Award-Winning Tennessee Adventure Park Undergoes Massive Expansion

Anakeesta, a new mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, prepares for 2026 spring and summer with a multimillion-dollar expansion project. Phase 1 enhancements of the five-year project, called Making More Magic, are set to be complete next year. As early as next spring, family travelers will find a new lift system to the mountaintop.

© Anakeesta

Construction also recently began on Anakeesta’s 56 new glass-bottom cabins. Designed to offer 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains, these cabins will be accessible via a four-minute ascent from the new lift. The cabins will comfortably accommodate up to six guests.

Next spring will also see the transformation of Firefly Village into a storybook escape, complete with winding pathways, water features and gathering spaces. Treetop Skywalk will also reopen next spring with the addition of towers, expanded bridges and canopy pathways.

TreeTop Skywalk © Anakeesta

In fall 2026, the Firefly Experience will feature a synchronous glow of fireflies through immersive, state-of-the-art lighting design. The Firefly Experience surrounds visitors with a mesmerizing dance of light and nature, blending technology, art and storytelling into a single experience capturing the spirit of the Smokies after dark.

Looking ahead, Anakeesta’s second phase of enhancements are slated to debut in 2027. This includes new thrilling rides, flavors and attractions.

Anakeesta currently features a dueling zip line course, two mountain coasters, gem mining experience and more.