Soaring over the lush landscapes of Tennessee, the French Broad River Helicopter Tour in Pigeon Forge offers a captivating aerial adventure. Passengers can choose from a 6-minute Lake View or an 8-minute Extended Lake tour, both providing breathtaking vistas of the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, and the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Piloted by experienced professionals, the smooth ride ensures an immersive experience as you gaze upon the patchwork of farmland and pastures below. Whether seeking a quick thrill or a more in-depth exploration, this helicopter tour promises to elevate your Pigeon Forge experience in a truly unforgettable way.
This experience made our list of the 5 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Pigeon Forge.
Key Points
- Offers helicopter tours over the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, and Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
- Provides 6-minute Lake View and 8-minute Extended Lake tour options, reaching altitudes up to 1,500 feet.
- Features breathtaking aerial views of farmland, pastures, Douglas Dam, and the majestic peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Delivers a smooth, car-like ride with qualified pilots and includes a safety briefing before takeoff.
- Allows for an upgrade to the Extended Lake option, which covers an additional 4-8 miles and showcases the Douglas Lake and Dam.
Overview of the French Broad River Helicopter Tour
The French Broad River Helicopter Tour in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers visitors a unique aerial perspective of the region’s natural beauty, with options for a 6-minute Lake View or an 8-minute Extended Lake experience.
Soaring up to 1,500 feet, the tour provides breathtaking views of the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, and the majestic Great Smoky Mountains.
Passengers will witness farmland, pastures, and the iconic Douglas Dam during the smooth, car-like ride with qualified pilots and a safety briefing.
The Lake View option extends past the French Broad River to Douglas Lake, while the Extended Lake tour flies directly over the dam and lake.
With no weight restrictions and free cancellation, the French Broad River Helicopter Tour is a must-try adventure in Pigeon Forge.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Pigeon Forge.
Duration and Options
The French Broad River Helicopter Tour offers two duration options for visitors: a 6-minute Lake View and an 8-minute Extended Lake experience.
The Lake View option covers 12 miles, providing stunning views of the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
For those seeking a longer aerial adventure, the Extended Lake tour extends the flight to 16 miles, flying directly over Douglas Dam and the lake.
Both tours offer a smooth, car-like ride, with qualified pilots providing a safety briefing before takeoff.
Guests can expect to reach altitudes up to 1,500 feet, allowing them to admire the lush farmland, pastures, and natural beauty of the region from above.
Stunning Views From the Air
From the air, visitors on the French Broad River Helicopter Tour are treated to awe-inspiring views of the region’s natural wonders.
As the helicopter climbs up to 1,500 feet, guests can gaze upon the winding French Broad River, the expansive Douglas Lake, and the majestic peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance.
The bird’s-eye perspective offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the area’s diverse landscapes, from the patchwork of farmland and pastures to the towering Douglas Dam.
Throughout the smooth, car-like ride, the qualified pilots provide a professional and safe experience, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery below.
Smooth and Comfortable Ride
Onboard the French Broad River Helicopter Tour, passengers can expect a smooth, car-like ride, thanks to the qualified pilots who prioritize safety and comfort throughout the experience.
The helicopter’s design and the pilots’ expertise work together to deliver a gentle, controlled ascent and descent, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the stunning aerial views.
This smooth ride experience is further enhanced by:
- A safety briefing prior to takeoff
- Gentle, gradual turns and maneuvers
- Ample cabin space for a comfortable journey
- Noise-cancelling headsets for clear communication
- Stable, vibration-free flight throughout the tour
With these features, the French Broad River Helicopter Tour provides a truly enjoyable and worry-free aerial adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyUpgrade Options for Extended Experience
For those seeking an even more immersive aerial experience, the French Broad River Helicopter Tour offers two upgrade options to extend the tour’s duration and coverage.
The Lake View upgrade extends the flight past the French Broad River to Douglas Lake, providing an additional 2 minutes of airtime and 4 more miles of scenic vistas.
Those looking to go even further can choose the Extended Lake option, which flies directly over Douglas Dam and the entirety of the lake, adding another 2 minutes and 8 miles to the tour.
Both upgrades allow guests to soak in magnificent aerial views of the river, lake, farmland, and the majestic Great Smoky Mountains.
Important Considerations for Passengers
Passengers must observe weight restrictions and forego bringing pets or large bags on the French Broad River Helicopter Tour. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests during the memorable 6-8 minute flight.
The tour isn’t suitable for people over 300 lbs.
A professional guide and pilot will be provided to ensure a smooth, car-like ride.
Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so guests must make their own transportation arrangements.
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty.
While the tour offers stunning views of the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, and the Great Smoky Mountains, no pets or large bags are allowed.
Meeting Point and Logistics
The French Broad River Helicopter Tour departs from Scenic Helicopter Tours, located at 1949 Winfield Dunn Pkwy in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Guests must make their own way to the meeting point, as hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included in the tour.
Upon arrival, guests will receive a safety briefing from the qualified pilot before embarking on the 6-8 minute helicopter ride.
No pets or large bags are allowed on the tour. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 300 lbs.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains
From the helicopter, visitors can admire the sweeping vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains, a massif that extends across the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.
This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts:
- Lush, forested slopes
- Majestic peaks reaching over 6,000 feet
- Cascading waterfalls and rushing streams
- Diverse wildlife, including black bears and synchronous fireflies
- Hiking trails that wind through the breathtaking natural landscape
The helicopter tour offers a unique perspective on this iconic mountain range, allowing guests to soar above the treetops and witness the grandeur of the Great Smokies from a bird’s-eye view. It’s a thrilling way to explore the natural wonders of this cherished region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Pilot?
Customers can’t request a specific pilot for the helicopter tour. The tour company assigns pilots based on availability and schedules. However, travelers can expect to fly with qualified, experienced pilots who provide a safe and smooth experience.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is needed for the helicopter tour. Passengers are only required to bring themselves and any small personal belongings they wish to have on the flight. The tour provider will provide all necessary safety gear.
Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?
The helicopter tour has no age limit, but children under 2 years old may not be permitted to ride. Participants must be able to enter and exit the helicopter safely.
Can I Take Photos During the Flight?
Yes, passengers are encouraged to take photos during the helicopter flight. The pilots facilitate an optimal experience for capturing aerial views of the scenic landscape below.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?
There are no additional fees or hidden costs for the helicopter tour. The price includes the flight, professional guide/pilot, and safety briefing. However, hotel pickup/drop-off is not included and may incur an extra charge.
Recap
The French Broad River Helicopter Tour in Pigeon Forge offers a remarkable aerial adventure over the stunning landscapes of Tennessee.
Passengers can choose between two tour options, each providing breathtaking views of the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, and the majestic Great Smoky Mountains.
With a smooth, car-like ride and qualified pilots, this tour promises an immersive and safe aerial experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Helicopter Tours in Pigeon Forge
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