5 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours In Pigeon Forge

The 5 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is famous for its lively attractions, mountain views, and stunning natural scenery. While its roadside attractions and theaters are well known, exploring the region from above offers a totally different perspective. Helicopter tours in Pigeon Forge let you soar over the Great Smoky Mountains, Douglas Lake, and vibrant towns like Gatlinburg and Sevierville—giving you a panoramic view you won’t forget. Whether you want a quick adrenaline rush or a more in-depth aerial journey, there’s a helicopter experience to suit your style.

What makes helicopter tours in Pigeon Forge especially appealing is the opportunity to see hard-to-reach vistas with expert pilots guiding you safely. Many of these tours include full safety briefings, in-flight commentary, and options to upgrade for more extensive views. From family-friendly rides to more immersive journeys, this list showcases the best options to elevate your visit.

1. Pigeon Forge: French Broad River Helicopter Tour

This quick but memorable helicopter ride offers spectacular views of the French Broad River. You’ll fly over the lush landscapes that surround Pigeon Forge, with options to upgrade to see Douglas Lake and the Smoky Mountains in the distance. Flights last between 4 and 8 minutes, making it an easy addition to your trip. For a slightly longer experience, you can opt for the Lake View or Extended Lake options for more breathtaking scenery.

What sets this tour apart is its affordability—just $41 per person—and the fact that it’s ideal for those who want a taste of the skies without a big time commitment. The reviews speak volumes: visitors comment on the friendly staff, the smooth ride, and the “beautiful view of the mountains and surrounding area.” Several mention feeling comfortable even if they are wary of heights, thanks to the pilot’s professionalism and the safety briefing.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience that still delivers stunning panoramic views. It’s especially suited for first-timers or those with limited time. A quick flight that leaves you wanting more—definitely a highlight of any trip.

Bottom Line: Short but sweet, this helicopter ride offers fantastic value and accessibility for anyone eager to see Pigeon Forge from above.

2. Pigeon Forge: Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour

If you’re after a more expansive view of the Smoky Mountains, this 15-minute flight is a great pick. It provides a bird’s-eye view of Chilhowee Mountain range, along with Pigeon Forge and its surroundings. For only $126 per person, the tour balances length and value, giving you a more comprehensive look at the area.

The tour shares the skies with the foggy canopy and rolling ridges, offering a sense of scale that’s hard to match from the ground. During the flight, you’ll be treated to in-flight commentary highlighting key points of interest, making the experience both informative and awe-inspiring. Reviewers rave about the phenomenal experience and praise the pilot’s knowledge—“Ben was very informative,” one mentions, emphasizing the professionalism.

This tour is suited for those who want a more detailed aerial perspective without committing to a full hour. It’s ideal for travelers who love mountain scenery and want to see the Chilhowee Mountain range from above.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded experience that provides a longer, more detailed view of the Smoky Mountains, perfect for those wanting more than a quick snapshot.

3. Pigeon Forge: Smoky Mountain and Lake Helicopter Trip

For around $249, this 25-minute tour offers a comprehensive look at both lakes and mountains in the region. You’ll see French Broad River, Douglas Lake, and then continue past Sevierville to Gatlinburg, making it a full round-trip aerial tour.

What makes this trip stand out is its diverse scenery. You’ll experience the thrill of flying over Douglas Lake, then soar past English Mountain and Cove Mountain, with views of Wears Valley. The pilot, Dakota, is praised for his expertise, and the tour includes full safety briefings to ensure peace of mind. Passengers note how Jay’s photography tips helped capture stunning images of the scenery.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of the region’s natural beauty. The longer duration justifies the price, especially with the chance to see multiple key sights from a unique vantage point.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a detailed, scenic tour of the Smoky Mountains and lakes, with a comfortable flight and informative commentary.

4. Pigeon Forge: Helicopter Tour of Gatlinburg

This 20-minute tour offers a bird’s-eye view of Gatlinburg, including downtown landmarks like Dollywood and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. It also provides an impressive look at Mount LeConte, one of Tennessee’s highest peaks. For $189 per person, it’s a slightly longer, more in-depth exploration of the Gatlinburg area.

Flying over Gatlinburg gives you a different perspective on its lively streets and mountain backdrop. The pilot also points out Mount LeConte and other notable sights. The reviews highlight the reliability and safety of the experience, with some noting that it’s a perfect way to get oriented before exploring the area on foot or by car.

This tour is especially suited for travelers interested in Gatlinburg’s highlights or those seeking a more comprehensive view of the region’s most iconic mountain.

Bottom Line: Perfect for viewers wanting a focused tour of Gatlinburg’s sights and the nearby mountains from above.

5. Sevierville: Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tour

Offering a range of options from 5 to 25 minutes starting at just $50 per person, this tour is flexible depending on your schedule and budget. You’ll soar over Douglas Lake, the Pigeon Forge Strip, and Clingmans Dome, providing a broad view of the Smoky Mountains.

It’s a popular choice for those wanting a quick overview or a more affordable experience. Reviewers mention that it’s a second helicopter tour for some, indicating its popularity for repeat visitors. The shorter flights tend to stay around the lake and Pigeon Forge area, which may be limiting if you want extensive mountain views. Still, the up-to-date helicopters and friendly staff add peace of mind.

This option is best for travelers who want a shorter, budget-friendly helicopter ride that still covers key sights. It’s also good if you’re new to aerial tours and want to see the Smoky Mountains without a big time commitment.

Bottom Line: A flexible, economical choice for those wanting a quick scenic flight around Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.

How to Choose Your Helicopter Adventure

Picking the right helicopter tour depends on your budget, time, and what sights excite you most. If you’re after an affordable, quick experience with stunning views of the French Broad River, the French Broad River Helicopter Tour is perfect. Want a more extensive trip that includes lakes and mountains? The Smoky Mountain and Lake Helicopter Trip offers a longer, more diverse flight.

For those curious about Gatlinburg and its towering peaks, the Gatlinburg helicopter tour provides a focused look at one of the region’s most popular towns. If your schedule is tight, the Sevierville helicopter tour offers a quick, flexible option.

Remember, booking early is always wise, especially in peak seasons. Consider the duration and coverage you want, and choose a flight that matches your interests—whether that’s a short scenic overview or a detailed mountain expedition.

Final Thoughts

The range of helicopter tours in Pigeon Forge means there’s a flight for every type of traveler. Families looking for a quick thrill might prefer the French Broad River Helicopter Tour, while adventure seekers wanting a longer view should consider the Smoky Mountain and Lake Helicopter Trip. For those eager to see Gatlinburg’s skyline or get a quick overview, the Gatlinburg tour provides a memorable experience.

No matter which you choose, these helicopter flights offer a new way to appreciate Pigeon Forge’s natural beauty. Book early, prepare for breathtaking views, and enjoy your airborne adventure in the Smokies.