4.6 (11,501 Reviews)

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge, TN

131 The Island Drive • Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
View on Map
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
With almost 1 million LED lights, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a beautiful sight at night.
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
View Gallery

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is not currently available.

Check out our other great Pigeon Forge Things to Do.
View All Things to Do
Give the Gift of Travel

Purchase Gift Certificates for family and friends!

Shop Now
Give the Gift of Travel
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel - Pigeon Forge, TN Logo
Authorized Reseller
Free Changes & Cancellations
See details upon selection.
Details
Reviews
Map
FAQs
Select Tickets

Overview

A 200-foot observation wheel featuring stunning mountain views, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is the centerpiece of The Island entertainment district in Pigeon Forge. The wheel stands as one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast, featuring 42 glass-enclosed gondolas with seating for up to 8 people at a time. During the evenings, riders can enjoy a mesmerizing 24,000 LED-light show.

1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Glass-enclosed gondolas.
  • Stunning city and mountain views.
  • 24,000 LED light-show on Wheel.
  • One of the tallest attraction in the East.
  • Climate controlled.
  • Ride during the day for a better view of the Smokies, and at night to see the city lights.
  • Free parking just off Teaster Lane with tram to The Island.
  • Gondolas seat up to 8.
  • VIP Wheel experience available.
Read More

Discover More With Us

Insights from Tripster's own team members
Megan Aguilar Tripster User Profile Image

Megan Aguilar

Fun experience for all ages with amazing views of Pigeon Forge. Plus, the climate controlled gondola is perfect on a hot day. They are located at The Island, so you can easily access shopping, Margaritaville Island Hotel and Margaritaville Restaurant.

View my photos

Description

Towering 200 feet-tall, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel sits at the foothills of the most visited national park in the United States – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As the centerpiece to The Island in Pigeon Forge, it stands as one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast.

The Wheel features unparalleled views from its 42 all-glass gondolas. Each gondola is climate controlled, and can typically seat up to 6 adults or a combination of adults and children up to 8 total passengers. Enjoy scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains during the day, or a spectacular nighttime ride.

Located just off the Pigeon Forge Parkway, The Island in Pigeon Forge is packed with things to do! Pull up a rocking chair and enjoy the beautiful Island Show Fountain or check out retail shops, restaurants and eateries, rides and games, live music, attractions, and more! Whether you came for a wedding, your honeymoon, or just a family vacation, visit us in Pigeon Forge. We're just down the road from Gatlinburg and open 10 a.m. daily year-round.
Read More
Promotional Images (15)
The Fountain Show and The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Fun times begin here! The Fountain Show and The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
Photos from our Staff (4)
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Megan Aguilar The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Megan Aguilar The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Megan Aguilar The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Megan Aguilar
Customer Photos (40)
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Shelby Johnston The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Shelby Johnston The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Daniel Mccraven The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Daniel Mccraven The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Amanda Jordan
Back to Top

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel Reviews

44 Reviews
Write a Review
Shelby Johnston Tripster User Profile Image
Shelby Johnston
Florence, MS
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Beautiful views"
December 2022
The ferris wheel was one of our favorite things we got to do on our vacation. My kids loved going up high and my husband and I got to enjoy the gorgeous views. We even got a souvenir photo to take home with us!! Very cool experience and I'd recommend anyone going to the area to try it!
Read More
Tip: You pay for 4-5 times of it going around not just once.

Was this review helpful? Yes

RACHAEL NESSELRODT Tripster User Profile Image
RACHAEL NESSELRODT
Spotsylvania, VA
7 Reviews
"i enjoyed it"
August 2022
i like Farris wheel type rides i felt like it was pricy you go around a few times and you do get some nice pictures but if you have a family it would be too expensive.
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Daniel McCraven Tripster User Profile Image
Daniel McCraven
CHESTER, SC
7 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Great view on the Top"
December 2019
Somewhat expensive for a short ride but the views are great, worth doing it once. Depending on the time you go it can be very busy. Loved the view at night, everything was so beautiful.
Read More
Tip: Must get tickets from a location nearby, can be confusing on where to go.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Maranda Mitchell Tripster User Profile Image
Maranda Mitchell
Guin, AL
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Vacation"
December 2019
The wheel was a great ride at the top you get a beautiful view. I took lots of pictures. The moonshine tasting was a lot of fun. I would recommend both places. We will be back for a visit soon.
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Amanda Jordan Tripster User Profile Image
Amanda Jordan
Lucasville, OH
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great time"
August 2019
We always have amazing time at the wheel st the island it's my favorite place.
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Matt Sousa Tripster User Profile Image
Matt Sousa
New castle , IN
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Family vacation"
July 2019
Great family vacation and glad we had bought tickets already nice place and great views
Read More
Tip: Family vacation

Was this review helpful? Yes

James Deal Tripster User Profile Image
James Deal
Rocky Mount, VA
7 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"High up"
June 2019
Had children that were afraid of heights so thought night would be better. Not the case. Would have been better for them if it would have kept moving and not stopped every little bit. Was fun for others in our group.
Read More
Tip: Don't ride if afraid of heights cars move a little while at the top.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Melissa Hogan Tripster User Profile Image
Melissa Hogan
TROY, OH
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel"
June 2019
The gondolas were very clean and they were air conditioned. Which was great because it was over 90 degrees the day we were there. The staff was friendly. They had water spraying down in the turn styles to help keep you cool while waiting in line.
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Show more reviews   
Back to Top
Star Map Pin Icon
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is located at 131 The Island Drive • Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Attraction Map Pin IconAttractions Hotel Map Pin IconHotels & Lodging

Nearby Hotels & Lodging


Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions about The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

How many people can fit inside a Gondola at one time?
Each Gondola can typically fit 6 adults or a combination of adults and children up to 8. There is a weight limit of 1,200 lbs.

Can pregnant women or infants ride?
The ride is a controlled, smooth experience that accommodates all people. While infants ride for free, you still need a ticket for the infant. It is not recommended that pregnant women ride but may choose to on their own accord.

Can I bring my pet on the ride?
Sorry, we like those family members but do not permit animals of any kind.
Can I wait to ride alone in my own Gondola?
Typically, we have many riders patiently waiting for their turn to ride. As a result, occasionally you may be required to ride with other parties to accommodate those patiently waiting to ride.

Do you permit food or drink on the ride?
In an effort to help keep all gondolas clean and safe, we do not allow eating or drinking on the ride.

Do you have wheelchair access?
Yes, we are able to access the Gondolas with a wheelchair. Disabled persons must be able to enter on their own or be with a companion for assistance.

How long is a ride?
Ride times vary but are a minimum of 3 revolutions.

Can I reserve a Gondola for a specific time?
We do not accept reservations. All rides are served on a first come first served basis.

Can I buy a souvenir from my experience on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel?
Yes! No experience is complete without a visit to our Great Smoky Mountain Wheel gift shop located across from the exit. There are a variety of souvenirs and gifts for the memories to continue.



Back to Top
Customer Support

Customer Support

Useful Links

Useful Links

Our Company

Our Company

Our Partners

Our Partners

Call and Book

Call and Book Your Next Trip Today!

We accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience:

Trustpilot
Visa Logo
Mastercard Logo
American Express Logo
Discover Logo
Copyright © 2001-2024 Tripster. All Rights Reserved. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.