Sevierville is a fantastic place for helicopter flights and tours because it offers a perfect mix of mountain scenery, lakes, and charming town views. Whether you’re seeking a quick thrill or a lengthy flight over the Smoky Mountains, the area’s diverse landscape makes for unforgettable aerial sightseeing. Our favorites include the Ridge Runner Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tour for its stunning 15-minute adventure, and the Smoky Mountain Valley Adventure for those wanting to see a broad 24-mile stretch of mountains. These tours give you a bird’s-eye perspective on iconic landmarks like Bluff Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, all narrated by expert pilots who bring the landscape to life.
Sevierville’s helicopter experiences stand out because of their variety — from short “quick hops” perfect for first-timers, to longer, more comprehensive tours that include sights like Douglas Lake, Pigeon Forge, and Mt. LeConte. If you’re not sure which one suits your trip best, read on for detailed descriptions of each option.
1. Douglas Lake View Scenic Helicopter Tour
Fly high above the Tennessee countryside on this 6-minute scenic helicopter tour over Douglas Lake, the French Broad River, and the Great Smoky Mountains. This tour is a perfect introduction to the area’s diverse landscape, with a focus on Douglas Lake, a 33,000-acre manmade reservoir with over 450 miles of shoreline. Your pilot guides you through key sights like Douglas Dam, farmland patches, and the Plateau dividing Tennessee and Kentucky, all while maintaining a safe altitude of up to 1500 feet for stunning views.
Guests love the friendly staff and knowledgeable pilots, with reviews praising the smooth ride and fun narration. The short duration makes it ideal for a quick glimpse of the region’s top scenery, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. For a brief but memorable experience, this tour offers great value at just over $41 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-time helicopter flyers or those wanting a quick taste of mountain and lake views without committing too much time or money.
2. Extended Douglas Lake Region Tour by Helicopter
For about $62.71, this 8-minute extended tour elevates your experience by climbing to almost 1000 feet, providing broader vistas of Douglas Lake, the French Broad River, and distant mountain ranges. This tour is popular for its extra elevation and longer flight time, allowing more time to soak in the scenery and hear informative commentary from your pilot. It’s also wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, making it a versatile choice.
Guests rave about the friendly staff and the incredible views, with some saying it was their first helicopter ride but definitely not their last. The extra altitude means you get better perspective on the lake’s size and the surrounding landscape, especially the Douglas Dam and Plateau views.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want a little more altitude and sightseeing time for a reasonable price, especially suited for families and those with mobility considerations.
3. Ridge Runner Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tour
This 15-minute tour is a standout for its coverage of the Smoky Mountains, including downtown Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and the Chilhowee Mountain Range. It’s the most popular length, offering a rundown of the mountain peaks, undeveloped forests, and scenic valleys. The flight swoops over Bluff Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, giving you dynamic views just above the treetops.
Guests consistently mention the breathtaking vistas and the pilot’s engaging narration, which adds depth to the experience. The tour’s length strikes a good balance—long enough to see multiple landmarks and terrain features, but still manageable for most visitors.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a more immersive mountain experience in a manageable time frame, with excellent reviews backing its quality.
4. The Smoky Mountain Valley Adventure by Helicopter
Spanning about 12 minutes, this tour takes you over long mountain ranges and forested valleys in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s especially suited for those wanting an extensive mountain experience, with views reaching out over Bluff Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Tennessee Valley. The narration from your pilot helps you understand the landscape, emphasizing features created by glaciers at the end of the last ice age.
Reviewers note this ride as smooth and engaging, with many calling it a “must-do” in Sevierville. The 24-mile flight offers a broad scope of the area’s untouched natural beauty, making it a strong choice for nature lovers or those wanting a longer airtime.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a more in-depth mountain adventure with great reviews and a reasonable price for the experience.
5. Scenic Helicopter Tour of Wears Valley, Tennessee
This 18-minute tour offers a more expansive look at Wears Valley, covering around 36 miles of the Great Smoky Mountains. Your pilot takes you over Cove Mountain, Waldens Creek, and the wilderness beyond, with live commentary that enriches the experience. You’ll enjoy views of Pine Mountain, Bluff Mountain, and the scenic valleys that define the area.
