Anakeesta’s new Legend of Hallow Mountain and family-friendly nighttime hours are drawing more visitors to the Smoky Mountain experience this Fall. Now, Gatlinburg’s only outdoor Halloween haunt is expanding its October hours, so even more guests can shop, dine with scenic views and colorful sunsets, plus enjoy the Halloween fun.
Starting this Thursday, Oct.
3 through Nov. 2, Anakeesta will stay open late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, to literally take Halloween excitement to new heights – both for families and those who want to be totally terrified. Experience Anakeesta’s new Legend of Hallow Mountain during extended hours
at no additional charge. And as always, guests who purchase admission tickets to visit the mountaintop after 6 p.m. can return for free the following day.
“It’s exciting that so many people love Fall as much as we do, and now everyone has the chance to experience our relaxing mountaintop village during the day and night,” Anakeesta co-founder Karen Bentz said. “The Legend of Hallow Mountain is really an opportunity to see Anakeesta in a whole new light – by moonlight – and you can experience Halloween together as a family in so many ways. Of course, there’s one scare zone that’s just for adults, if you dare to enter.”
After dark, Anakeesta’s popular Vista Gardens transforms into the NEW Hallow Mountain Graveyard, where the undead rise and try to escape, so the “legend” goes. Chainsaws, blood-curdling screams, zombie encounters, and the fear of what’s lurking on the dark mountainside should make your pulse pound. Only those ages 12 and up will be allowed in this specially-designed area for an intense and realistic scare. The final graveyard tour begins at 11 p.m.
“We worked hard to bring together a team of Halloween professionals, including actors, make-up artists, craftsmen, prop builders, lighting experts, and sound technicians to create an authentic, believable haunt,” Bentz shared. “It’s our PG-13 really ramped-up, scary, Halloween adventure.”
Seeking a less scary Halloween adventure? Anakeesta’s Treetop Skywalk with 16 skybridges transforms into the NEW Firefly Forest at night. Experience the enchantment of thousands of “fireflies” pulsating in the forest below while walking 40-60 feet in the air, suspended in darkness. Nearby, Anakeesta Gem Mining treasures begin to glow-in-the-dark.
Movie lovers of all ages can grab a seat at the Overlook to enjoy the stars and the silver screen during Anakeesta’s NEW 25 Nights of Outdoor Movies with cult favorites such as Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family and Frankestein, just to name a few. Visit www.Anakeesta.com for a complete schedule.
Fans of shows like The Walking Dead will also appreciate Anakeesta’s version of Zombie Ziplining. Zip through the black of night then rappel into the depths of darkness. A single beacon will guide guests through almost 3,000 feet of ziplining with 70-foot drops and zombies waiting in the trees.
For all ages throughout the day, Autumn at Anakeesta offers family-friendly crafts, games, activities, and of course fall-inspired sweet treats for all. Anakeesta’s shops and restaurants feature seasonal food and beverage just for Fall. But first, enjoy the ride up from the heart of Gatlinburg by Chondola or Ridge Rambler.
Autumn at Anakeesta and Hallow Mountain are included in the cost of Anakeesta general admission. Zombie Ziplining requires an additional ticket purchase as does the Haunted Rail Runner Coaster. General admission tickets may be purchased in advance and give you unlimited Chondola or Ridge Rambler access to the mountaintop all day and night, with the last ride up departing at 11 p.m.
Anakeesta is located in and above the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tn. 37738 (traffic light #5). Visit www.anakeesta.com or call 865-325-2400 for tickets and more information.