Floating above Tennessee in a hot air balloon turns an ordinary family outing into something extraordinary. The state’s landscapes—from the Smoky Mountains to rolling countryside—look completely different from a few thousand feet up, and the peaceful drift through early morning or evening skies creates memories that stick with kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to show your family something they’ve never experienced before, these balloon rides offer front-row seats to Tennessee’s most stunning views without the noise and rush of everyday life.
1. Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures — Nashville
Picture your family drifting silently over parts of Middle Tennessee most people never see from the air. Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures launches from the Nashville area and takes riders over rolling hills, tree-covered hollows, and quiet lakes that seem to appear out of nowhere below you.
Flights typically happen at sunrise when the air is calmest and the light is soft and golden. Your pilot will adjust altitude to catch different wind currents, so you might glide low enough to see deer grazing or high enough to spot Nashville’s skyline in the distance. Kids love spotting wildlife and trying to identify landmarks, while parents appreciate the quiet and the chance to see familiar places from a completely new angle.
The whole experience takes about three hours from start to finish, including setup, flight time (usually around an hour), and the traditional champagne toast afterward. The crew is experienced and puts families at ease, explaining how everything works without overloading you with technical details. They also help with the landing, which is surprisingly gentle despite what you might expect.
This outfit has been flying families for years and knows how to make first-timers comfortable. They’ll answer all your questions, let kids help with some of the setup if they’re interested, and make sure everyone gets great photos. The views change with the seasons—spring brings wildflowers, fall delivers color, and winter offers clear air and long sightlines.
2. Gateway Hot Air Balloon Adventures — Spring Hill
Gateway operates out of Spring Hill, which puts you in a prime position to see Tennessee’s countryside at its prettiest. Their rides offer both shared and private options, so you can choose between meeting other families or keeping the basket to yourselves. Sunrise flights are popular for the cooler temperatures and incredible light, but sunset rides have their own magic.
The flight path varies based on wind conditions, which means no two rides are exactly alike. Some days you’ll float over farmland and small communities, other times you might catch views of Nashville-area landmarks if the wind carries you that direction. Your pilot reads the weather and wind patterns to plan the safest and most scenic route, adjusting altitude to show you the best views without rushing through them.
What families appreciate here is the flexibility. Gateway works with your schedule when possible and communicates clearly about weather delays or rescheduling. Ballooning depends entirely on conditions—too much wind, rain, or fog means postponing—but the crew keeps you informed and makes rebooking straightforward.
They’d rather wait for perfect conditions than fly in marginal weather, which says a lot about their priorities.
The total adventure runs about three hours, including pre-flight prep and post-flight celebration. Kids get to watch the balloon inflate, which is surprisingly dramatic when you’re standing next to a massive envelope filling with hot air. The actual flight time averages an hour, giving everyone plenty of time to take photos, ask questions, and just soak in the experience.
3. What’s Up Ballooning — New Market
If your family is planning time in the Smokies, starting a day with What’s Up Ballooning sets the tone perfectly. Their launch site near New Market puts you in position to see mountain views that most visitors never experience. Dawn flights catch the Smokies at their quietest, before the roads fill up and the crowds arrive at Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
The mountains look different from above—you can see how the ridges layer behind each other and how morning fog settles in the valleys.
The timing works beautifully for families who want to pack a lot into their visit. You’ll finish your flight by mid-morning, leaving the whole day open for hiking, exploring the national park, or hitting the attractions in town. Kids talk about the balloon ride for the rest of the trip, and parents love having those early morning photos with mountain backdrops that don’t include parking lots and tourist traffic.
What’s Up Ballooning specializes in this region and their pilots know the Smoky Mountains inside out. They’ll point out landmarks, explain the geology you’re seeing, and time the flight to catch the best light on the peaks. The experience includes watching the inflation process, which fascinates younger kids, and the post-flight celebration with refreshments and flight certificates that make nice souvenirs.
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so flexibility helps when booking. The company monitors conditions closely and will reschedule if needed rather than risk a bumpy or unsafe flight. Dress in layers since temperatures can drop with altitude, and bring a camera with a good zoom for those mountain shots.
The whole experience takes around three hours, but the memories stretch much longer.
4. Adventure Time Ballooning — Kingsport
Northeast Tennessee doesn’t always get the attention the Smokies and Nashville areas receive, but Adventure Time Ballooning in Kingsport proves this region deserves a closer look—preferably from a few thousand feet up. Their pilots hold FAA commercial certification and instructor ratings, meaning they’re not just experienced, they’re qualified to teach other pilots.
Flights here average about an hour in the air, though the total adventure spans roughly three hours when you include setup and post-flight activities. The landscape below features rolling valleys, farmland, and views that stretch into Virginia and North Carolina on clear days. It’s less dramatic than mountain scenery but has its own appeal—peaceful, green, and surprisingly varied as you float along.
