Director of Communications
Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Chelsea.Trott@tn.gov
629-395-8941
Anakeesta’s New TreeVenture Opens above Gatlinburg
GATLINBURG, TN – June 12, 2020 – Anakeesta’s TreeVenture is the newest way to explore the Smoky Mountains in downtown Gatlinburg. The unique treehouse adventure course is the first phase of Anakeesta’s largest-ever expansion to open to the public, with its one-of-a-kind observation tower on track to open next month.
TreeVenture, which is included in Anakeesta’s regular general admission price, is made up of three multi-level treehouses connected by nets, ropes, hanging logs and platforms. A winding slide, hanging stairs and look-out platform add to this unique multiple level challenge course that offers free-form play and does not require a harness.
Just a short walk from TreeVenture, and surrounded by the beautiful Vista Gardens which are in full bloom, visitors can see Anakeesta’s AnaVista Tower taking shape. The new AnaVista Tower will offer even more breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding states. As the only one of its kind in the world, the observation tower will soon be downtown Gatlinburg’s highest point.
In just a few short months, Anakeesta has transformed its mountaintop in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg to offer visitors even more authentic outdoor Smoky Mountain experiences. Anakeesta’s wide open spaces and fresh mountain air offer visitors a safe place to share some of the best views of the Smokies – just a Chondola or Ridge Rambler ride away.
In addition to the shopping and open-air dining already available, Anakeesta is also doubling its dining capacity with a new Smokehouse Barbeque and Brewery. It will be the only place to see the Great Smoky Mountains and Mt. LeConte while enjoying full-service dining in Gatlinburg.
As part of this third phase of its $6.5 million expansion, Anakeesta is also adding a new stage for live music, mountaintop firepit with walk-up bar for beer including local craft brews, walk-up windows for pizza and frozen yogurt and a water play area designed to resemble a Tennessee mountain creek.
Anakeesta has implemented a new Express Pass online admission option. Guests can choose the day and time that they would like to visit the park. Express Pass guests and Annual Pass holders will travel directly to the summit via the Express Pass Chondola lane. Anakeesta is located in and above the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (traffic light #5).
For tickets, current hours and more information, visit www.anakeesta.com or call 865-325-2400.
About Anakeesta
Anakeesta is an authentic outdoor mountaintop experience for all ages located on 70 acres of pristine forested land nestled in and above the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (traffic light #5). Anakeesta is a Cherokee Indian word referring to high ground, chosen to capture the authentic Smokies heritage that guests will experience. Play, eat, shop and relax surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Anakeesta, voted the best attraction of the year in 2018 by the TnHTA. Visit www.anakeesta.com or call 865-325-2400 for tickets and more information.
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