Travelers appreciate the fuller panoramic scope — it’s a good fit for those wanting to see Wears Valley from above and learn about its landscape and wildlife. The flight also offers a unique perspective on the wilderness and mountain ridges, making it a compelling choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature enthusiasts and those eager to explore the Wears Valley area and surrounding peaks from the air.
6. Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Great Smoky Tour
This 20 to 27-minute tour is the most comprehensive on our list, providing a full tour of the Smoky Mountains, Downtown Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. You’ll see Douglas Lake, Mount LeConte, Dollywood, and the surrounding peaks, all with narrated insights from your pilot.
The ride’s length makes it suitable for travelers wanting a fuller experience, with enough time to absorb the diversity of sights. It’s the most expensive at $320, but many reviewers say it’s worth every penny for the spectacular views and extensive coverage.
Bottom Line: The best choice for travelers seeking the most complete aerial tour of the entire Smoky Mountain region.
7. Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Douglas Lake Tour
At just 7 to 12 minutes, this “Douglas Lake Tour” offers a focused exploration of Douglas Lake and the historic Douglas Dam. It’s perfect if you want a quick, scenic flight that highlights one of the region’s most iconic features.
Guests enjoy the historic insight about Douglas Dam, built in 1943, and the unspoiled shoreline of the lake. The flight provides views of the French Broad River and the Little Pigeon River, giving a broader context to the region’s water features.
Bottom Line: A brief but rich experience, ideal for history buffs or those wanting a quick highlight of Douglas Lake.
8. Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Mountain Jumper
This 14 to 19-minute helicopter ride is a favorite for mountain scenery. It takes you between Wears Valley and Bluff Mountain, with views of Mount LeConte, Cove Mountain, and Bluff Mountain. The tour is praised for its close-up views of waterfalls, hiking trails, and forested ridges.
Reviewers highlight how impressive the panoramic scenery is, especially during the flight over the lush mountains and valleys. It’s a good option for those who want a balanced mix of mountain, valley, and forest views in a shorter time frame.
Bottom Line: Recommended for travelers who want a mountain-focused flight with excellent reviews without a long commitment.
9. Sevierville: Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tour
This flexible tour offers 5 to 25-minute flights with excellent views of Douglas Lake, Pigeon Forge, Clingmans Dome, and more. It’s a good option if you want the flexibility to choose your time and route, depending on your interests and schedule.
While it has slightly fewer reviews, those that are available mention breathtaking views of the region’s key landmarks. It’s suitable for budget-conscious travelers or those wanting a quick, customizable aerial experience.
Bottom Line: Good for flexible schedules and those seeking a brief overview of the Smoky Mountains’ highlights.
10. Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Quick Hop
This 4 to 7-minute thrill ride is perfect for first-timers or those short on time. You’ll fly near Sevierville, Gatlinburg Airport, and see the town from about 10 miles of high-speed excitement.
Reviewers mention the smooth ride and great views, calling it an “unforgettable experience.” It’s an excellent introductory flight if you’re curious about helicopter tours but don’t want a big time or financial investment.
Bottom Line: The ideal quick, exhilarating experience for beginners or as a fun add-on to other activities.
11. Pigeon Forge: Wears Valley Helicopter Tour
Last on our list, this 18-minute flight offers breathtaking views of Wears Valley, Pine Mountain, and the wilderness beyond. It’s a focused tour for those wanting to see natural landscapes and scenic valleys from high above.
Reviews are limited but positive, emphasizing the spectacular mountain vistas and safe, professional pilots. The tour is a solid option if you desire an aerial look at Wears Valley’s lush terrain.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a mid-length, scenic mountain flight with a focus on wilderness views.
How to Choose
When deciding which helicopter tour to book, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a quick introduction, the Douglas Lake View Scenic Helicopter Tour offers great value. If you want a more comprehensive experience, the Smoky Mountain Valley Adventure or the full Great Smoky Mountain Tour are excellent options.
Travelers wanting a family-friendly, accessible option should look at the Extended Douglas Lake Tour, while those craving extensive mountain views might opt for the Mountain Jumper. Remember to check the duration and reviews to match your desires for scenery, comfort, and adventure.
Sevierville offers a wide variety of helicopter flights for every type of traveler — whether you’re after a quick thrill, a scenic family outing, or an all-day mountain adventure. Booking early is always wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot on these spectacular flights. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to see the Smoky Mountains from an entirely new perspective — a view that will stay with you long after your trip ends.