While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is stunning from any vantage point, one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Smokies is from a bird’s eye view! There are several ways that you can rise above the mountains and enjoy the majestic landscape, ranging from helicopter rides to one of the largest aerial tramways in the United States! Here are the top 3 ways to experience an aerial view of the Smoky Mountains:
1. Helicopter Tours
There are several helicopter tours that offer a bird’s eye view of the Smokies, so buckle up as a professional pilot takes you high above the mountain peaks! You can choose from a variety of operators and trip options that range in both duration and price. This is a unique opportunity to soar above gorgeous areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, such as Sugarland Valley, Fighting Creek Gap, Metcalf Bottoms, and Wears Valley. Some tours also offer the chance to experience breathtaking views of Mount LeConte, Clingmans Dome, and Cove Mountain!
2. Aerial Tramway and Scenic Chairlift at Ober Mountain
Another one of the top ways to experience an aerial view of the Smoky Mountains is with the Aerial Tramway, which departs from downtown Gatlinburg and takes guests to the Ober Mountain ski area and amusement park! As one of the largest rides of its type in America, the Aerial Tramway soars for 2.1 miles through the air and features a 1472-foot rise in elevation! In addition, the highest point off the ground during the tram ride is about 300 feet! While riding in one of the two 120-passenger counter-balanced cars, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the surrounding views. Once reaching Ober Mountain, consider hopping aboard their Scenic Chairlift ride that takes you to the peak of Mt Harrison at 3455 feet above sea level, which is more than 1650 feet higher than any other chairlift in the state of Tennessee!
3. Observation Tower at Clingmans Dome
When it comes to the best aerial views of the Smokies, you won’t want to miss the observation tower at Clingmans Dome! At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains and the third highest east of the Mississippi. It is also interesting to note that the Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its 2,144-mile journey! From the parking lot, which is located 7 miles west of Newfound Gap, walk the steep half-mile path to the 54-foot observation tower for a 360-degree view of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just keep in mind that the road to Clingmans Dome is normally closed from December 1 until April 1.
While we hope that you get a chance to enjoy a spectacular aerial view of the Smoky Mountains, we understand that not everyone is a fan of heights! If you prefer to stay on the ground and want to enjoy some of the best scenery in the national park, consider these scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains!
