June 1st, 2022
GATLINBURG, Tenn. Ah summer, it finally showed up! If you’re like us, you’ve been counting down the days to its arrival! Summer is filled with so many of our favorite things including VACATION TIME. If you’re planning a trip to Anakeesta this summer, which we sure hope you are, we’ve got a few insider tips to help make your experience in the mountains even more magical.
8. We’ve got live music and cold drinks
Yup, it’s pretty much the best combo ever created, am I right? Starting June 10th Anakeesta will offer live music EVERY DAY at Black Bear Village. While there are a lot of places to sit and relax on Anakeesta Mountain, the coveted spots are by the music.
Anakeesta’s line up includes some of the best bands in Tennessee featuring bluegrass, country and more. For a full schedule of musicians download the Anakeesta app here.
Back to the cold drinks, we’ve certainly got you covered there. There are nine different eateries where you can order food and drinks including the brand new Watering Can. So whether you want a burger or veggie wrap, an ice cold lemonade or an ice cold beer we’ve got you covered! We also have some seasonal summer cocktails that just taste better when mixed with fresh mountain air.
Tip: Divide and conquer. Someone grab some seats while you send someone else in the group for food and drinks.
If you want to dine at Clifftop (aka, enjoy an air conditioned meal!) go ahead and put your name in when you first arrive. The wait time can get long but you can enjoy other activities while you wait and you’ll receive a call when your table is ready.
- Beat the lines, order tickets online
Summer is a busy time of year around here, but some lines ARE avoidable. If you book your tickets online you’ll be able to bypass the ticket line and go straight to the chondola or Ridge Rambler line. You can also purchase tickets to the dueling zipline ahead of time.
Tip: When you purchase your digital tickets, have them pulled up on your phone so you can quickly show them to an attendant and hop on your preferred transportation to the top of the mountain.
- Check out our calendar for summer events
We’re thrilled to feature our summer art installation: SEAN KENNEY’S NATURE CONNECTS made with LEGO© bricks. Artist Sean Kenney is bringing his larger than life nature-inspired sculptures to Anakeesta. There will be more than a dozen installations throughout Anakeesta including a 7 ft. tall peacock made by nearly 70,000 lego bricks and a monarch butterfly that took more than 400 hours to build. While these pieces are stunning to look at, they were created to remind us that everything in nature is interconnected in a delicate balance.
If you happen to be with us on June 10th you’ll get to enjoy Anakeesta’s first ever Tap Takeover with Highland Brewing. Highland Brewing, from our neighbors to the east in Asheville, will be featuring their beers at all of our restaurants and eateries.
Tip: Be sure to visit our events calendar to see what is happening during your visit and to check our extended summer hours.
- We’ve got a splash pad!
There’s really only one rule for entertaining kids in the summer….make sure there’s water. We have a fantastic splash pad for kids to run around and splash in. It’s a great way for kiddos to cool off after running around Treeventure or walking up Anavista Tower. They can entertain themselves while the parents sit and relax for a while (well relax might be too hopeful but at least sit for a few minutes.)
Tip: bring a change of clothes or a towel for anyone who plans on playing in the splash pad.
- Summer is for Adventuring
Summer is all about creating memories together. And let me tell you, jumping off a zip platform 60 ft. in the air or screaming down a mountain on our rail runner mountain coaster, Gatlinburg’s Mountain coaster of champions, is a memory you won’t soon forget. Here are a few tips to make the process a whole lot smoother.
Tip: If you plan on ziplining go ahead and book it and reserve a time online. Slots do fill up in the summer. You can also complete the waiver online so when you arrive at your designated time you will be all set and skip all lines! You can also look on our site to read our safety requirements and what to wear.
If you plan on riding the mountain coaster, you cannot book ahead of time but we suggest getting tickets as soon as you get to the top of the mountain. If there’s a wait, which there often is, you can explore the rest of the activities on the mountain and you will get a call when your turn is close.
- We’ve got some of the best views of the July 4th fireworks!
If you plan on visiting on July 4th you’re in for a special treat! You can view the city of Gatlinburg’s spectacular fireworks show from the top of Anakeesta mountain. It’s a very cool vantage point to see the show!
Tip: the deck of Smokehouse is the best place to see the fireworks, and there will also be live music for your enjoyment!
- Take a break from the heat
Take advantage of our all day, unlimited access, which means you can leave and come back the same day. It can get toasty here in the summer so come in the morning for a few hours and then come back in the evening to enjoy the mountain at night. The park opens an hour earlier in the summer and stays open two hours later so you have time to make the most of your one-day ticket.
Tip: Plan on being back by sunset to catch the amazing sunset views and a delicious dinner at one of our restaurants then walk the Treetop Skywalk which lights up at night. You’ll feel like you’re in a whimsical forest surrounded by fairy lights!
- It’s a one-stop shop for family fun!
Parents, we feel ya. All the little kids want to do is climb on everything, the bigger kids want the cool adventures, the grandparents just want to take it easy and enjoy the views and you, well you could use an ice cold beverage right about…anytime. Guess what? Anakeesta has all of that and more!
Anakeesta, much like the Smoky Mountains, can be tranquil and relaxing or thrilling and full of adventure. It inspires awe whether you’re 2 or 92. So bring your whole family and be the hero that made everyone happy at the same time.
Tip: Upgrade your ticket to a season pass. If you come even one more time this year you will have saved money. Season pass holders also get 20% off retail and dining at Anakeesta making it even more of a great deal!
Erin says
Is there a weight limit on the sky walk, zip line etc
Michele Canney says
There is a 70 pound lower weight limit and 270 pound upper weight limit for the zipline, 230 pound limit for the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, and no weight limit for the Treetop Skywalk.