The Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful from every angle. You can admire them from a scenic overlook, explore them on a forest trail, or take in the view while driving through the valleys of East Tennessee. But seeing the Smokies from the sky is something completely different.
A helicopter tour gives you a whole new view of the mountains, rivers, lakes, and rolling foothills that make this area so special. If you are planning a trip to Sevierville and want to add something unforgettable to your itinerary, a scenic helicopter tour is a great choice.
Why Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Smokies?
There is nothing quite like lifting off the ground and watching the landscape open up beneath you. From the air, the Smoky Mountains look bigger, wilder, and even more breathtaking.
You may see green pastures, winding rivers, Douglas Lake, Douglas Dam, mountain ridges, valleys, and forested areas that are hard to appreciate from the road. On a clear day, the views can stretch for miles.
It is a peaceful, exciting, and memorable way to experience the mountains, especially if you want to see a side of the Smokies that many visitors miss.
Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tours in Sevierville
Scenic Helicopter Tours is one of the most well known helicopter tour companies in the area. The company has been flying guests over Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and the Smokies for decades, and its heliport is conveniently located in Sevierville along Winfield Dunn Parkway.
One of the best parts about booking a helicopter tour is that there are several flight options to choose from. Whether you want a short introductory ride or a longer mountain flight, there is likely a tour that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.
Popular Tour Options
The River Ride Tour
This is a great option for first time flyers or anyone who wants a quick taste of helicopter flight. The tour takes you over the French Broad River and the scenic countryside of Sevier County.
It is short, exciting, and a fun way to experience the thrill of flying without committing to a longer tour.
Lake View and Extended Lake Tours
These tours take you toward Douglas Lake and over Douglas Dam. In the summer, the lake is especially beautiful from above, with boats, jet skis, and sparkling water below.
You will also enjoy mountain views in the distance, which makes this a great choice for anyone who wants a mix of lake and mountain scenery.
Mountain Valley and Ridge Runner Tours
If you want a closer look at the Smoky Mountain landscape, these tours are a wonderful option. They head toward areas like Bluff Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, where you can see dramatic ridgelines and valleys from above.
These flights are perfect for visitors who want a more scenic mountain focused experience.
Wears Valley and National Park Tours
These longer tours offer even more incredible views. Depending on the route, you may fly over historic downtown Sevierville, follow the foothills near Pigeon Forge, and take in the peaceful beauty of Wears Valley near the edge of the national park.
This is a great choice if you want a longer, more immersive flight experience.
Pair Your Flight with Other Sevierville Attractions
A helicopter tour can be the highlight of your day, but it is easy to pair it with other fun things to do in Sevierville.
If you are visiting with family, Dig’n Zone Theme Park is a great nearby attraction. Kids and adults can operate real construction equipment in a safe and fun setting. It is a unique way to keep the excitement going after your flight.
You can spend the morning in the air, enjoy lunch in town, and still have plenty of time for more Sevierville fun.
Tips for Your First Helicopter Tour
A little planning can help you enjoy your flight even more.
- Wear darker clothing if you want to take photos. Lighter shirts can reflect in the helicopter windows, which may create glare in your pictures.
- Be prepared to be weighed at check in. This is a normal safety step that helps the crew balance the aircraft properly, and it is handled privately and professionally.
- Keep your phone or camera ready. The views change quickly in the air, and you will want to be ready when the mountains, valleys, and rivers come into view.
Add a Sky High Adventure to Your Sevierville Trip
Whether you are celebrating something special or simply want to make your vacation more memorable, a helicopter tour is a beautiful way to experience Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains.
Step aboard, lift into the sky, and enjoy a view of East Tennessee you will never forget.
