Right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg, a chairlift climbs out of the shops and pancake houses and up the side of the mountain. At the top is Anakeesta, a mountaintop park with treetop bridges, gardens, restaurants and some of the best views in the Smokies. We spent a whole August day there with my parents, from lunch to sunset, and went back again in the middle of winter. It’s one of our favorite days in the area.

The ride up

Getting to the top is half the fun. The ride starts at the base station in downtown Gatlinburg, where you can take an open chairlift or an enclosed gondola car up the mountain.

You glide up over the treetops while Gatlinburg drops away below. My parents took the open chairlift and loved the view.

Keep your eyes on the hillside below. We spotted a black bear foraging in the brush below the lift.

Lunch with a view

The restaurants at the top face the mountains, so even lunch comes with a view. Grab a booth by the windows and take your time.

Afterward, there are fire pits and Adirondack chairs under red umbrellas, right on the edge of the mountain.

Walk through the treetops

The Treetop Skywalk is a chain of rope bridges strung between the trees, high above the forest floor. The bridges sway a little as you walk, which the kids love and the grown-ups tolerate. It’s shady and cool even on a hot August afternoon.

Along the way, look for signs about the synchronous fireflies of the Smokies, the same fireflies Firefly Hollow Cabin is named for.

Gardens, bears and bridges

The top of the mountain is full of gardens. Vista Gardens winds past flower beds, sculptures and overlooks, and in late summer the butterflies were everywhere.

Two giant bear statues welcome you to BearVenture, a bear-themed adventure area built for kids, with wobbly rope bridges to cross. My mom gave it a try too.

From the higher overlooks, you can see the whole village spread out below, with the mountains rolling on behind it.

Stay for the sunset

The best part of Anakeesta is simply sitting at the top. There are overlooks and rocking chairs facing the mountains, and the view stretches across the ridges of the national park.

If you can, stay into the evening. As the sun goes down behind the mountains, the whole sky over the valley turns orange and gold.

Anakeesta in winter

Anakeesta is open in winter too, and it’s a completely different trip: bare trees, crisp air and long views through the leafless forest. On our January visit, the kids climbed into a giant snow globe for photos. Read more about winter in the Smokies in our Winterfest guide.

Tips for visiting Anakeesta

1. Buy tickets ahead. Check the Anakeesta website for current prices, hours and seasonal events before you go.
2. Go late in the day. Afternoon into evening means cooler temperatures in summer and a sunset at the top.
3. Wear good shoes. There’s a lot of walking, plus bridges and hills.
4. Plan for parking. Downtown Gatlinburg parking fills up on busy days, so arrive early or use a paid lot near the entrance.
5. Make an evening of it. When you come back down, you’re right on the Parkway. Walk to dinner, or catch live music at Ole Red.

Getting there from the cabin

Anakeesta is in downtown Gatlinburg, about 15 miles from Firefly Hollow Cabin. After a day on the mountain, come back to a private hot tub on a screened deck, two gas fireplaces and a game room with a 4-player arcade. The cabin sleeps 11, every bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, and there are no steep mountain roads to drive. See the cabin, or check your dates below.