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Top 5 Gatlinburg Attractions with Incredible Views

gatlinburg view
August 27, 2024

The mountainous landscape of Gatlinburg allows lots of Gatlinburg attractions to provide guests with entertainment, as well as stunning views. Ski lifts, lookouts, and theme parks are just a few of the destinations in Gatlinburg where you can see the city from above. Here are the 5 best Gatlinburg attractions with incredible views:

1. Gatlinburg Space Needle

gatlinburg space needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is the perfect stop for someone hoping to take in aerial views of Gatlinburg. This 407 foot tall observation tower provides breathtaking views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Ride to the top in our glass elevators to take in 360 degree views of the city. This Gatlinburg attraction is open year round, so you can watch the Smoky Mountains through the seasons! If you’re looking for something to do after the lookout, check out the massive arcade or the Indigo Theater, both located at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

2. Gatlinburg SkyPark

Gatlinburg SkyPark offers multiple ways for you to see Gatlinburg from above. The SkyPark is home to the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. The bridge spans a length of 680 feet and stands at 150 feet at its highest point. The SkyBridge offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains from all sides, as well as views through the glass floor you walk across! Gatlinburg SkyPark is also home to the SkyDeck, where you can relax and enjoy a drink or snack while looking down on the busy city. The SkyDeck features plenty of outdoor seating, a fire pit, a cascading waterfall, and more, all atop Gatlinburg’s Crockett Mountain. To reach the SkyPark, you’ll ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift so you can take in views from the ground, all the way to the mountain’s peak.

3. Ober Mountain Aerial Tram

ober tram

Built out of necessity, the Ober Mountain Aerial Tram has become a favorite attraction among Gatlinburg visitors. The tramway was built in 1973 to carry guests to the ski area, and has carried millions of people to Ober since then! The tram will carry riders from Downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Mountain over a distance of 2.1 miles, gaining 1,500 feet in elevation. You can watch as you leave the bustling city and soar into the wooded mountains. The Ober Mountain Aerial Tram carries over 3,000 guests daily and departs every 20 minutes, so you’ve got plenty of opportunities to jump on!

4. Moonshine Mountain Coaster

The Moonshine Mountain Coaster allows you to see Gatlinburg in a different way. Instead of taking in views from an aerial location, you can take in the sight and sounds of the mountains as you zoom through them! This Gatlinburg attraction allows you to ride alone or with a passenger, so you can customize your experience! In addition, each coaster car has individual speed controls, so you decide how fast you go! You’ll begin high in the treetops, and you can take in views of the Smokies and the wildlife surrounding you as you coast down the mountain! This mountain coaster runs day and night, in rain, snow, or sunshine, so you can stop by any time for a thrilling ride!

5. Firefly Village at Anakeesta

view from anakeesta

There’s so much to do at Anakeesta, but spending time in the Firefly Village is a lowkey way to see some of the best views that Gatlinburg has to offer. Firefly Village has plenty of places to shop, eat, drink, and relax! Eat dinner at Cliff Top as you overlook Mount Leconte, grab a drink at The Bar at the Top of the World, or indulge in dessert at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky. Anakeesta sits high in the forestland of the Great Smoky Mountains, so you’ll be able to peruse shops and spend time with friends and family while overlooking the city!

Being able to see Gatlinburg from above is one of the biggest perks to visiting the mountains. The high peaks and low valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains provide lots of opportunities for sightseeing, as well as thrilling attractions. If you’re interested in these Gatlinburg attractions with great views, check out the Pigeon Forge attractions to see all that the area has to offer!