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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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Escapology Pigeon Forge + The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

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Alcatraz East Crime Museum + The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

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Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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Elvis & The Superstars + The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

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Cash & The King - Tribute to Elvis and Johnny Cash in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Save up to 14%

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Illusionation + The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

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Illusionation: The Magic of Jason Hudy in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Save up to 18%

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Moonshine Mountain Coaster + The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

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Moonshine Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Save up to 14%

Package Starts at (USD):

$28.49

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Crave Golf Club + The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

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Crave Golf Club in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Save up to 18%

Package Starts at (USD):

$29.61

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Patty Waszak Show + The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

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Patty Waszak Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Save up to 23%

Package Starts at (USD):

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The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel + Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

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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

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

Customer Photos (60)

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Jessica Griffith

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Dean Farnsworth

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by Crystal Aaron

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.

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel Reviews

65 Reviews

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Gregory Payne II

Cincinnati, OH

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Greay Smoky Mountain Wheel"

March 2026 NEW

We went and enjoyed the Ferris Wheel on a rainy day in Gatlinburg with our girls (4 & 9) and they loved the view of the mountains and of the Pigeon Forge strip. A great ride and fun way to see everything.

Tip: VIP tickets allow you to ride in the Ferris wheel car, which will have glass floors so you can see more views

Jessica Griffith

Bluefield, WV

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Fantastic"

March 2026 NEW

My mom and I enjoyed our first ride on the Great Smokey Mountian Wheel. We will definitely ride it again but maybe at night next time

Tip: Ride it you will not regret it.

Mariah Broomell

Tellico Plains, TN

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Great smoky Ferris wheel"

March 2026 NEW

We bought our tickets online with tripster and everything went smoothly and perfectly :)

Vickie Rayburn

Rockmart, GA

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Family experience"

February 2026 NEW

We all loved it.

Tip: So much to see.

Dean Farnsworth

McMinnville, TN

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Awesome Ride"

January 2026

This ride offers you the most spectacular views of downtown Pigeon Forge. My wife and I went at night and it was gorgeous!

Tip: Make sure you swap side while on the ride to get the view from both sides!

Crystal Aaron

Vance, AL

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Great experience"

January 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tip: Always look for discounts for this adventure.

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel photo submitted by CLYDE MCADAMS

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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.