If you want to experience a unique aerial perspective of the Smoky Mountains, you’re in luck! There are several fantastic attractions throughout the Smokies that take you high into the sky, allowing you to enjoy the most spectacular views of your vacation! Here are 5 fun Smoky Mountain attractions where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Smokies:
1. Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a Ferris wheel that towers 200 feet in the air and stands as one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast! While riding in one of the comfortable, all-glass gondolas, you’ll have plenty of time to experience the stunning views with your family and friends! This attraction is located at The Island in Pigeon Forge and is included as part of the Unlimited Rides Pass, or you can purchase individual tickets to take a spin on The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel!
2. Aerial Tramway
Another one of the Smoky Mountain attractions that give you a bird’s eye view of the Smokies is the Aerial Tramway! This iconic tramway transports guests from downtown Gatlinburg to the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park and ski area, climbing 1,472 feet in elevation along its 2.1-mile journey! You’ll board one of the two 120-passenger cars for your ride, and a tram departs from the station about every 20 minutes.
3. Drop Line
If you’re looking for a thrilling attraction that combines aerial views with a breathtaking freefall, you’ll want to head to Dollywood for a ride on the Drop Line! This drop tower takes you 20 stories above the Timber Canyon section of the theme park and the gondola rotates on the way up so you can see the mountains from every direction! However, don’t get too comfortable with the vantage point as the Drop Line soon plummets back to the ground for the rush of a lifetime!
4. Gatlinburg SkyBridge
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge not only offers jaw-dropping views of the Smokies, but it’s the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America! The bridge stretches almost 700 feet across a deep valley in a single span, so you can take a leisurely stroll across to experience the unique aerial perspective from 500 feet above Gatlinburg! As if that doesn’t sound exciting enough, just wait until you reach the 30 feet of glass flooring in the middle of the bridge to see straight down!
5. AnaVista Tower
When it comes to the top Smoky Mountain attractions with incredible views, be sure to put the AnaVista Tower on your list! This observation tower is located at the top of the Anakeesta theme park and is the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg, offering magnificent 360-degree views that reach as far as Kentucky! You’ll also find several interpretive signs that identify the mountain ranges and peaks, as well as two glass floor panels to look down below!
Check out all of our cabin rentals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge today to stay close to these fun Smoky Mountain attractions! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smokies!
