Up, Up And Away! High-Flying Attractions In The Smokies
Posted by Leif Palmer in Things to Do
Usually, enjoying a great view of the mountains involves looking UP at them. But next time you travel to the Smokies, consider doing something that will actually allow you to look DOWN on those majestic peaks. This week, we're introducing you to a number of local attractions that give their customers bird's-eye views of some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Read on to find out where to go to enjoy a soaring perspective on the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Sky High Air Tours
This unique air-tour operator flies an open-cockpit biplane out of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport in Sevierville. The Waco (pronounced like taco) plane carries as many as two passengers in the front seat, and headsets are worn during flights to allow guests to hear the pilot's narration. All ages are welcome via reservations or on a first-come, first-served basis. Flights range from an introductory 8-minute tour to their 30-minute Barnstormer ride, which flies from over Douglas Lake to the Pigeon Forge Parkway.
Helicopter rides have long been a mainstay of Smoky Mountain Tourism. Companies like Scenic Helicopter Tours and Smoky Mountain Helicopters offer multiple tour packages at a wide range of price points, starting as low as $29 per person. Package destinations include flights over the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, Wears Valley, the Smokies foothills and even Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Skydive East Tennessee
This skydiving center combines high-flying views with the thrill of freefalling from an airplane. Located just 26 miles from Knoxville, TN, Skydive East Tennessee's licensed professionals are set to get you trained, geared up and flying out the open door of a perfectly good airplane in just one visit. Jump in tandem with a jumpmaster or take more lessons to learn how to freefall on your own. It's an experience you'll never forget.
If you're staying in one of our Sevierville cabins in the Smokies, these operators will give you multiple options for experiencing the freedom of flight. In fact, most of these locations are easily accessible from our scenic location in the foothills. So you can go from mountain cabin to cockpit cabin in a short amount of time, without spending too much of your day on travel.
And once you've seen the mountains from above, you'll also want to enjoy them from the deck of one of our properties. Our cabins offer amazing views of nearby mountains, foothills and valleys. And you should also consider venturing into Great Smoky Mountains National Park and exploring them on foot. Our proximity to the park makes it easy to find a nearby trailhead, hit the trail and enjoy up-close views of majestic trees, gorgeous flowers, native wildlife and historical sites as well.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
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Gatlinburg Hiking Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge Attractions Places To Eat Places To Eat Rental Cabins Seasons Smoky Mountains Sevierville Smoky Mountain Attractions Smoky Mountains Things to Do Wears Valley