Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

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The rush of 11 months was over. In a world where you can be anything. Slow living is my ode to this December. We not only survived the challenging time but appeared more innovative and resilient. As I am a big believer of the importance of quietness of places. Through it will show the best in us. Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Knowing our purpose in life not only give meaning but help us to grow. Reach our maximum potential and share it to benefit others. It’s like plugging a lamp into an electric socket. We learn how to plug into it’s source. Then take small steps to anything we truly desire. By example, it helps educate children to become change-makers, free thinkers.

As I always hope that readers may find comfort perhaps even inspiration in what I do. I stay in touch with my creative side and share it with you.

I am always cool with the unwritten rule to help other travelers. It’s always good to get insights from people who’ve already been to places we wanted to visit. And when travel is done responsibly it can be a powerful force for positive change.

We tried the scenic route going to Downtown Gatlinburg as Google Map gave us the option to. The closer we get the more downhill spiral we can be. Hubby did a very great job at driving as always. Glad we tried as well as we were saved from traffic downtown.

Truly, as every road can still be a mystery. They can also lead you to discover one thing today and something else tomorrow.

𝕋𝕠 𝕒 𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕥 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

Search no further. Anakeesta is one of the new jewels in downtown Gatlinburg. I am sure the rest of the world agrees. It is a recent addition to Gatlinburg’s top-tier attractions. Known for its panoramic Smoky Mountain views together with lots of thrilling activities. It is an all-day access. With over 70 acres of mountain-top fun. Anakeesta is a must-do attraction for the whole family.

The name Anakeesta is a Cherokee Indian word referring to a high ground. Literally means “the place of the balsams.”

ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤

Lines were long… as in real long on our 1st week of November visit. I would advise you to get an early start because the line gets extremely long, I heard even on weekdays. Park entry wait times are greatest between noon and 3 pm. Some wait times may exceed more than 45 minutes. We waited for 2 hours. You can order your tickets online. There is an Express Pass as well.

Going up from the Guest Services Station. Scenic Chondola transports you from downtown Gatlinburg to the 600 foot summit of Anakeesta Mountain. Choose from a four-person ski style chairlift or a six-person enclosed cabin. Both offers a spectacular views of the of the Smokies.

𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚜…

𝕋𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥𝕠𝕡 𝕎𝕒𝕝𝕜

The treetop walk was awesome. Definitely a must for family. Walking along the swinging ropes over the brilliant fall color canopy. The views from nearly every spot are simply stunning with lots of soothing fall colors.

It offers a sense of joy and wonder. As suspension bridges are designed without stabilizing so that the free movement of the bridge provides a more interesting experience for the visitors. Requires a particular gliding step while strolling along sixteen suspension bridges. Spanning a total of 800 feet through the trees.

From treetop to treetop on rope bridges and wooden planks. I wish to pull out a chair, sit and think in a spot somewhere. I love places like these built to exercise the mind. It makes me decide on things without delay. I can truly say, it’s all been magical here. Totally worth it.

The architecture and landscaping are beautiful. They have really worked hard to ensure the landscaping is beautiful and natural. Truly made a reputation for creating a unique and spectacular park. With an emphasis on freedom, privacy and solitude.

We didn’t really stay long. But to be in the spirit of these breathtaking mountains. I can feel so much restful after contemplation given enough time. It was already late afternoon and we have to go back to Nashville.

This place is more than a nature-loving thrill-seeker’s dream. Honed if not for perfection but for a sense of calm and easy familiarity. Some parts are quite a physical challenge and a balm to the soul. Has a rare charm, no denying.

Cozy around the fire with friends. Truly a sight to behold. Giving you the perspective of the city like no other spot can. Uplifting to the spirit as the color blends harmoniously with the forest.

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕦𝕝 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕦𝕞𝕟

The brilliant fall color in the landscape is indeed a magical transformation that happens each year. What’s just intriguing is the science behind it. Leaves’ normal green color slowly change as plants produce less chlorophyll. It starts breaking down showing the primary pigments of yellow, red or orange.

𝔸𝕟𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕒 𝕋𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣

Anavista Tower just opened in July 2020. It’s a cool look-out tower. Allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning nature surrounding it.

It has a cylindrical shape in favor of a curved profile with a slender waist with enlarged base and crown. Making a bigger area at the top as a viewing platform.

Visitors can climb the stairs and enjoy 360 degree views from downtown Gatlinburg’s highest point. The 880-foot walkway is suspended 50 to 60 feet in the air. Makes me feel like I’ve been transported into another world. A beautiful world. I also felt like it’s moving as I walk all the way up.

Mₒᵣₑ Fᵤₙ Acₜᵢᵥᵢₜᵢₑₛ

Dueling Zipline Adventure. It is a side by side zip lines.

Treeventure Challenge Course.