Scenic Helicopter Tours Smoky Mountains
Soar above the majestic Smoky Mountains and Douglas Lake for unparalleled aerial views. Experience the thrill of flight with expert pilots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Scenic Helicopter Tours Smoky Mountains
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above the majestic Smoky Mountains and Douglas Lake for unparalleled aerial views. Experience the thrill of flight with expert pilots.
"The views are unmatched, offering an unforgettable aerial adventure with friendly and knowledgeable pilots."
🎯 Book in Advance
Popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Secure your spot early!
☁️ Weather is Key
Flights are weather-dependent. Have a backup plan, but be ready for a potential reschedule.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Above Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Soar above the iconic peaks and valleys for unparalleled views of the ancient mountain range. See what hikers can only dream of!
Douglas Lake Aerial Tour
Over Douglas Lake
Experience the beauty of Douglas Lake from a unique aerial perspective, showcasing its sparkling waters and surrounding landscapes.
Extended Lake Tour
Douglas Lake and Smoky Mountains
Combine the best of both worlds with a tour offering expansive views of Douglas Lake and the majestic Smoky Mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Smoky Mountain Views in Advance
Weather Can Impact Your Flight
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance
Popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Secure your spot early!
☁️ Weather is Key
Flights are weather-dependent. Have a backup plan, but be ready for a potential reschedule.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone! Many reviewers recommend the photo package.
🧑✈️ Chat with Your Pilot
Pilots are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing great insights about the area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance
Popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Secure your spot early!
☁️ Weather is Key
Flights are weather-dependent. Have a backup plan, but be ready for a potential reschedule.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone! Many reviewers recommend the photo package.
🧑✈️ Chat with Your Pilot
Pilots are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing great insights about the area.
💰 Value for Money
Considered a premium experience at a fair cost, offering great value.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Scenic Helicopter Tours for their friendly staff, knowledgeable pilots, and breathtaking aerial views of the Smoky Mountains and Douglas Lake. The experience is described as thrilling, safe, and offering excellent value for money, making it a highly recommended activity for creating unforgettable memories. Some minor concerns might arise from weather-dependent cancellations, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"Everyone was so friendly from check in, instructions and our pilot. JD was so nice! He gave clear instructions and was super helpful for us first time flyers. Caleb was an excellent pilot! Very friendly, kept conversations going and was very informative of the area. We did the extended lake tour, highly recommend for great views of Douglas lake and the Smoky Mountains!"
Hailey Rhodes
"Scenic Helicopter Tours: An Unforgettable Aerial Adventure!My recent experience with Scenic Helicopter Tours was nothing short of spectacular, and I can't recommend them highly enough. If you're looking for a unique and breathtaking way to see the beauty of the region, this is absolutely the way to go. From start to finish, the entire process was smooth, enjoyable, and incredibly memorable.First and foremost, the "fun" factor is off the charts. There's something inherently exhilarating about taking to the skies in a helicopter. The views are simply unparalleled – sweeping vistas of mountains, valleys, and landmarks that you simply cannot appreciate from the ground. Every turn offered a new perspective and a fresh "wow" moment. Whether it was the lush greenery, the winding rivers, or the distant peaks, the scenery was captivating and made for some truly stunning photos. The sensation of flight itself is a thrill, yet it's also surprisingly smooth and comfortable, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.Beyond the sheer enjoyment, I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonably priced the tour was. For such a premium and unique activity, the value for money was exceptional. I've often found similar experiences to be quite expensive, but Scenic Helicopter Tours offers an accessible way to enjoy a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure without breaking the bank. It felt like a luxury experience at a very fair cost, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to add a special highlight to their trip.Perhaps the most impactful part of the experience was our super nice guide. Their professionalism, knowledge, and genuinely friendly demeanor made the tour even better. Our pilot was not only highly skilled and made us feel completely safe, but they were also incredibly engaging. They pointed out key landmarks, shared interesting facts about the area, and answered all our questions with enthusiasm. It wasn't just a flight; it was an informative and personalized journey guided by someone who clearly loves what they do. Their passion for the region and for flying was infectious, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to an already fantastic tour.In summary, Scenic Helicopter Tours delivers on every front: thrilling fun, excellent value, and exceptional service from their friendly and knowledgeable team. It's an experience that will leave you with incredible memories and a newfound appreciation for the stunning landscapes of Eastern Tennessee. Don't hesitate – book your flight today!"
