Gatlinburg Space Needle
Gatlinburg, TN
Rising high above the Gatlinburg skyline, the Space Needle offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Soak in the scenery as you ride a glass elevator to the 407-foot (124-metre) high observation deck to take panoramic photos and explore educational exhibits about Gatlinburg history.
The basics
Gatlinburg’s popularity is closely tied to its location as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. While you can appreciate the town’s natural setting from the ground, the Space Needle offers a broader perspective on the area’s beauty, with two ways to experience it: in the glass elevator ride to the top and from the wrap-around observation deck. In addition to enjoying the views, a ticket also grants access to a family-friendly arcade and the Higher Learning educational experience.
Things to know before you go
- There’s a pizza restaurant on-site.
- The Space Needle is accessible to wheelchairs.
- Admission is free for children under 3 years old. Military, senior, and group discounts are also available.
- Though the observation deck is covered, it’s still open to the elements, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
How to get there
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is hard to miss; not only is it the tallest building in the city, it’s also located right off the main strip nearby lots of restaurants, hotels, and attractions. It’s roughly a 10-minute walk from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the Anakeesta theme park. The free Gatlinburg Trolley also stops nearby. If arriving by car, there’s no on-site parking, but plenty of parking lots close by.
When to get there
Fall is the most popular time to visit the Space Needle, when colorful foliage is at its peak; just be sure to book in advance to guarantee entry. Though daytime affords better photography conditions, the Space Needle is also open late-night—visit after dark to see the city sparkle.
See more of the Great Smoky canopy
In addition to the Space Needle, there are a number of other ways to explore the Great Smoky canopy. Find your balance as you walk across sky bridges at Anakeesta or the Gatlinburg SkyPark, spike your adrenaline on a zipline canopy tour, or take in views from the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.
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