If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor recreation, you might want to visit the magical Treetop Skywalk in Gatlinburg, the longest tree-based bridge in North America.
The bridge is located in Anakeesta Theme Park in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. It spans 800 feet and offers guests the unique experience to walk among the treetops.
If you’re wondering what the word “Anakeesta” means, it is a Cherokee Indian term meaning “Place of the Balsams” or a place of high ground.
The Treetop Skywalk consists of 16 interconnected bridges suspended between 50 and 60 feet in the air depending on where you are.
Walking through the trees will give you a glimpse at the wildlife, including bears and birds.
“As your eyes seek to take in the utter splendor of the living mountain, you are surrounded by the aroma of dogwood trees, spruce and hemlock. No matter how warm the day, the air that touches your face at that elevation feels cool and fresh,” said the Smoky Mountains Local Expert Team of the experience.
The hanging bridge looks even more magical at nighttime as it’s lit with beautiful fairy lights, making this outdoor recreation walk feel like a dream.
Respect for trees is a reminder to guests. It is strictly forbidden to harm them by marking or peeling them.
Daniel Laine is their Arborist and monitors the trees’ health. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Forestry. Anakeesta is an expert in tree care, having worked in the industry for over 20 years and being a member of the United States Army Reserves for 22 years.
To traverse the skywalk, you will need to walk on bridges that move and sway, walk up and down stairs and walk on uneven surfaces. Make sure you can walk unassisted.
Guests using a wheelchair could still enjoy Anakeesta’s amenities, as the park has plenty of wheelchair-accessible parts, including the Firefly Village shops, dining pavilion, Gondola cabins, and scenic viewing platforms.
Unfortunately, you can’t bring your pets with you to Anakeesta, except if they are ADA-certified service animals. You must inform the staff when you purchase your ticket if you intend to visit the park with a pet.
Anakeesta Theme Park features the AnaVista Observation Tower. This tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the forest and mountains.
If you’re a daredevil, you can try zip-lining through the treetops or riding the mountain roller coaster.
All that activity will make you hungry. There are many dining options in the park, some with breathtaking views.
Here’s what Jasmine Martin, creator of the blog “Raising the Martins,” has to say about her trip to Anakeesta.
“The whole trip is still vividly etched in my mind, and I am already planning to go back in the fall. Anakeesta has something for everyone. There is something for everyone, from the play areas to the zip lining and thrilling skybridges, there is something for everyone.
This could be a great adventure for a couple, or just something to do to unplug yourself from the hustle of life.
There’s seating sprinkled throughout showcasing the beautiful view of the mountains, which gives you a moment to just sit and relax. There’s just so much to see and do. It really is like a whole new world here.”
The Treetop Skywalk is a great place to unwind and reconnect with the natural world. Click here to find out more about Anakeesta Theme Park, and this unique experience.
Below is a video tour of outdoor adventure recreation.
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