Best Aerial Views of the Smoky Mountains
No matter the perspective, the Smoky Mountains are a spectacular sight. While there are many wonderful spots to get to a view of the mountains, there are none as unique as aerial views. If you’re ready to “get your feet off the ground” and experience the mountain views like never before, visit one (or all!) of these area attractions for the best aerial views of the Smokies.
The Island’s Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
As a guest of Willow Brook Lodge, you are just a short walk away from one of the best views of the area, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Standing at 200 feet tall, this is one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast. Located at The Island in the heart of Pigeon Forge, this attraction features enclosed glass gondolas. The ride is open both day and evening, so you’ll want to experience both!
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Located in downtown Gatlinburg and offering incredible panoramic views is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. At 407 feet tall, this is one of the best places for an aerial view of both Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Featuring 20 person glass elevators and an observation deck that offers 360 degree views, this is an attraction you’ll want to experience both day and night.
Gatlinburg Skybridge
You definitely don’t want to miss the SkyBridge at Skylift Park in Gatlinburg. Spanning 680 feet, not only is it the longest suspension bridge n the country, but it also offers some of the most incredible views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains that you will see! With a midpoint height of 140 feet and glass-floor panels, the SkyBridge is an experience you’ll never forget!
Clingmans Dome
For some of the most stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, you’ll want to visit Clingmans Dome. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in not only the state of Tennessee, but also in the entire Appalachian Trail. Featuring a 54 foot tall observation tower that offers 360 degree views of the Smokies as well as seven states, this is one experience (and view!) you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The Aerial Tramway
An area icon since 1973 that offers beautiful views and a direct connection to Ober Gatlinburg is the Aerial Tramway. This 2.1 mile ride glides 11,000 feet above Gatlinburg and carries over 3,000 guests to the top daily. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture some of the best aerial views of the Smoky Mountains!
Anakeesta Chondola
Another beautiful aerial view can be found aboard Anakeesta’s Chondola. The first of its kind in the United States, the Chondola gives you a choice between enclosed gondola cabins and tradition open air ski lift style chairs. No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride to the 600 foot summit of Anakeesta Mountain. But the aerial views don’t stop there! Once atop the mountain, there are several additional overlooks where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view.
With these and other great view spots, you won’t run out of fun ways to experience the Pigeon Forge area. As a guest of Willow Brook Lodge you’ll be just minutes away from these and other great places to view the Smoky Mountains. Give us a call when you’re ready to plan your Smoky Mountain vacation.
