Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot observation tower just off the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. Glass elevators carry you to an observation deck with 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the town below. At the base, Arcadia and Slice Pizza Bakery turn a quick visit into a full evening.

The observation deck

The glass elevator ride up gives you a preview of the view before you even reach the top. From the deck, you can see all the way around, from the rooftops of downtown to the ridges of the national park. Viewfinders and exhibits at the top help you pick out landmarks and learn about the area.

The view changes with the seasons: green ridges in spring and summer, fall color across the mountains, and snow on the high peaks in winter. Clouds can block the view on some days, so check the Gatlinburg live webcams before you go.

Visit after dark

Many visitors like the Space Needle best at night, when the mountains turn to silhouettes and the lights of downtown spread out below. For more evening ideas, see our guide to things to do in Gatlinburg at night.

Arcadia and Slice Pizza Bakery

At the base of the tower, Arcadia has more than a hundred arcade games, simulators, and redemption games, plus a prize center. Slice Pizza Bakery serves big New York-style slices and whole pies, along with calzones, salads, and sandwiches. You don't need a tower ticket to play or eat.

Tickets and packages

Observation deck tickets are sold at the booth or online at gatlinburgspaceneedle.com. Online tickets are digital, so just give your name at the booth when you arrive. Package deals that combine deck tickets with Arcadia play cards are also available, along with group rates. Check the Space Needle's website for current prices.

Hours and getting there

The Space Needle sits just off the Parkway on Historic Nature Trail, across from the Gatlinburg Convention Center and an easy walk from most of downtown Gatlinburg. It's open every day, usually into the evening, but hours change by season, so check before a late visit. See our tips for parking in downtown Gatlinburg, or ride the Gatlinburg Trolley.

New Year's Eve at the Space Needle

The Space Needle is the center of Gatlinburg's New Year's Eve celebration, with a ball drop and fireworks over downtown. See our guide to the New Year's Eve fireworks and ball drop, and plan your stay with our New Year's cabin rentals.

Tips for your visit

Check the webcam first — visibility from the top changes with the weather.

Go in the evening — the town lights and mountain silhouettes make for a completely different view.

Buy tickets online — it saves time at the booth, and packages can save money.

Leave time for Arcadia — it's easy to spend an hour downstairs, especially with kids.

More views in Gatlinburg

For more views above town, ride the chairlift and cross the SkyBridge at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, take the gondola to Anakeesta, ride the tram to Ober Gatlinburg, or stop at the free Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Gatlinburg Space Needle?

The Space Needle is 407 feet tall, with an observation deck reached by glass elevator.

Where is the Gatlinburg Space Needle?

At 115 Historic Nature Trail, just off the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, across from the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

Is Arcadia included with a Space Needle ticket?

No. The observation deck and Arcadia are separate, but packages combining both are available.

Do I need a ticket to eat at Slice Pizza Bakery?

No. Slice is open to everyone, with or without a deck ticket.

Is the Space Needle worth visiting at night?

Yes. Many visitors prefer it after dark, when downtown lights up below the mountains.

Is there a Space Needle webcam?

Yes. See our Gatlinburg live webcams page to check the view before you go.