Anakeesta adventure park reveals five-year, $100 million expansion in Smoky Mountains
Up in the Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta will undergo a $100 million expansion over the course of five years on the mountaintop adventure park in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Anakeesta is the #1 attraction in Gatlinburg
Located in the Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta is right in the Gatlinburg downtown area. In addition to getting a 360-degree view of the mountains, guests can explore and wander. There is a treetop skywalk, playgrounds, photo-ops, a full restaurant, and art installments. Guests can also participate in dueling ziplines, or ride down a mountain coaster. Depending on the time of the year, there are different festivals and events as well.
Anakeesta’s largest expansion in history
During the next five years, Anakeesta will double its footprint. This includes new villages, new attractions, dining, retail, and more. They’re calling this plan “Making More Magic.” It will be introduced in different phases.
“Making More Magic is not just about growth, it’s about purpose,” said Bryce Bentz, president of Anakeesta. “As we’ve grown, so has our responsibility to innovate while honoring the spirit of the Smokies. We’re not just imagining the park of tomorrow; we’re building it for generations of families who will feel wonder, delight, and connection at every turn.”
Anakeesta’s Phase 1 is called ‘A Fresh Start’
The adventure is at the top of the mountain, but guests will begin their adventure at the bottom. A next-generation lift project will debut in spring of 2026. This new lift will be faster than the previous iteration, hold more people, and have 360-degree views as you ascend up the mountain. With glass floors and wraparound windows, no one can miss a second of Smoky Mountain beauty on their 4-minute trip to the top.
Construction will begin this month. The park will close temporarily on Jan. 5, 2026. Once guests return in March, they will go up the mountain via the Ridge Rambler until the lift is complete.
A reimagined Firefly Village is also part of Phase 1
Another addition this spring is the reimagined Firefly Village, which will be transformed into a “whimsical storybook escape.” Guests can wander around winding pathways, take in flowing water features, and explore. For those more looking to relax, there will also be spots to stop and take it all in, or simply enjoy the company. A brand-new overlook will also be added, providing more views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
The third addition coming in spring is an upgrade to the Treetop Skywalk. With the addition of new towers and expanded bridges, guests can venture deeper and higher into the woods while still remaining suspended in the skywalk.
Phase 1 continues into the fall of 2026
Inspired by the local seasonal fireflies, Anakeesta is going to deliver the “Firefly Experience” year round. With state-of-the-art lighting design, this experience will recreate the glow of fireflies surrounding guests with a dance of light and nature. Art, storytelling, and technology come together to capture and share the sprit of “the Smokies after dark.”
Anakeesta’s Phase 2 and beyond is called ‘The Next Adventure‘
In 2027, Phase 2 will begin with new rides, flavors, and attractions. The rides promise to be heart-pounding and the dining will offer new and bolder flavors.
As the phases roll out, and the new adventures are prepared, Anakeesta will give some peaks behind the curtain. Making More Magic is a journey they intend to share with sneak peeks and regular construction updates, thereby getting everyone even more excited for the new magic that lies ahead.
To learn more, or start planning your next trip to Gatlinburg, click here.
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