A hotly anticipated new attraction is set to make its debut in Gatlinburg this summer! Anakeesta is expected to open its doors on August 18, 2017 or sometime the following week. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains overlooking the city of Gatlinburg, Anakeesta will feature a variety of fun outdoor activities, a number of boutique shops, and some spectacular dining options. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Black Bear Inn & Suites has put together a guide to everything you need to know about Anakeesta in Gatlinburg.
Getting There is Half the Fun: The Anakeesta Chondola
To reach all of the fun at the top of Anakeesta Mountain, visitors will take a Chondola ride from downtown Gatlinburg up to the attraction. Guests will have two ways to travel to the mountain’s summit: an open air chairlift ride with seating for 4 or an enclosed gondola with room for 6. The word “Chondola” is actually a mix of chairlift and gondola!
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, you will enjoy a breathtaking 12-minute ride to Anakeesta. The Chondola will depart from the Parkway across from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, just a 13-minute walk from Black Bear Inn & Suites!
Outdoor Activities at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg
There will certainly be no shortage of things to do at Anakeesta! Here is a quick look at the attraction’s outdoor activities:
Dueling Ziplines: Guests can race each other down two ziplines that are over 1,000 feet long.
Treetop Canopy Walk: Visitors will walk across a series of 16 connected sky bridges that are suspended 40 – 60 feet above the forest floor.
Treehouse Village Playground: Designed for children of all ages, this awesome playground consists of multiple treehouses that are linked by bridges.
Gem Mining: Kids can search for gemstones and fossils near Anakeesta’s interactive waterfall.
Mountain Coaster: This thrilling coaster will zig and zag its way through Anakeesta’s beautiful scenery. The Mountain Coaster is expected to open in late fall.
Shopping and Dining at Firefly Village
In addition to all of its amazing outdoor activities, Anakeesta Mountain is also home to Firefly Village. This treehouse-themed shopping and dining area offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. Here are some of the wonderful businesses you’ll be able to visit at Firefly Village:
Catching Fireflies: This boutique shop specializes in children’s clothing and toys, home goods, women’s apparel, and unique jewelry.
Great Outdoors Trading Company: Guests will find everything they need to go hiking in the Smoky Mountains along with locally made arts, crafts, and home goods.
Summit Smokehouse: This BBQ restaurant will serve all of your favorite smoked meats and side dishes.
Pearl’s Pie in the Sky: Anyone with a sweet tooth will love Pearl’s homemade pies, baked goods, ice cream cones, sundaes, and milkshakes.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
When you stay at Black Bear Inn & Suites, you will be minutes away from Anakeesta in Gatlinburg! Offering a complimentary hot breakfast bar, enclosed heated pool, high-speed wireless internet access, and balconies with beautiful views, our hotel has everything you need for a spectacular vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel suites!