Great mountain views are the hallmark of the Great Smoky Mountains. The area brings in millions of visitors every year, and the incredible scenery is the main reason. A landscape dotted with a huge variety of trees, wildflowers, abundant wildlife, historic buildings, rushing mountain streams, soaring mountains and dipping valleys makes it an ideal destination for anyone wanting beautiful and unique views. Spring is especially nice, with warmer weather, animals out and about, and everything blooming. If you’re headed here this spring, don’t miss out on some of the best spring views in the Smoky Mountains. You’ll find beautiful views just about anywhere you go in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but here are a few of our favorites.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
“Ride the hill, feel the thrill” is the motto at the longest downhill ride in the USA, located in beautiful Pigeon Forge. With more than 1 mile of track for you to race down, the coaster takes you winding down the side of the mountain at adrenaline-pumping speeds (27 mph). It’s been rated the #1 Amusement in Pigeon Forge by TripAdvisor and has garnered many great reviews from happy guests. Stop by Sunday through Thursday anytime from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. or Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and midnight. Tickets are just $15 for adults, $12 for kids (ages 7-12), and $5 for children 3-6 years old. As you fly through the woods, you’ll get some amazing spring views!
Atop the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
Soaring 200 feet above the city of Pigeon Forge, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge offers some truly unique and beautiful views. Unless you hop in a helicopter to tour the city, you won’t get views like this anywhere else in Pigeon Forge! During the day, look out over the lush spring Smoky Mountains from your all-glass gondola (that seats up to 8); at night, see the bright lights of the city shine over the mountains.
At Goats on the Roof
Mining for gems, feeding goats, eating ice cream, shopping for old-fashioned candies…you can do it all while enjoying beautiful spring views at this one-of-a-kind attraction in Pigeon Forge. Sit on the front porch swing and enjoy some ice cream or hop on the “goat-cycle” that will carry a can of goat food up to the goats on the roof. For a better look, head upstairs to look out at the goats (and the spring views) through the windows! A spring day at Goats on the Roof is sure to be a memorable one!
At the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Just down the road from Pigeon Forge, the City of Gatlinburg is home to more of those fantastic Smoky Mountain views. One of the best places to view the mountains and the city this spring is from the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The 407-foot observation tower looks out over the city and the Great Smoky Mountains. You’ll get 360-degree views, and you can learn more about the history of Gatlinburg with the Higher Learning exhibits.
On the roller coasters at Dollywood
A ride at Dollywood is more than just a thrill. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy amazing Smoky Mountain views. They have more than 40 rides to enjoy, and March 2016 will bring yet another: the Lightning Rod. The ride, designed after a souped-up 1950s hot rod, will be the world’s fastest wood coaster. It will launch you 20 stories up in the air, going 0 to 45 mph. Then drop 165 feet and be propelled along a 3,800-foot track at up to 73 mph! The coaster will take you through the trees and hills of the Smokies, offering unbeatable spring views.
From the deck of your cabin
Many of our cabins offer beautiful mountain views from their spacious decks. You can sit back in the rocking chairs or on a porch swing with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and look out over the stunning landscape. In spring, let the warm breezes wash over you as you unwind in the hot tub. Some of our pet-friendly cabins even have nice yards for playing around on a spring day.
During a drive in Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a favorite of mine. I love driving through on beautiful spring days to see bears, turkey, and deer, peaceful streams, fields of wildflowers, and green mountains in the distance. You’ll get some great spring views here, and the weather is nice enough for you to walk the loop or hop out of your car to enjoy the sights.
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines
Want to get great spring views in the Smokies with a hands-on experience? Try out Smoky Mountain Ziplines, where you can fly through the trees and get your blood pumping. Kids and adults will love this exciting experience that has been top rated on FlipKey and TripAdvisor for years. Springtime will bring blooming wildflowers, flowering bushes, and bright green trees for an unforgettable experience!