Kids enjoy trying to spot roads they recognize or watching vehicles that look like toys from an altitude.
Adventure Time offers both group and private flights, so you can choose based on your family’s preference and budget. Private flights give you more flexibility with timing and keep the experience intimate, while group flights let you meet other families and share the adventure. Either way, the crew makes sure everyone gets good photos and feels included in the experience, not just along for the ride.
The Kingsport area offers other attractions to fill out your day, from parks to local restaurants worth trying. Booking ahead is smart, especially for weekend flights during spring and fall when weather is most reliable. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty during landing, and bring sunglasses for early morning flights when the sun sits low on the horizon.
5. Smoky Mtn Air Hot Air Balloon Rides & Events — Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro sits right in the heart of Middle Tennessee, and Smoky Mtn Air uses that central location to offer rides over some of the state’s prettiest countryside. Despite the company name referencing the Smokies, these flights explore the rolling terrain around Murfreesboro—think farms, small communities, tree-lined creeks, and open fields that look like patchwork quilts from above.
The scenery changes with the seasons, making repeat flights worthwhile if your family really catches the ballooning bug.
What makes this operation stand out is their focus on making ballooning accessible to families who might be nervous about trying it. The crew takes time to explain safety procedures without making it feel like a lecture, shows kids how the balloon works, and answers questions patiently. They understand that for many families this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and they treat it that way—making sure everyone feels comfortable and gets the most out of their time in the air.
Flight times depend on weather and wind conditions, but you’ll typically spend close to an hour floating over the countryside. The pilots are skilled at reading conditions and finding the smoothest air, so even families with members who get motion sickness usually do fine. The gentle drift and lack of turbulence make it different from airplane travel, and many people are surprised by how stable and peaceful it feels.
Smoky Mtn Air also handles events and can arrange flights for larger groups if you’re planning something special. The standard experience includes pre-flight preparation, the flight itself, and a celebration afterward with refreshments and commemorative certificates.
Book during weekdays for better availability, and plan for early morning launches when conditions are typically calmest and the light is best for photos.
6. Bluff City Balloons — Memphis
Their flights take advantage of West Tennessee’s unique landscape, including potential views of the Mississippi River and the blend of urban and rural scenery that defines this corner of the state. The river looks impressive from altitude, especially when morning light hits the water and you can see for miles in both directions.
Flying near Memphis means you might spot landmarks like downtown buildings, Mud Island, or the bridges crossing into Arkansas, depending on your flight path and wind direction. But you’ll also see farmland, wetlands, and communities that most visitors never explore. The pilots know the area intimately and point out interesting features as you drift past, giving context to what you’re seeing below.
Bluff City Balloons caters to both locals looking for a unique experience and visitors who want to see a different side of Memphis. They offer sunrise flights when the city is just waking up and the air is cool and stable. The contrast between urban areas and natural spaces becomes really apparent from a balloon—you can see where the city ends and the countryside begins, and how the river shapes everything around it.
The crew handles all the logistics, from inflation to landing to packing everything up afterward. Families just need to show up ready for adventure, wearing comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. The whole experience takes about three hours, with roughly an hour spent actually flying.
Weather plays a big role in West Tennessee, so stay flexible with your schedule and trust the pilots when they say conditions aren’t right—they’re making decisions based on safety, not convenience.
7. Ace High Ballooning — Franklin
Franklin combines small-town charm with proximity to Nashville, and Ace High Ballooning takes advantage of both. Their flights launch from the Franklin area and offer views of some of Middle Tennessee’s most attractive countryside—historic farmland, tree-covered hills, and open spaces that feel surprisingly untouched despite being close to major roads and development.
The area has history too, and your pilot might point out landmarks related to the Civil War or explain how the landscape has changed over the years.
Ace High focuses on creating memorable experiences rather than just providing rides. They work with families to schedule flights at convenient times, communicate clearly about weather and conditions, and make sure everyone understands what to expect.
Their pilots are experienced and certified, but they also have that local knowledge that makes the flight more interesting—they know which areas offer the best views, where wildlife tends to gather, and how to time the flight for optimal lighting.
The Franklin area is gorgeous year-round, but fall flights are especially popular when the trees turn color and the air gets crisp. Spring brings wildflowers and green fields, while summer offers long, warm evenings perfect for sunset flights. Winter flights happen less frequently due to weather but provide incredibly clear air and views that stretch for miles.
Whichever season you choose, dress appropriately since temperatures can shift with altitude.
The total experience runs about three hours, including setup, flight, and post-flight celebration. Kids love watching the balloon inflate and helping with small tasks if the crew allows it. Parents appreciate the professional approach and the fact that safety never takes a backseat to spectacle.
Bring cameras, charge your phones, and plan to take lots of photos—this is the kind of experience your family will want to remember and share.