Top 5 Reasons to Take a Ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Tram

You can drive up Ski Mountain Road to Ober Gatlinburg — most people don't know the option exists. But taking the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg is a genuinely better experience for most visitors, and here are five reasons why.

The views are the attraction, not just transportation

The Aerial Tramway's 2.1-mile cable ride from the base station at 1001 Parkway to the summit at approximately 3,300 feet is an experience in itself, not just a way to get somewhere. At the highest point off the ground, the tram car sits 300 feet in the air — the height of a 30-story building — with open views across the Gatlinburg valley, the surrounding ridge systems, and the national park canopy spreading south. The tram reaches 2,813 feet above sea level — 1,000 feet higher than any other cable lift in Tennessee. Guests frequently spot black bears, wild turkeys, and other wildlife moving through the forest directly below the cables. On a clear day, the ride alone is worth the ticket.

It starts in downtown Gatlinburg

The tram base station is at 1001 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg — walkable from most of the central Parkway attractions, restaurants, and shops. You don't need to drive anywhere special, navigate Ski Mountain Road, or manage additional parking at the summit. Walk from wherever you are on the Parkway, board the tram, and step off directly into the heart of Ober Gatlinburg's attraction area. Trams run every 20 minutes, which gives you scheduling flexibility without planning around a specific departure time.

No driving, no parking, no mountain road

Ski Mountain Road is a legitimate option for reaching Ober Gatlinburg by car, but it requires navigating a steep, winding road, securing a parking spot at the summit, and then walking from the lot to the attractions. The tram eliminates all three of those steps. You step off the car directly into the activity area. On a busy summer or fall weekend, the parking situation at the summit can be frustrating — the tram route sidesteps it entirely. For visitors who don't want to manage a mountain road drive, especially after a full day of activities or with young children in tow, the tram is the straightforward choice.

It's enclosed — weather doesn't stop it

The tram car is fully enclosed, which means cool fall temperatures, cold winter air, and rain don't change the experience. You get the mountain views from a warm, wind-protected cabin rather than from an open chairlift exposed to the elements. In winter — when Ober Gatlinburg's ski slopes, snow tubing, and ice skating rink are running — the enclosed tram is a meaningful comfort advantage over an open-air ride. The tram runs year-round, making it accessible in all seasons regardless of conditions.

It's genuinely one of a kind

There's no equivalent ride in Tennessee — the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is the state's only aerial tram of this type, and one of a small number in the eastern United States. The 2.1-mile cable run, the 1,000-foot elevation gain, the mountain and valley panorama, and the 300-foot suspended height give the ride a character that distinguishes it from the chairlifts, gondolas, and observation tower rides that are common to mountain resort areas. Visitors who have taken the Swiss or Austrian alpine trams note the genuine visual and experiential similarity — the Smokies version just ends at an amusement park and ski resort rather than a mountain hut.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Ober Gatlinburg tram ride?

The Aerial Tramway covers 2.1 miles from the base station at 1001 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg to the summit at approximately 3,300 feet elevation. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Trams depart every 20 minutes from both the base and the summit.

Is the tram included with Ober Gatlinburg admission?

The tram has its own ticket, separate from the individual activity tickets available at the summit. Check current pricing at obergatlinburg.com — the tram ticket price and combination packages that bundle the tram with summit activities are listed on the official site.

Can I drive to Ober Gatlinburg instead of taking the tram?

Yes — Ski Mountain Road connects downtown Gatlinburg to the Ober Gatlinburg summit by car. The road is steep and winding; allow extra time and drive carefully, especially in winter conditions when ice is possible. Parking is available at the summit but can fill on peak days. The tram is the simpler and more scenic option for most visitors.