24-03-2025
Anakeesta begins spring season with improvements to ADA accessibility
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Tourist attractions across Gatlinburg are opening their doors and expanding their hours this month to kick off the spring season and take advantage of the warmer weather.
Earlier this month, Anakeesta moved from their winter hours over the weekend to being open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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'2025 is all about guest experience and we are really trying to focus on what makes Gatlinburg so special, said Anakeesta director of communications, Austin Martin.
As Anakeesta continues to grow, Martin said they plan to make the park more ADA accessible.
'We have added ramps to all of our attractions, also our BirdVenture is built so it is ADA accessible, and then several areas of the park are being widened, right now, just to make sure that people aren't having to go upstairs, they are able to get to those places and really enjoy the Smoky Mountains with their family no matter what that situation may look like,' said Martin.
With nearly 12 million people visiting the Smoky Mountains a year, he said the views take center stage at the mountaintop adventure park.
'We see a little more than a million every year, so we know that we are the entryway to the national park, and we really try to hold true to what the national park is doing,' said Martin.
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Among those visiting are families from across the country, taking advantage of the family-friendly atmosphere.
'What brought us to the area first was that it's a convenient location for all of us to meet, we're on spring break, which is really nice break for the kids,' said visitor Allysia Hunter. 'Anakeesta seemed like it had a lot of really fun things for all ages, which is what we're super interested in. A little bit of heights for those that like thrill and a little bit of safe play for those who are not trill fans.'
Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, not only does Anakeesta bring millions of visitors a year, but they expect to provide nearly 700 jobs by the end of 2026.
Martin said they also invest in local businesses and nonprofits through events like their Bear-Varian Fall Festival.
'That's a local craft brew festival,' he said. 'So what that is, you'll get a tasting pass, you'll get to try all local breweries from Tennessee and western North Carolina.'
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With more festivals liked the United Tastes of America also taking place this year, Martin said they also plan to open America's Longest Zipline. At over 5,000 feet long, their partner company, Wildside in Pigon Forge will be debut it in May.
'Really what we do is just make sure that people are having a quality time,' he said. 'Gatlinburg was a tradition, especially in this part of the country, and we're really trying to keep that true, making sure that the younger people have something fun to do so they keep up that tradition, keep bringing their families back to Gatlinburg.'
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