April Newsletter

When owners Bob and Karen Bentz began designing Anakeesta they envisioned a destination that would truly entertain the whole family. Grandparents themselves, they wanted to create an outdoor experience where a young grandchild would be as delighted as his grandparents, where the elusive teenager would be as enlivened as his parents, and where groups of all ages would experience as much thrill or relaxation in the mountains as they desired.

With that in mind, we are highlighting just some of the experiences that await you and your family at the top of Anakeesta Mountain this summer.

As you exit the Chondola at the top of Anakeesta Mountain you will enter a one-of-a-kind family destination—our magical Firefly Village, built among the treetops in the heart of the Smokies. Quaint gift shops, a gourmet food truck, dessert shop and gem mining will delight all ages.

Other components of Firefly Village, which include the children’s playground, tree canopy walk, and forest memorial walk, are all inclusive of your Chondola ticket creating an unbeatable value for your family.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature on our scenic Treetop Walk. Through multiple sky bridges suspended in the trees you will be able to traverse the forest of Anakeesta Mountain among the treetops. Each bridge will end at a new treetop observation platform where you can take in the sights and enjoy the surroundings. This activity is designed to accommodate all nature-lovers on this non-strenuous stroll through the treetops.

Anakeesta’s Treehouse Village Playground will feature whimsically-themed treehouses interconnected by multiple bridges of varying challenge. Physical and educational elements designed to build strength and confidence will surprise guests at nearly every turn. Guests of all ages can trek along a log walk to an elevated bird nest where they’ll learn how an American Goldfinch cultivates its home, navigate a plank walk to a maze encapsulated by a house in the trees, and crawl through a tube net to a climbing adventure.

If you are looking for a heartpounding adventure, purchase a ticket to race family and friends on the Dueling Zipline Adventure.

Zip through the forest on Anakeesta’s two unique dual ziplines. Stretching high over the forest floor, each zip is over 1,000 feet in length and will give you beautiful views of the Smokies while zipping right next to friends or family. Along the way you’ll be able to build up your courage as you zip, rappel, and jump through the air on multiple rappel and jump activities that will navigate you through the forest where you will end at the Chondola to take you back to the top of Anakeesta Mountain.