Immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds you
Stay a While
There is a time for adventure and a time to relax, and chilling at Anakeesta is one of the most relaxing things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Enjoy the breathtaking views and fresh mountain air from the summit of Anakeesta. Find a rocking chair, swinging bench beneath one of our pergolas in our lush botanical Vista Garden, or admire the views from around the table with your friends and family. We promise you will love every seat on the mountain!
Never miss a moment! See what is happening right now at Anakeesta!
Experience the Wonder at Vista Gardens Arboretum
Get ready to experience an incredible mountaintop garden retreat in the Smoky Mountains at our experiential sensory garden walk, Vista Gardens, in Gatlinburg, TN. This garden began as a clean canvas of design following the Chimney Top II Wildfires of 2016. Virtually every single tree was charred and destroyed from the damage of the fires. This gave Anakeesta the challenge and opportunity to create a very special garden design.
Listen to the birds and sounds of cascading waterfalls, discover musical garden chimes and feel cool mountain breezes as you pass through the wisteria covered misting tunnel. Meet Willow, share a memory at the iconic heart twigloo, enjoy the laughter of children at TreeVenture and BearVenture, then climb AnaVista Tower to discover 360⁰ views of the national park and downtown Gatlinburg.
In 2022 Anakeesta’s Vista Gardens was accredited level II Arboretum status by ArbNet for its restoration, education, and enjoyment efforts. Our mission at the Vista Gardens is to develop an arboretum that is designed to advance the planting, study, and conservation of trees to improve the world.
GET COZY AT NIGHT AT ANAKEESTA'S BLACK BEAR VILLAGE
Gather around the fire pit while you enjoy a sweet treat or cold brew and share in the excitement of all the wonderful things Anakeesta has to offer. Black Bear Village is a hub of activity where friends and families can relax and enjoy each other’s company, listen to music and soak up every moment of your trip to Gatlinburg! Take in the sunset from whimsical firefly village as you watch the lights of downtown come to life!
The Best Selfie Spot in the Smokies!
Nestle into the lap of Willow, Anakeesta’s 20′ tall “keeper of the Forest” fall in love at our heart twigloo, strike a pose by a Tennessee themed waterfall, or capture the backdrop of Mt. LeConte from AnaVista Tower….all you need to do is smile and snap! Opportunities for the perfect selfie are endless! Capture memories that you can relive for years to come when you visit Anakeesta!
Learn the story of Anakeesta’s Willow when you download the Legend of Anakeesta written by Founding Partner, Karen Bentz and illustrated by Pinkie Mistry.
