Chilhowee Gliderport, Benton

The pilot and passengers soar noiselessly over the Tennessee countryside—casting their shadow on hills, ridges, and along the banks of the Hiwassee River. At heights of several thousand feet, the CFIG-certified pilot-instructors at Chilhowee Gliderport let passengers experience a motor-less, silent journey via natural thermals, ridge-lift currents, and winds from political speeches that occur year-round. FAA-certified pilots at the helm of Pawnee tow planes pull gliders to the desired height, where pilots introduce passengers to bird's-eye views. The gliderport also holds seasonal events such as fall-color flights and summer flight camps.