7 Places
Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours
See the Great Smoky Mountains from the sky. Helicopter tours depart daily and offer views of mountain ridgelines, waterfalls, and Dollywood from above.
Gatlinburg
Ober Mountain
Year-round mountain fun and winter sports
Gatlinburg
The Gatlinburg Tram
Aerial views from downtown
Pigeon Forge
Scenic Helicopter Tours
Aerial sightseeing of the Smokies
Pigeon Forge
SkyFly: Soar America
Fly over iconic American landscapes
Sevierville
My Flight Smoky Mountain Helicopters
Scenic helicopter mountain tours
Gatlinburg
SkyTrail at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Scenic aerial course with views
Sevierville
Iconic Air & Sea Adventure
Thrilling scenic flight experience
What to Know
Best Seasons
Flights run year round, weather permitting, and the views shift with the seasons. Fall is the showstopper as the ridges turn color, spring and summer bring lush green and clear long range views on calm mornings, and crisp winter days can be the clearest of all. Wind or low cloud will scrub a flight, so leave a little flexibility in your plans.
What to Bring
Sunglasses, a light layer, and a charged phone or camera for the views. Skip loose hats and scarves near the helicopters. If you are prone to motion sickness, eat lightly beforehand and ask the operator about the smoothest route.
Picking the Right Scenic for Your Group
For Families with Young Kids
My Flight Smoky Mountain Helicopters offers smooth flights with knowledgeable pilots who engage passengers of all ages. This option provides a comfortable introduction to aerial tours for younger travelers.
For Adventure Seekers
Iconic Air Sea Adventure combines scenic flights with additional experiences, providing a dynamic way to explore the area. Their helicopter tours offer close-up views of mountain ridges and water features.
For First-Time Visitors
Starting with My Flight Smoky Mountain Helicopters is a great way to get oriented with the area from above. Their tours highlight major landmarks and allow for easy scheduling in a busy itinerary.
For Photographers
Both providers offer opportunities to capture stunning aerial images. Iconic Air Sea Adventure’s flights around Kuwohi provide excellent vantage points for seasonal foliage and mountain landscapes.
Tips and Getting There
Insider Tips
- Book a morning flight. The air is calmest, the light is best for photos, and you are less likely to be bumped by afternoon mountain weather.
- Longer tours reach the higher ridges and the national park boundary, while the short loops stay over the valley. Ask exactly what the route covers before you pick a length.
- Confirm seating when you book. On a shared flight the view is much better from the window seats, so ask how the operator assigns them.
Getting There and Parking
The helicopter and air tour operators are based in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge near the main highway, each with its own lot and check in. Arrive about thirty minutes early for the safety briefing and weigh in, which sets the seating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for scenic flights in the Smoky Mountains?
Are scenic flights suitable for children?
How long do helicopter tours typically last?
Can I book a private flight?
What sights can I expect to see on these tours?
Are scenic flights safe for people with motion sickness?
How far in advance should I book a scenic flight?
Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide
Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours over the Smoky Mountains. See the peaks, ridgelines, and fall foliage from above on scenic flights departing from Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.
Scan for live
hours & details
What to Know
Best Seasons
Flights run year round, weather permitting, and the views shift with the seasons. Fall is the showstopper as the ridges turn color, spring and summer bring lush green and clear long range views on calm mornings, and crisp winter days can be the clearest of all. Wind or low cloud will scrub a flight, so leave a little flexibility in your plans.
What to Bring
Sunglasses, a light layer, and a charged phone or camera for the views. Skip loose hats and scarves near the helicopters. If you are prone to motion sickness, eat lightly beforehand and ask the operator about the smoothest route.
The Checklist
| Place | Rating | Hours | Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatlinburg | |||||
| Ober Mountain | 4.4 ★ | Mon-Sun: 9AM - 9PM | (865) 436-5423 | 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | |
| The Gatlinburg Tram | 4.3 ★ | 10 AM - 9 PM | (865) 436-5423 | 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | |
| SkyTrail at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park | 4.7 ★ | 9 AM - 9 PM | 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ||
| Pigeon Forge | |||||
| Scenic Helicopter Tours | 4.8 ★ | Daily: 9AM-Sunset (weather permitting) | (865) 453-6342 | 2491 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | |
| SkyFly: Soar America | 4.6 ★ | 10 AM - 10 PM | (865) 366-1234 | 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | |
| Sevierville | |||||
| My Flight Smoky Mountain Helicopters | 4.7 ★ | 11 AM - 5 PM | (865) 774-6595 | 380 Rainbow Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862 | |
| Iconic Air & Sea Adventure | 4.9 ★ | 8 AM - 6 PM | (865) 393-1712 | 134 Air Museum Way, Sevierville, TN 37862 | |
Picking the Right One for Your Group
For Families with Young Kids
My Flight Smoky Mountain Helicopters offers smooth flights with knowledgeable pilots who engage passengers of all ages. This option provides a comfortable introduction to aerial tours for younger travelers.
For Adventure Seekers
Iconic Air Sea Adventure combines scenic flights with additional experiences, providing a dynamic way to explore the area. Their helicopter tours offer close-up views of mountain ridges and water features.
For First-Time Visitors
Starting with My Flight Smoky Mountain Helicopters is a great way to get oriented with the area from above. Their tours highlight major landmarks and allow for easy scheduling in a busy itinerary.
For Photographers
Both providers offer opportunities to capture stunning aerial images. Iconic Air Sea Adventure’s flights around Kuwohi provide excellent vantage points for seasonal foliage and mountain landscapes.
Insider Tips
- Book a morning flight. The air is calmest, the light is best for photos, and you are less likely to be bumped by afternoon mountain weather.
- Longer tours reach the higher ridges and the national park boundary, while the short loops stay over the valley. Ask exactly what the route covers before you pick a length.
- Confirm seating when you book. On a shared flight the view is much better from the window seats, so ask how the operator assigns them.