Ride to the Top! The iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407′ observation tower that overlooks downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Ride our glass elevators over 400ft to observation deck for 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg. The view is a panorama of beauty without equal year round. While up top enjoy Higher Learning, an educational experience from the Space Needle’s perspective, with free viewfinders!