Nestled in the heart of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge offers visitors a truly breathtaking aerial adventure with the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour. This 15-minute flight promises a unique perspective, soaring above the awe-inspiring Chilhowee Mountain range and capturing the essence of the region’s natural beauty. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm, guests embark on a captivating journey, gazing upon tree-covered peaks, glistening rivers, and majestic snow-capped summits. Limited to just six participants, this exclusive tour guarantees an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning to uncover more of the Great Smoky Mountains’ hidden wonders.
Key Points
- The Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour offers a 15-minute flight over the Great Smoky Mountains, covering 30 miles of breathtaking tree-covered peaks and valleys.
- The tour provides a small-group experience with knowledgeable guides who offer insightful commentary, allowing for an intimate and informative aerial adventure.
- Booking is convenient with online reservations, flexible scheduling, and hassle-free cancellations, ensuring a stress-free planning and booking process.
- The tour adheres to high safety standards with qualified pilots, a comprehensive safety briefing, and accessibility for wheelchair users, prioritizing guest safety and enjoyment.
- The experience includes a helicopter ride with headsets, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the opportunity to explore the local area, offering a balanced adventure and personal choice.
Tour Overview
Soaring over the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled aerial adventure, allowing visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region from a unique bird’s-eye perspective.
During the 15-minute flight, the helicopter will glide over the Chilhowee Mountain range, providing breathtaking views of the lush, tree-covered peaks and valleys below. Guests will fly low over the treetops, covering a distance of 30 miles, as a knowledgeable tour guide offers insightful commentary on the area’s points of interest.
This small-group experience promises an unforgettable journey, blending the thrill of helicopter flight with the chance to marvel at the serene grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Booking and Availability
Booking the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour is a breeze, with a range of convenient options to secure a spot for this thrilling aerial adventure. Guests can easily check availability for starting times and reserve their spot online with no upfront payment, allowing them to plan their visit with flexibility.
What’s more, a generous cancellation policy offers the freedom to make changes up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a stress-free booking experience.
The booking process offers several advantages:
- Convenient online reservations with no need for upfront payment.
- Flexible scheduling with availability information at your fingertips.
- Hassle-free cancellations up to 24 hours prior to your flight.
- An intimate small-group experience limited to just 6 participants.
Safety Precautions
Ensuring the utmost safety for guests, the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour adheres to the highest standards, with a qualified pilot and a comprehensive safety briefing provided before each flight.
Passengers can rest assured they’re in capable hands as they soar over the stunning Smoky Mountains.
The tour is also wheelchair accessible, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
However, the helicopter has a weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg) per person, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride for all.
With these safety measures in place, guests can focus on capturing breathtaking aerial views and enjoying the thrill of a helicopter adventure amidst the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour includes a 15-minute helicopter ride over the Chilhowee Mountain range, providing guests with headsets for communication to fully enjoy the experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, allowing for a seamless and convenient journey. However, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included, leaving visitors free to explore the local cuisine and appreciate the experience at their own pace.
The tour’s inclusions and exclusions offer a well-balanced experience:
- The helicopter ride and headsets ensure a thrilling and informative aerial adventure.
- The hotel transportation simplifies logistics, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the tour.
- The absence of food and drinks encourages visitors to savor the local flavors.
- The lack of gratuities gives guests the flexibility to express their appreciation at their discretion.
Customer Testimonials
Overwhelmingly, customers have praised the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour, consistently awarding it a perfect 5-star rating based on 11 glowing reviews. Riders have been captivated by the tour’s stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains, describing the experience as "great scenery and a wonderful experience." The knowledgeable and engaging pilots have also earned rave reviews, with one guest noting the pilot was "engaging, knowledgeable, and funny." These customer testimonials paint a vivid picture of the tour’s ability to delight passengers with its breathtaking aerial vantage points and first-class service. The feedback makes it clear the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in the Smokies.
| Review Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5/5 | 11 |
| 4/5 | 0 |
| 3/5 | 0 |
| 2/5 | 0 |
Getting to Pigeon Forge
To reach the charming town of Pigeon Forge, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, visitors can take advantage of the convenient transportation options available.
Whether traveling by car, bus, or plane, getting to this picturesque destination is a straightforward and enjoyable journey.
Here are four ways to make the most of your trip to Pigeon Forge:
- Drive along the scenic highways and byways, allowing you to soak in the stunning mountain vistas.
- Hop on a shuttle or bus service to let someone else handle the navigation while you sit back and relax.
- Fly into one of the nearby airports and then arrange for a rental car or shuttle to take you directly to your Pigeon Forge accommodations.
- Consider combining your visit with a trip to other popular destinations in the region, such as Gatlinburg or Sevierville.
Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains
Nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can explore a diverse array of landscapes, from lush forests and cascading waterfalls to rugged peaks and picturesque valleys. Hiking through the park’s extensive trail system offers a chance to take in the natural beauty of this remarkable region, with opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife and admire the breathtaking vistas along the way. For a truly unique perspective, the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour provides an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the Smokies’ stunning scenery. Soar over the Chilhowee Mountain range, glide low above the treetops, and marvel at the majestic panoramas that unfold beneath you.
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Alum Cave Trail | 5 miles | Moderate |
| Chimney Tops Trail | 4 miles | Strenuous |
| Laurel Falls Trail | 2.6 miles | Moderate |
Flight Duration and Distance
During the 15-minute helicopter tour, passengers soar over a distance of approximately 30 miles, gliding effortlessly across the Chilhowee Mountain range. From this elevated vantage point, guests can revel in unparalleled views of the Great Smoky Mountains’ lush forests, rugged peaks, and winding rivers that stretch out below. The experience offers a unique perspective that truly captures the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder:
- Fly low over the treetops, marveling at the intricate tapestry of greens and golds that blanket the landscape.
- Gaze in awe at the majestic, snow-capped peaks that pierce the horizon, a testament to the region’s geological history.
- Trace the serpentine curves of cascading rivers and streams, their waters glimmering in the sunlight.
- Witness the sheer scale and grandeur of this untamed wilderness, a humbling reminder of nature’s boundless splendor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour has no minimum age requirement, making it suitable for adventurers of all ages. Families can enjoy the breathtaking aerial views together, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime on this thrilling helicopter experience.
Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own camera equipment to capture the stunning aerial views on the helicopter tour. The pilots encourage guests to take plenty of photos to remember the unforgettable experience.
Are There Any Weight Restrictions for the Helicopter?
The helicopter tour has a weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg) per participant. This restriction ensures a safe and comfortable flight experience. Guests outside this weight range should inquire about alternative tours or accommodations.
Is the Tour Available Year-Round?
The helicopter tour is available year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains in any season. Soar above the treetops and mountains for an unforgettable aerial experience.
Can I Request a Specific Seating Arrangement?
Guests can request specific seating arrangements, such as sitting next to a loved one or preferred viewing location, although the helicopter’s configuration may limit flexibility. The knowledgeable staff will do their best to accommodate special requests.
Recap
The Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour in Pigeon Forge is a must-do experience for anyone seeking a breathtaking aerial adventure.
Soar over the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, marveling at the stunning landscapes below.
With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, winding rivers, and lush forests, creating lasting memories of this unforgettable journey through the heart of Tennessee’s natural beauty.
