Anakeesta: A Mountaintop Story of Family, Resilience, and Wonder
Perched above downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta offers families a mountaintop experience shaped by nature, storytelling, and togetherness. Its name comes from a Cherokee word meaning “place of high ground,” a fitting description for both its location and its purpose.
When Bob and Karen Bentz purchased more than 55 acres of forested Smoky Mountain land in 2014, they weren’t just developing an attraction. They were shaping a dream: to create a mountaintop sanctuary where families could step out of the bustle of Gatlinburg and into a space where nature, adventure, and togetherness take center stage.
Bob’s decades of experience in landscape architecture gave him the tools, but it was the couple’s shared love for family and community that fueled the vision. They wanted more than rides. They wanted connection.
🔥 Rising After the Fire in the Smoky Mountains
In November 2016, wildfires swept across more than 17,000 acres of the Great Smoky Mountains, leaving visible scars across the region. Gatlinburg was deeply affected, and for many, it felt as though the Smokies might never fully recover.
But Bob and Karen saw something different: resilience. They chose not to erase the fire’s memory but to weave it into the park’s identity. Charred tree trunks were left standing as silent reminders, trails were carved through recovering forests, and Anakeesta became a place where families could witness not just beauty, but rebirth.
Families visiting today don’t just see the mountains — they see healing, growth, and hope written into the landscape.
🏗 Building a Mountaintop Destination in Gatlinburg
After a $47 million investment and years of challenges — steep terrain, windstorms, rocky soil, and even wildlife encounters — Anakeesta opened in Gatlinburg in September 2017.
The journey to the summit was designed to be part of the magic. Families can ride the Chondola, a hybrid gondola with enclosed cabins and open-air chairs, or take the Ridge Rambler trucks winding up the mountain. Either way, the ride becomes the first step into wonder.
Adventures Among the Trees
From its opening, Anakeesta offered families a blend of thrills and calm, all surrounded by forest air and Smoky Mountain views:
Treetop Skywalk — Nearly 900 feet of hanging bridges swaying gently between the trees, where kids cling to their parents’ hands and laugh at the thrill
AnaVista Tower — Gatlinburg’s highest public point, where 360° views stretch for miles and generations stand together in awe
Rail Runner Mountain Coaster — A single-rail coaster winding down the slope, thrilling kids while parents cheer from nearby
Astra Lumina — A nighttime forest glowing with light and music, turning a simple walk into a memory under the stars
Play zones and gardens — Spaces that let kids explore while parents rest nearby
Every feature was designed to keep families together, not split apart into “big kids vs. little kids.” That’s why moms call Anakeesta one of the most manageable, joyful experiences in the Smokies.
🧡 The Owners’ Touch
What sets Anakeesta apart is that its owners are not distant investors — they’re present. Karen has been seen helping children with hands-on activities, chatting with parents, and making sure guests feel welcomed. Bob continues to guide each expansion, ensuring new additions honor the mountain’s story.
That personal involvement is why Anakeesta feels less like a park and more like an invitation.
✨ Growing with Purpose in the Great Smoky Mountains
In 2020, Anakeesta added new gardens, shaded seating, expanded dining options, and the AnaVista Tower — thoughtful updates that gave families more places to rest, relax, and take in the views.
The goal wasn’t growth for growth’s sake, but expansion that respected the land and the families experiencing it.
“Making More Magic”: A $100 Million Expansion at Anakeesta
Anakeesta’s story continues with “Making More Magic,” a $100 million, five-year expansion plan — the largest investment in the park’s history. Rolling out from 2025 through the next several years, the plan will gradually expand the mountaintop experience while staying true to Anakeesta’s nature-first, family-focused design.
What’s Coming First (2026)
The initial phase focuses on access, views, and signature experiences:
A next-generation scenic lift with glass-bottom cabins
A reimagined Firefly Village with improved pathways, water features, and scenic overlooks
An expanded Treetop Skywalk with additional bridges and towers
The Firefly Experience, a year-round nighttime light attraction inspired by the region’s natural fireflies
Planning note: Anakeesta will temporarily close early January through March 2026 to support construction, with Ridge Rambler access available until the new lift opens.
Looking Ahead
Later phases are expected to introduce new attractions, expanded dining, and additional family spaces, continuing Anakeesta’s evolution without losing the calm, connected feel that defines it.
📅 Visiting Anakeesta: Helpful Tips for Families
Tickets: Adults $34–$38; kids (4–11) $23–$26; under 3 free
Parking: Paid parking in downtown Gatlinburg; access via Chondola or Ridge Rambler
Best times to visit: Mornings for fewer crowds; evenings for cooler air and nighttime experiences
Plan ahead: It’s often 10° cooler at the summit — bring layers
Time needed: Plan 3–4 hours to explore comfortably
A Living Landmark in Gatlinburg
In just a few years, Anakeesta has grown from vision to landmark. It honors the Cherokee meaning of “high ground,” the scars of wildfire, and the love of two owners who wanted to give back to the Smokies.
Families don’t just leave with photos — they leave with stories: a child conquering the skywalk, a teenager racing down the coaster, a grandmother gazing from AnaVista Tower. Anakeesta isn’t about thrills alone. It’s about the moments in between — the laughter, the awe, the togetherness.
🏡 Where to Stay: Bearfoot Bliss
After a day of sky bridges and glowing forests, nothing feels better than coming home to a space designed for rest and connection. Bearfoot Bliss offers families a comfortable retreat near Gatlinburg, with room to slow down and enjoy the time together.
Why families love staying here:
Private indoor pool for year-round fun
Home theater for easy movie nights
Hot tub and mountain views for parents to unwind
Sleeps up to 14, ideal for extended or multi-generation trips
Because in the Smokies, the best stories aren’t just about where you go. They’re about who you share them with.
