GATLINBURG, Tenn. (August 7, 2023) Calling all my fellow thrill seekers! You didn’t come to the mountains to relax, you came for adventure. You came for an experience, an experience you can share with your whole family. If that is you then hold on tight and follow meeeee.  Â
CLIMBWORKS Smoky MountainsÂ
Drive a few miles off the main strip where you’ll find CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains, a world class mountaintop zipline tour. It may only be a few miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg, but it feels like you’re a world away because you are truly surrounded by nothing except the beauty of nature. Â
Your tour starts with a fun ATV ride to the top of the mountain. Once you’re at the top, you’ll experience some of the most amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains surrounding you, actually below you, in every direction. The tour includes six dual ziplines (so you can zip side-by-side with someone), aerial bridges and even a rappel off one of the platforms. Each zipline is very different so you never feel like you’re doing the same thing twice. Â
The thrill level is an absolute 10, but there was so much besides the ziplining that made it such a great experience. Our guide was hysterical and had such great information to share about the history of the area. I kept saying “and did you know…” around the campfire later that night excited to share everything I learned. Â
Age requirement: 7 or older. Â
Tip: The tour takes about 2-2/12 hours so plan on making this a half day activity. The tours fill up so you’ll want to book a date and time days if not weeks before, especially during the busy season or if you have a large group. Â
Dueling Zipline Adventure at AnakeestaÂ
Anakeesta has something for everyone. Which is great for a family that has a mix of relaxers and adventurers. Send the relaxers one way, while you head to the Dueling Ziplines. On this course you literally zip from tree to tree which gives you such a unique vantage point of the mountains. There are three dual lines and even some rappels along the course to give an extra surge of adrenaline. This is a great option if you want to zipline but don’t want to make a day of it.  Â
Age Requirement: 7 or older and at least 70 lbs. Â
Tip: If you purchase your ticket online (which is strongly encouraged because spaces fill up) you get an express pass to get to the top at no additional cost.  Â
Rail Runner Smoky Mountain CoasterÂ
Anakeesta’s Rail Runner offers a bit of a choose-your–own-adventure ride. You can fly down the 1600 foot course navigating the twists and turns at up to 25 mph or, since you control your own speed, you can make it a slower scenic ride down the mountain. This is the perfect option for families with young children because you can ride tandem with kids as young as three years old. It’s perfect for the want-to-be thrill seeker that still wants to maintain a little bit of control. And don’t worry, they don’t leave you at the bottom of the mountain. After the ride down you get to enjoy a nice scenic ride back to the top. Â
Age Requirement: 3-7 can ride tandem. 7 and older can ride solo.  Â
Tip: You cannot pre purchase tickets, so purchase them as soon as you arrive. If there is a wait time you can do other activities on the mountain while you wait. Â
Hellbender at Anakeesta: Coming Soon Â
Hellbender will be as heart-pounding and adrenaline-inducing as its name suggests! This double-rail mountain coaster, which is different from the Rail Runner which is single rail, will open this fall. Hellbender’s steep mountain incline is perfect for hitting top speeds. The course also has tunnels, lots of twists and turns and, of course, those epic mountain views in every direction.Â
Tip: Follow Anakeesta on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know the official opening date! Â
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