Asheville: Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to soar above the region’s stunning natural landscapes. From the comfort of a state-of-the-art helicopter, passengers can witness the towering Chimney Rock, serene Lake Lure, and the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn, all while capturing breathtaking aerial footage of the Appalachian foothills. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a photography lover, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that will leave you captivated and eager to explore more of Asheville’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• 25-minute helicopter tour over the scenic Appalachian foothills and Lake Lure, showcasing the majestic Chimney Rock and historic Lake Lure Inn.
• Aerial perspectives of the Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure Dam, and the breathtaking Appalachian mountain range.
• Complimentary headsets and the option to purchase souvenir photos to commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime aerial experience.
• Strict passenger weight requirements, with a maximum of 550 lbs for groups of three and 300 lbs for individual passengers.
• Check-in at the blue Signature Flight Support building, where passengers will be weighed prior to the helicopter tour.

Scenic Helicopter Flight

The exhilarating helicopter flight provides passengers with a bird’s-eye view of the Appalachian foothills and the picturesque Lake Lure below. Soaring over the rugged terrain, the tour offers a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

Guests will witness the majestic Chimney Rock, a 315-foot granite monolith, as well as the serene Lake Lure Dam and the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa, famous for its appearance in the classic film ‘Dirty Dancing.’

The 25-minute excursion showcases the breathtaking forests and the Continental Divide, delivering an unforgettable aerial experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Duration and Itinerary

The helicopter tour lasts a total of 25 minutes, providing passengers ample time to take in the stunning vistas of the Appalachian foothills and Lake Lure.

During the flight, guests will soar over the picturesque Hickory Nut Gorge, capturing breathtaking views of the iconic Lake Lure and its 1927 historic inn.

The tour also offers a unique perspective of the Chimney Rock, a 315-foot granite monolith in the Chimney Rock State Park.

From above, passengers can observe the serene Lake Lure Dam and appreciate the majesty of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains and the Continental Divide.

This helicopter adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region from an unparalleled aerial vantage point.

Highlights of the Tour

From the helicopter, passengers can take in the breathtaking panoramas of the Appalachian foothills and Lake Lure. Soaring over the picturesque Hickory Nut Gorge, they’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the iconic Lake Lure and its historic 1927 inn.

The tour also offers a unique aerial perspective of the imposing 315-foot granite monolith, Chimney Rock, nestled within Chimney Rock State Park. Passengers can observe the serene Lake Lure Dam and marvel at the majesty of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains and the Continental Divide, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region from an unparalleled vantage point.

The highlights of the Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour include:

• Panoramic views of the Appalachian foothills and Lake Lure
• Aerial perspectives of Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock
• Sights of the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn
• Observation of the Lake Lure Dam and Appalachian Mountain range

What’s Included

The Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour includes the helicopter flight itself, along with a knowledgeable pilot/guide who provides commentary throughout the experience.

Passengers will also receive complimentary headsets to enhance the audio during the tour, and souvenir photos can be purchased as a memento of the flight.

This comprehensive package ensures that guests can fully enjoy the stunning aerial views of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and the surrounding Blue Ridge Foothills.

With the pilot’s expert narration and the convenience of the included amenities, the Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour provides an unforgettable and well-rounded sightseeing adventure in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

Important Passenger Information

Per FAA regulations, all passengers on the Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour must be weighed during check-in. For groups of three, the total passenger weight can’t exceed 550 lbs.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 300 lbs (136 kg). These policies exist to ensure the safety and comfort of all riders.

Passengers should keep the following in mind:

• Arrive early to allow time for check-in and weighing
• Provide accurate weight information to avoid issues boarding the helicopter
• Be prepared to remove any heavy items from bags or clothing
• Understand that the tour may not be accessible to those above the weight limit

Meeting Point and Check-in

Visitors check in for the Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour inside the blue Signature Flight Support building at the meeting point. This is where passengers will check-in and meet their pilot/guide for the day’s excursion.

The check-in process includes weighing all passengers as per FAA regulations. For groups of three, the total passenger weight mustn’t exceed 550 lbs. The helicopter tour isn’t suitable for people over 300 lbs.

Once checked-in, passengers will be outfitted with headsets and provided with any necessary safety briefings before taking to the skies for their 25-minute scenic flight over the stunning Appalachian landscape.

Capturing the Experience

Passengers can capture breathtaking aerial shots of the Appalachian landscape during the Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour. The helicopter’s high vantage point allows them to immortalize sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Foothills, serene Lake Lure, and the iconic Chimney Rock formation. Souvenir photos are available for purchase, providing a keepsake to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Highlights passengers can capture include:

• Dramatic panoramic vistas of the rugged Appalachian terrain
• The serene waters of Lake Lure and its surrounding forests
• The towering granite monolith of Chimney Rock
• Unique angles and perspectives of the region’s natural wonders

Preparing for Your Tour

Preparing for the Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour involves a few important considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. First, be mindful of the weight restrictions – all passengers must be weighed at check-in, and the total weight for a group of three can’t exceed 550 lbs. This is for safety reasons and to comply with FAA regulations. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 300 lbs. It’s best to check the weight requirements ahead of time to avoid any issues on the day of the tour.

Lastly, make sure to arrive at the designated meeting point, the blue Signature Flight Support building, in plenty of time for check-in. Following these simple steps will help you prepare for an unforgettable aerial adventure over the stunning Blue Ridge Foothills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camera/Drone on the Tour?

Passengers are typically allowed to bring their own cameras on the tour, but drones are not permitted due to FAA regulations. It’s best to check with the tour provider about their specific policies prior to the flight.

Are There Age or Health Restrictions for Passengers?

There are age and health restrictions for passengers. Per FAA regulations, all passengers must be weighed at check-in, and those over 300 lbs can’t participate. Groups of 3 can’t exceed 550 lbs total weight.

Do I Need to Provide Any Travel Documents?

You don’t need any travel documents for this helicopter tour. However, per FAA regulations, all passengers must be weighed at check-in and may be subject to weight restrictions for the helicopter’s capacity.

Can I Request a Specific Departure Time?

Yes, you can typically request a specific departure time for the helicopter tour. Most operators offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate travelers’ preferences, subject to availability and weather conditions.

Is There a Cancellation or Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. There are no refunds for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of the tour.

Recap

The Chimney Rock Helicopter Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains from a bird’s-eye view.

Soaring over the Appalachian foothills, passengers can capture unforgettable aerial shots of the majestic Chimney Rock, serene Lake Lure, and the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn.

With panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and the Appalachian Mountain range, this tour provides an unforgettable aerial experience.