---
title: The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
slug: the-great-smoky-mountain-wheel-pigeon-forge
type: attraction
sub_type: observation wheels
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/the-great-smoky-mountain-wheel-pigeon-forge
city: Pigeon Forge
state: TN
country: US
address: 131 The Island Drive, Suite 4106
geo:
  lat: 35.80375
  lng: -83.57177
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:31:40.222Z
price_from:
  amount: 16.99
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 4.5
  count: 66
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: Single Ride Admission
        price: 16.99
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (12+ yrs)
            min_age: 12
          - name: Child (3-11 yrs)
            min_age: 3
            max_age: 11
          - name: Infant  (0-2 yrs)
            min_age: 0
            max_age: 2
---
## Overview

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a 200-foot-tall observation wheel and one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast, located at The Island in Pigeon Forge. It features 42 climate-controlled, glass-enclosed gondolas with seating for up to 8 people and offers stunning mountain and city views, including a 24,000 LED-light show in the evenings.

## What's Included
- Admission to ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
- Ride in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed gondola
- Access to scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge from the wheel

## What's Not Included
- Food or drink on the ride
- Souvenirs (available for purchase at the gift shop)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **Single Ride Admission** — $16.99
  - Adult (12+ yrs)
  - Child (3-11 yrs)
  - Infant  (0-2 yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## Good to Know
- Gondolas seat up to 8 passengers, typically 6 adults or a combination of adults and children
- Weight limit per gondola is 1,200 lbs
- Infants ride free but require a ticket
- Not recommended for pregnant women, but allowed at their discretion
- No pets allowed on the ride
- Eating and drinking are not permitted on the wheel
- Wheelchair accessible; disabled persons must be able to enter on their own or with assistance
- Ride length is a minimum of 3 revolutions
- No reservations; rides are first come, first served
- Free parking is available off Teaster Lane with tram service to The Island
- VIP Wheel experience with glass floors available for enhanced viewing
- Best to ride during the day for mountain views and at night for city lights

## Cancellation Policy
Free Changes & Cancellations: See details upon selection.

## FAQs

### 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.

## Reviews

> "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."
> — Megan Aguilar

> "Make sure you swap side while on the ride to get the view from both sides!"
> — Dean Farnsworth, January 2026

> "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."
> — Crystal Aaron, January 2026

> "Ride it you will not regret it."
> — Jessica Griffith, March 2026

> "So much to see."
> — Vickie Rayburn, February 2026

> "Always look for discounts for this adventure."
> — CLYDE MCADAMS, November 2025

> "Great view of the area."
> — Shannon Sauro, December 2025

> "Greay Smoky Mountain Wheel"
> — Gregory Payne II, March 2026