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GSP destination photo
BNA destination photo

GSPBNA

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side offers the most direct views of the high peaks within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the dramatic transition from the Piedmont to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
⛰️

Great Smoky Mountains

Aerial view of the high ridges and deep valleys of the most visited national park in the US.

🌲

Nantahala National Forest

Expansive views of dense hardwood forests and rugged terrain in Western North Carolina.

💧

Lake Jocassee

Clear blue waters nestled against the Blue Ridge Escarpment shortly after takeoff.

🚤

Percy Priest Lake

A large reservoir popular for recreation, serving as a primary landmark for the Nashville approach.

🌄

Blue Ridge Escarpment

The sudden drop in elevation between the mountains and the foothills is clearly visible here.

Morning flights provide the best lighting for the Great Smoky Mountains, often revealing the iconic 'smoke' or mist in the valleys. Sit behind the wing for unobstructed views of the sharp descent into the Nashville basin.

Right Side Highlights
7.6
🏢

Knoxville Skyline

The urban center of East Tennessee and the Tennessee River winding through the valley.

🪵

Cumberland Plateau

The distinct, flat-topped highland region that marks the transition into Middle Tennessee.

🏔️

Mount LeConte

One of the highest peaks in the Appalachians, visible to the North when crossing the state line.

🌆

Downtown Nashville

Depending on the landing pattern at BNA, the right side may get a panoramic view of the 'Music City' skyline.

🌊

Old Hickory Lake

A large reservoir on the Cumberland River visible just north of the final approach path.

Watch for the dramatic geological 'wall' of the Cumberland Plateau. On sunset flights, the right side will witness the sun dipping below the horizon over the rolling hills of Tennessee.

Top Activities in Nashville
Route Information

Distance: 426 km (265 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 43 min

Departure: GSP (34.895698547399995, -82.2189025879)

Arrival: BNA (36.1245002746582, -86.6781997680664)

Route Type: Domestic

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