Helicopter tours over the Tennessean mountain town of Pigeon Forge are a popular way to get a better view of attractions such as Dollywood and the Appalachian Mountains beyond.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Pigeon Forge may be best known for the incomparable Dollywood, but being situated on the fringe of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park means there are other natural wonders to see, besides the great musician and humanitarian Dolly Parton. A range of helicopter tours from Pigeon Forge explore the wooded hillsides, valleys, and mountain towns of the region, as well as flying past the sights of Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and the resort town’s many other quirky attractions. Please note that all helicopter flights on this list depart from a helipad in Sevierville, 11 miles (18km) north of Pigeon Forge.
French Broad River Helicopter Tour
Chopper tours and flights often make a large dent in the holiday budget of most people, but this affordable six-minute flight is a great way to get a taste of being in the air in a scenic setting. You’ll fly over the French Broad River towards Douglas Dam and the pretty, sprawling Douglas Lake, lined with thick forest. You’ll also see the Great Smoky Mountains beyond. Please note that at least two people are required for this tour to run. There is an extended, eight-minute lake view tour available for $63 per person. From $42 per person.
Pigeon Forge Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The Ridge Runner tour option utilizes a quick-flying helicopter to take in as much of the countryside as possible during the 15-minute flight (which covers around 30 miles). Pass over parts of the Chilhowee Mountains and get views out towards the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Sevierville and Pigeon Forge downtown areas. In-flight commentary is also provided to add context to the visible highlights along the way. As with all other tours on this list, multiple daily departures are available between 10am and 8pm. From $127 per person.
Pigeon Forge and Wears Valley Helicopter Tour
For a brief flight over the wilder lands of this corner of Sevier County, Tennessee, this 12-minute helicopter tour flies towards Wears Valley. Along the way you’ll fly past forest-clad mountains, such as Bluff Mountain, and look out over the undulating peaks, which are often wreathed in fog. The natural beauty increases the further from Pigeon Forge you fly. Two participants are required for this tour to run, with departures possible every half hour from 10am to 8pm throughout the year. From $158 per person.
Helicopter Tour of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Mount LeConte, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the highest peaks in Tennessee. The direct route to get there by helicopter passes Pigeon Forge along the way, making this the perfect aerial combination of urban and natural vistas. See the whimsical sights ranged along the Pigeon Range Parkway, including Dollywood’s rollercoasters, plus the huge replica ship at the Titanic Museum. Further south you’ll see the more montane Gatlinburg, before getting a closer view of the beautiful Great Smoky peaks. This is also a 12-minute flight. From $158 per person.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Helicopter Tour
For a more comprehensive Pigeon Forge helicopter tour, there’s a 25-minuter flight available that combines all of the highlights of the tours previously listed. Covering roughly 50 miles (80km), you’ll see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, passing over the Pigeon Forge strip and Gatlinburg along the way. For the return leg of the flight, you’ll explore the remoter regions of Wears Valley, including Bluff Mountain and the vast stretches of forest, following the foothills as they descend towards Sevier and back to your starting point. From $211 per person.