to rise high above the mountains! Here are 4 unique attractions that offer an aerial view of the Smoky Mountains:
Another one of the unique attractions that offers an aerial view of the Smoky Mountains is the Gatlinburg Space Needle! This 407-foot-tall observation tower in downtown Gatlinburg overlooks the Smokies with year-round panoramic views! Ride one of the glass elevators to the observation deck, then take advantage of the free viewfinders to see what you can find among the surrounding landscape - you might even get lucky enough to spot a bear! While up top you’ll also discover “Higher Learning” exhibits with fascinating information about the Smokies!
There are several chairlift attractions throughout the Smoky Mountains, but the most unique is the Chondola at Anakeesta! This is the world’s only fixed grip transportation system where you can choose to ride in an open-air 4-person chair with a bar or an enclosed gondola cabin with seating for 6! This scenic ride takes you up 600 feet to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, and the natural habitat beneath the ride provides the chance to see many forest friends! Some of the other chairlifts in the area include the SkyLift at Gatlinburg SkyPark, the Scenic Chairlift at Ober Mountain, Horizon Skyride at Skyland Ranch, and the Hawk Skylift at Harper Bros. Mountain.
The Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway is an iconic Gatlinburg attraction that has carried millions of people above the Smokies since 1973! As one of the largest aerial tramways in the country, this breathtaking ride takes you on an exhilarating 2.1-mile journey from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Mountain. You’ll rise to 2813 feet above sea level and the highest point off the ground during the tram ride is about 300 feet! When you’re ready to begin your adventure, step onto one of the two 120-passenger counter-balanced cars to set off into the sky!
When it comes to the unique attractions that offer an aerial view of the Smoky Mountains, you won’t want to miss the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel! This 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge stands as one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast and provides incredible views from all-glass gondolas that seat up to 8 guests! The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel made its maiden turn in the summer of 2013 and has been delighting guests ever since, so hop aboard to take a spin with your family and friends!
Now you know about some of the best attractions with an aerial view of the Smoky Mountains! But the best part about vacationing in the Smokies is that you can enjoy scenic views at a cabin rental too! Check out all of our large cabins with mountain views today to find the perfect group cabin for your next trip!
