About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Knoxville. While the left side has the Atlanta departure views, the right side delivers the more dramatic and sustained scenery — the Appalachian ridges of north Georgia and the Great Smokies come into view mid-flight and build all the way to landing. The Tennessee River valley on approach is genuinely striking from the right.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Left side for the best views. ATL's primary departure runway 26L/26R sends aircraft westbound before turning north toward Knoxville. The left side picks up downtown Atlanta's skyline to the south during the initial climb and turn, plus Stone Mountain's distinctive granite dome to the east as the aircraft banks northward. Right side faces away from the city core during this maneuver. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain granite dome, Lake Allatoona reservoir to the northwest, Kennesaw Mountain ridge.
What can I see when landing at Mc Ghee Tyson in Knoxville?
When landing at Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS), sit on the Right side for the best views. TYS sits just southwest of Knoxville, and aircraft typically approach from the southwest on runway 23R/23L. The right side faces north and east, giving views of the Great Smoky Mountains ridgelines on the horizon and the Tennessee River's distinctive S-curve through downtown Knoxville on final approach. Left side looks back toward open farmland and the Cumberland Plateau. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains ridgeline, Tennessee River S-curve through Knoxville, Fort Loudoun Lake reservoir, Clinch River valley.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Knoxville?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) takes Approximately 45-55 minutes.
What does the Atlanta to Knoxville flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia around Dahlonega and the Chattahoochee National Forest, then the Cohutta Wilderness ridgelines near Dalton, Georgia. The Tennessee state line is marked by Chilhowee Mountain and the Hiwassee River valley. The parallel northeast-trending Appalachian ridges are clearly visible throughout the cruise phase, with the Great Smoky Mountains appearing on the right horizon as the aircraft descends into the Tennessee Valley.