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The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel Pigeon Forge, TN

131 The Island Drive • Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
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Large Ferris wheel lit with colorful neon lights at night, with people gathered below and a movie being projected on a screen nearby in an outdoor setting.
Large Ferris wheel towers over a crowd at an outdoor entertainment area, with a band performing near a wooden building under a partly cloudy sky.
A large Ferris wheel and colorful illuminated fountains are seen at sunset, with silhouettes of plants in the foreground.
Aerial view of a busy outdoor shopping and entertainment complex with a central fountain, surrounded by buildings, people, and parked cars, with mountains in the background.
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About The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

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.

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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.
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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.

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Promotional Images (15)
A large, brightly lit Ferris wheel with multicolored lights stands behind a water fountain with red illuminated jets at night. A large Ferris wheel stands at the center of an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, surrounded by colorful buildings and walkways under a clear blue sky. A large Ferris wheel lit with multicolored lights stands behind a fountain with colored jets of water, surrounded by a nighttime crowd. Large Ferris wheel with gondolas against a blue sky, viewed from below, with a sign reading "Wheel Entrance" at the bottom center. A large illuminated Ferris wheel and colorful water fountain display light up a lively outdoor entertainment area at night.
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 (58)
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Dean Farnsworth The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Dean Farnsworth The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Crystal Aaron The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Crystal Aaron The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by CLYDE MCADAMS

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.
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The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel Reviews

61 Reviews
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Dean Farnsworth Tripster User Profile Image
Dean Farnsworth
McMinnville, TN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Awesome Ride"
January 2026 NEW
This ride offers you the most spectacular views of downtown Pigeon Forge. My wife and I went at night and it was gorgeous!
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Tip: Make sure you swap side while on the ride to get the view from both sides!

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Crystal Aaron Tripster User Profile Image
Crystal Aaron
Vance, AL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great experience"
January 2026 NEW
My 6 year old saw it as soon as we came in and our whole trip he asked to ride it so our last night, I took him and we had a great time.
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Tip: If you order online, you have to go to ticket office for them to print it off. Line can seem long but actually didn't have to wait that long. You will get picture made before getting on.

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Shannon Sauro Tripster User Profile Image
Shannon Sauro
La Grange, KY
5 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Great view of the area"
December 2025
Was a great view of the area and especially the holiday lights.
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CLYDE MCADAMS Tripster User Profile Image
CLYDE MCADAMS
Toledo, OH
7 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"What an experience"
November 2025
It Was amazing, The wife and I always enjoy the Ferris wheels anywhere we travel. This time was no exception, it was peaceful, quiet and the wait was short. The fall leaves were in full color and the mountains were beautiful.
We would recommend it to all young and old.
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Tip: Always look for discounts for this adventure.

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Samantha Forrester Tripster User Profile Image
Samantha Forrester
Indianapolis, IN
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Fun at a Discount!"
October 2025
We were walking around in The Island at Pigeon Forge and wanted to ride thr ferris wheel. We figured we would look online to see if there were any discounts available and ran across Tripster. We saved some money on our tickets and the whole process was very easy. The wheel was a ton of fun and definitely worth the price!
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Meggan BREEDEN Tripster User Profile Image
Meggan BREEDEN
HAGERSTOWN, MD
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Such a fun and decently long ride"
October 2025
We really enjoyed the sky wheel. It was well maintained by staff that were very friendly and kind.
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Cassandra Story Tripster User Profile Image
Cassandra Story
Morristown, TN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Overpriced but Fun"
August 2025
Although you purchase tickets on Tripster, you still have to wait in line for your tickets. The Skywheel is fun, especially for my grandkids. The climate controlled pods make it great for anytime of the year.
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anthony b. Tripster User Profile Image
anthony b.
Frederick, MD
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Nice view"
August 2025
We went during the day with the family. Great view of the mountains.
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The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is located at 131 The Island Drive • Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
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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.

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