GATLINBURG, Tenn — Anakeesta has decided to lengthen their nighttime hours, which will likely draw more visitors to the Smoky Mountains this fall.
Anakeesta has Gatlinburg's only outdoor Halloween haunt called the 'Legend of Hallow Mountain.'
Starting on Thursday, Oct. 3 Anakeesta will be open late each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. These longer hours will give guests more time to shop, dine with the scenic views and enjoy the Halloween fun that Anakeesta has to offer all month long.
“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 explained. “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.”
Anakeesta's popular Vista Gardens will be transformed after dark into the new Hallow Mountain Graveyard. The graveyard will include chainsaws, zombie encounters and the fear of what's lurking in the dark. Ages 12 and up will be allowed in this realistically scary area.
For those wanting a less scary Halloween adventure, Anakeesta's Treetop Skywalk transforms into the new Firefly Forest after dark. "Fireflies" pulse in the forest underneath the 40 to 60 feet high sky bridge.
Movies will also be shown at the Overlook and will feature cult favorite films such as Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family and Frankenstein.
Zombie Ziplining will also be available after dark where people can zip 3,000 feet through the night air while zombies lurk in the trees below.
Guests who purchase admission tickets at Anakeesta after 6 p.m. can return for free the following day to enjoy all the family-friendly day time events they have to offer.
During the day, Autumn at Anakeesta will offer family-friendly crafts, games and fall-inspired treats. Anakeesta's shops and restaurants will offer seasonal food and beverage just for the fall.
Autumn at Anakeesta and Hallow Mountain are included in the cost of Anakeesta general admission. Zombie Ziplining and the Haunted Rail Runner Coaster require an additional purchase.
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.