About Scenic Helicopter Tours
Scenic Helicopter Tours has been flying sightseeing tours over the Great Smoky Mountains since 1972, making it one of the longest-running helicopter tour operators in the region. Their heliport is located in nearby Sevierville with an additional ticket office on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, and they hold more FAA and National Park Service-approved flight routes over the Smokies than any other operator.
The company offers 12 different tour routes ranging from a quick scenic loop over Pigeon Forge to a 100-mile journey deep into the national park. Flights pass over mountain ridges, waterfalls, and valleys that are inaccessible by road, giving passengers a perspective on the Smokies that most visitors never see. Tours accommodate two to four passengers per flight with narration from the pilot, and no reservations are required — walk-ups are welcome.
What sets Scenic Helicopter Tours apart is the sheer variety of routes and the half-century of operational experience behind them. Prices start around $25 per person for shorter flights, making it one of the more accessible aerial experiences in the area. They have earned TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence and are a consistent favorite among families visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
