You can experience the scenic wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by car, foot or even by air! There are several helicopter tour operators in the Smokies who offer flights above the park and the surrounding area, providing a unique perspective on the beauty of the mountains! While not affiliated with the national park, these 3 Smoky Mountain helicopter tours offer a bird’s eye view of the Smokies:
1. Scenic Helicopter Tours
Scenic Helicopter Tours offers a variety of phenomenal trips including the National Park Tour, a special opportunity to explore seldom-seen areas, spot native wildlife and delve into local history with a friendly pilot! This amazing 50 mile tour begins as you take off over historic Sevierville, continue over the Pigeon Forge Parkway and move southward towards Gatlinburg. Once reaching Gatlinburg, the tour heads west away from civilization and into the national park boundary! While flying over the park, you’ll see stunning areas such as Sugarland Valley, Fighting Creek Gap, MetCalf Bottoms and Wears Valley. You’ll also have the chance to experience breathtaking views of Mount LeConte, Clingmans Dome and Cove Mountain!
2. Sevier County Aviation
Another one of the Smoky Mountain helicopter tours that offer a bird’s eye view of the Smokies is with Sevier County Aviation! There are several different tour options available from this operator, including trips to destinations such as Douglas Lake, Clingman’s Dome and Wears Valley! If you just can’t decide which tour to take, consider the “Ultimate Tour” option for a 60 minute flight above the forests, waterways and mountains that comprise the Smokies! Sevier County Aviation offers customized tours where you can create your own itinerary, as well as Engagement Fights for that perfect moment to say “I do” and Photo Flights for those who want to take some incredible aerial photographs!
3. MyFlight Tours Smoky Mountains
MyFlight Tours Smoky Mountains features six distinctive helicopter ride choices, ranging from introductory flights to immersive Great Smoky Mountain experiences! Take the Smoky Mountain Quick Hop Tour for a 10 mile journey above downtown Sevierville and the Little Pigeon River for panoramic views of the mountains. This short and sweet tour option is perfect for both first-time riders and thrillseekers alike, and it features an excellent price to match! The most extensive tour is the Smoky Mountain Great Smoky Ride, where you’ll reach speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, travel up to 4,000 feet in the air and cover a distance of 50 miles! During this exhilarating flight, you’ll soar above the Little Pigeon River, Douglas Lake Dam, Bluff Mountain, Wears Valley and more! All tickets come with a virtual reality experience, where you’ll see what it’s like to fly above the Smokies before you even step into the aircraft!
These scenic Smoky Mountain helicopter tours are a great way to start your adventure in the Smokies and get a feel for the layout of the national park! Once you’re ready to explore the park by foot, be sure to experience 5 of the most popular hiking trails in the Smokies!