Rodney Brown
"We had an awesome time flying here! It was my first time in a helicopter and it was so worth it! Phillip helped us out and explained the rules and things for us and he was super nice and very helpful! We had a great pilot Matt and he was awesome about answering our questions and giving us a great tour! I highly recommend flying here!"
Natalie Higgs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scenic Helicopter Tours operates from an airport near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, serving as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are easily accessible for visitors staying in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville.
The departure point is typically accessible by car. If you are staying in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, it's a short drive. Parking is usually available on-site.
Public transportation options directly to the helicopter tour departure point are limited. Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle or rideshare services.
Many visitors drive to the Smoky Mountains. If flying in, the nearest major airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, about an hour's drive away.
Absolutely! Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer numerous attractions like Dollywood, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and dinner shows, making it easy to plan a full day or weekend around your helicopter tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary depending on the tour length and route. While specific costs aren't listed here, reviews suggest they offer excellent value for a premium experience. It's best to check their official website for current pricing.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your helicopter tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.
Helicopter tours are weather-dependent. If a tour is canceled due to weather, you will typically be offered a reschedule or a refund. It's advisable to confirm their specific policy when booking.
Yes, there are usually weight restrictions per passenger and for the helicopter's total capacity. These are for safety reasons and will be communicated during the booking process or at check-in.
Many visitors opt for photo packages to capture their experience. Reviews indicate that purchasing photos is worthwhile for lasting memories.
🎫 🚁 Onsite Experience
Scenic Helicopter Tours uses FAA-approved helicopters, ensuring safety and comfort. The specific models may vary, but they are designed for scenic flights.
Tour durations vary, with options ranging from shorter scenic flights to extended lake tours. Check the specific tour details when booking for exact flight times.
You'll see breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including mountain ranges, valleys, and potentially Douglas Lake, depending on your chosen tour.
While some turbulence is possible, reviews generally describe the flight as surprisingly smooth and comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy the views.
Dress comfortably in layers, as temperatures can vary at altitude. Avoid loose clothing that could interfere with operations.
📸 📸 Photography
Mid-morning to early afternoon often provides good lighting. Late afternoon can offer a beautiful golden hour glow, but may also be busier.
Yes, you can take your own photos and videos. Many passengers also opt for professional photo packages offered by the tour company.
Generally, standard cameras and phones are allowed. Large professional equipment might require prior approval. Ensure your gear is secured.
Expect stunning aerial shots of mountain ranges, winding rivers, forests, and lakes. The perspective from above offers unique compositions not possible from the ground. +1
Many reviewers found the photo package to be worth it for capturing high-quality memories of their unforgettable experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a shorter tour if you have very young children, or opt for a tour that highlights visually interesting areas like Douglas Lake. The Extended Lake Tour is often recommended for its broad appeal. Remember to check for any age or weight restrictions when booking.
💑 Couples Seeking Romance
Many couples find the aerial views to be incredibly breathtaking and a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. The Extended Lake Tour also provides stunning scenery that can be enjoyed together. Booking in advance is key to securing a romantic slot.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While you can bring your own camera, consider purchasing the photo package offered by Scenic Helicopter Tours. These packages often provide high-quality images taken by professionals, ensuring you have stunning souvenirs of your aerial adventure. Be prepared for dynamic lighting conditions and consider shooting in burst mode to capture the best moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Smoky Mountain Helicopter Adventure
When selecting your tour, consider what you most want to see. Some tours might highlight specific landmarks or offer longer flight times for more comprehensive exploration. It's always a good idea to check the tour descriptions on their official website to match your interests with the available routes. Remember that all flights are FAA and National Park Service approved, ensuring you can explore areas that few other companies can access.
Reviewers often rave about the unparalleled views and the thrill of flight. The experience is described as exhilarating yet smooth, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery. Many also highlight the informative and friendly pilots who enhance the journey with local knowledge, making it more than just a ride – it's an educational adventure.
The Pilot's Perspective: Safety and Scenery
Beyond safety, pilots play a crucial role in enhancing the tour. They act as guides, pointing out significant landmarks, sharing interesting facts about the history and ecology of the Smoky Mountains, and answering passenger questions. This personal touch transforms the flight into an engaging narrative, making the experience more memorable and informative. Passengers often feel a strong connection with their pilots, appreciating their passion for flying and the region.
For first-time helicopter riders, the pilots are particularly adept at easing any nerves, ensuring a comfortable and exciting journey. Their expertise ensures that you can relax and focus on the stunning vistas unfolding below, from the dense forests of the national park to the shimmering surface of Douglas Lake.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit