Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is the giant observation wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge. At 200 feet tall, about the height of a 20-story building, it lifts you high above the Parkway in an enclosed glass gondola for wide views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Wheel opened in 2013 and quickly became the centerpiece of The Island, and the most recognizable landmark on the Pigeon Forge skyline. It's an easy, relaxing ride for every age, whether it's your first stop of the vacation or the last thing you do on your way back to the cabin.

Riding the Wheel

The Wheel carries all-glass gondolas, each one climate-controlled, so the ride stays warm in winter and cool in summer. Each ride lasts at least three full revolutions, giving you plenty of time at the top to take in the views and take pictures.

Standard gondolas hold up to six adults, or up to eight people when you're riding with kids. Seating is first come, first served, and on busy nights your group may share a gondola with other riders.

The VIP gondola

One gondola stands out from the rest. The Wheel's single black VIP gondola seats four and is sold as a separate ticket, a nice upgrade for a special occasion or a ride with just your group.

What you'll see from the top

On a clear day, the view stretches across Pigeon Forge to the ridgelines of the Great Smoky Mountains. You'll look down on The Island's shops and fountains, the busy Parkway, and the town spread out along the Little Pigeon River, with the mountains rising beyond.

Ride at sunset

Many visitors time their ride for late afternoon, when the light softens over the mountains. It's one of the best views in town for a golden-hour photo.

Ride after dark

At night the Wheel becomes a light show of its own. More than a million LED lights cover the structure, and the Wheel is visible from miles away, even from the peak of Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) in the national park. From the gondola, you'll see the lights of the Parkway stretching out below.

Ride in every season

Because the gondolas are enclosed and climate-controlled, the Wheel is a good pick year-round. Fall brings mountain color, and winter brings holiday lights across Pigeon Forge.

Photo tips

The glass gondolas make the Wheel one of the best photo spots in Pigeon Forge. Wipe your phone lens before you board, and hold the camera close to the glass to cut down on reflections, especially after dark when the lights inside the gondola can bounce off the windows. For a shot of the whole Wheel lit up, step back toward the fountains at ground level once your ride is over.

Good to know before you ride

Accessibility

The gondolas are accessible for guests using wheelchairs. Riders need to be able to board on their own or with the help of a companion.

What to leave behind

Pets, food and drinks aren't allowed on the ride, so finish your snack before you board.

Tickets

Buy tickets at The Island or ahead of time online. The Wheel doesn't take reservations for specific times, so expect a line on summer evenings, weekends and holidays. A weekday afternoon is usually the quickest ride.

Expecting?

The ride is gentle, but the attraction leaves the decision to riders who are pregnant. Check with your doctor if you have any doubts.

More to do at The Island

The Wheel is just one piece of The Island in Pigeon Forge, an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment center with free admission and free parking. Watch the Island Show Fountains dance to music and lights, browse the shops, and grab dinner before or after your ride. Kids can spend their tickets at Arcade City.

For more ideas, see our guides to things to do at The Island, things for kids to do at The Island and whether you have to pay to get into The Island.

Date night on the Wheel

A ride at dusk, dinner at The Island and a walk past the fountains makes an easy evening for two. See our guide to date night at The Island for more ideas.

Nearby on the Parkway

The Island sits right off the Parkway, so it's easy to pair the Wheel with go-karts and arcade games at Rockin' Raceway, connected to The Island by a pedestrian bridge, or a movie at The Forge Cinemas. Want another view from above? Try the Gatlinburg Space Needle or Gatlinburg SkyLift Park.

Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Ferris wheel in Pigeon Forge?

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is 200 feet tall, about the height of a 20-story building.

Is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Gatlinburg?

No. It's at The Island in Pigeon Forge, on the Parkway between Sevierville and Gatlinburg.

How long is the ride?

Each ride lasts at least three full revolutions of the Wheel.

Are the gondolas enclosed?

Yes. Every gondola is enclosed glass and climate-controlled, so you can ride comfortably in any season.

Is the Wheel wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Riders need to be able to board on their own or with a companion's help.

Do I need to pay to get into The Island?

No. Admission and parking at The Island are free. You only buy tickets for the rides and attractions you choose, like the Wheel.

When is the best time to ride?

Sunset for mountain views and after dark for the lights. Weekday afternoons usually have the shortest lines.