This Tennessee mountaintop theme park expansion includes a treehouse adventure course

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After adding new attractions and activities in 2019, it doesn't look like Anakeesta is slowing down in 2020, either.

The Gatlinburg mountaintop theme park is working on its $6 million expansion set to debut in the summer, reports the Knoxville News Sentinel, which is part of the USA TODAY Network. 

The new additions include an observation tower, additional dining options, a water play area, a new treehouse attraction with an adventure course and an accessible ramp to Anakeesta's Vista Gardens.

Here's a breakdown on what's new and what it will add to the park.

'Tallest point in Gatlinburg'

Anakeesta's 55-foot observation tower doesn't have an official name yet, but once it's completed, it will be the tallest point in Gatlinburg, according to a news release.

The tower, which will stand in Anakeesta's Vista Gardens, will allow guests to get 360-degree views of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains, including Mount LeConte.

Its design will resemble a flower, according to Anakeesta co-founder and co-owner Bob Bentz, who is a landscape architect and designed the tower.

“When you look up at the blooming of a flower, it rises up and opens up toward the sky, so that's what we wanted our observation tower to do," Bentz said in an Anakeesta video. 

"We wanted it to be a natural element, we wanted it to be made out of wood, and we want it to rise up and open up to the sky."

New Smokehouse restaurant

More dining options also will come to Anakeesta this year. The new Smokehouse and Brewery Restaurant will sit between the Vista Gardens and Rail Runner mountain coaster.

The restaurant will seat about 300 guests and feature a menu with Southern BBQ favorites and a bar with craft beer, according to the release. 

Visitors will be able to dine in the restaurant's glass-enclosed, climate-controlled indoor area or on its outdoor patio.

“This restaurant is truly unique. Where else can you dine and enjoy the sun setting over the Smoky Mountains or watch the clouds roll in through the valley below?” Bentz said in the release.

“Every seat from the Smokehouse restaurant will offer views of Mount LeConte, the highest mountain peak that is completely within Tennessee.”

The restaurant will also have a walk-up window for guests that will serve pizza, hot dogs and frozen yogurt. 

The Vista Gardens will have a new eatery in 2020, too. It will get a new coffee and snack shop, according to the news release.

Mountain-inspired water play area

Anakeesta will add a new water play area next to its Smokehouse restaurant.

The area will resemble a Smoky Mountain creek and feature splash pads, a waterfall and additional fire pits for guests.

“We have a new water feature which includes a Smoky Mountain-style waterfall that falls into a small river area which flows," Bentz said. "You can get in that area. You can actually play in that little river area adjacent to the waterfall. We also have a beautiful fire pit area outside of the brewery."

Treehouse play area, accessible ramp

Another new play area will come to Anakeesta this summer with an adventure course.

The Treehouse Play Area will include treehouses connected by a net challenge course and areas to swing and relax, according to the release. It will be next to the Vista Gardens and near Anakeesta's Willow Man statue.

Anakeesta will add an accessible boardwalk that guests can enter near the new Treehouse Play Area. It will extend Anakeesta’s botanical garden walkway into the park's Vista Gardens, according to the release.

Anakeesta ticket info

Anakeesta opened in fall 2017. The theme park's activities include zip lines, a mountain coaster, its Treetop Skywalk, shops and eateries. During January and February, the park is closed Monday-Thursday. 

It will have extended hours during Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day.

The park's admission costs $21.99 for ages 12-59, $19.99 for ages 60 and over, $17.99 for ages 4-11 and is free for children 3 and under.

Zip lining and the mountain coaster have additional costs, according to Anakeesta's website. You can purchase tickets at www.anakeesta.com.