Beech Tree News Network

GATLINBURG — No matter how often we come to Sevierville-Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg, one thing never changes — there is always something new.

Our most recent trip was no different as my wife and I spent about three hours one day at Anakeesta, a new family attraction that opened in Septemberhthat provides a mountain experience for all ages. It starts in downtown Gatlinburg when you ride either an open four-person chair set or an enclosed gondola that can seat six about 600 feet to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. Three are 104 quad chairs and eight gondolas. Together they are known as Chondolas — the first of their kind in the United States.

The slow paced, 15-minute ride was fun not just because of the scenery but due to the chance to interact with other Anakeesta visitors — even on a September day where the thermometer hit almost 90 degrees.

You get off at Firefly Village where you can watch patrons zipline (that’s extra from the standard charge) on dual racing zip lines (next year there will also be a single rail mountain coaster patrons can ride).

I really liked the tree canopy walk that featured 16 hanging bridges. I couldn’t resist bouncing up and down a bit myself and thinking how much my grandchildren would enjoy doing the same. I didn’t try out the Treehouse Village playground but a lot of kids did and seemed to love it.

It’s a bit of a steep walk for the memorial interpretive trail but worth every step and drop of sweat. It was Nov. 28, 2016 — less than a year ago — when about 15,000 acres of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park went up in flames. That included the south side of Anakeesta Mountain and you can still burnt trees and charred remains on the short trail. The walk is a reminder to the courage of those who fought the blaze and contained it as well as they did.

Owners Karen and Bob Bentz purchased the property in 2014. They have big plans that include an amphitheatre and indoor dining facility. There’s already gift shops as well as Summit Smokehouse where I could not resist the pimento cheese — and it was great even sitting outside in the warm, humid weather. Same with the milkshakes at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky.

And there are plenty of spots just to sit and enjoy the scenery. I loved just sitting in a rocking chair and viewing the Smoky Mountains. I just never tire of that — especially from this location.

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Admission is $19..99 for adults, $17.99 for seniors and $15.99 for children. Admission is good for the day and you can leave and return. Parking is also available for $10 — for the day. If you know Gatlinburg, you know that’s a hard price to beat.

And get this — if you purchase a ticket after 3 p.m., you get in free the next day.

 Ziplining is $29.99 for adults, $27.99 for seniors and $25.99 for children. Repeat trips are $14.99.