This Tennessee Gondola Ride Leads To The Most Stunning Fall Foliage You've Ever Seen
By Chris Dodge|Published October 15, 2022
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
When it comes to fall colors there are few places as magical as The Great Smoky Mountains. Year after year we see it top the charts as people rank and list the best places to see the leaves change. We have to agree that the fall foliage in the Smokies is among the best that the country has to offer. So when it comes to viewing this fiery display, we suggest you take a gondola ride up to one of Gatlinburg’s top attractions.
Every fall the ornately decorated Anakeesta gets an autumn makeover.
The whole park is covered with pumpkins, Halloween decor, and harvest decorations. You start your adventure into the park with the scenic chondola ride. What is a chondola? Part chairlift and part gondola ride you combine those words to create the unique word, chondola. Guests can choose to ride in the four-person chairlift or the six-person enclosed gondola. You will ascend peacefully up the 600-foot ride which gives incredible views of the Smoky Mountains.
Once you arrive at the summit of Anakeesta Mountain you will have plenty of overlooks to view the array of fall colors throughout the mountain layers. Spend some time lounging around various decks with the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop.
Take to the canopy in the Treetop Skywalk. With a total length of 880 feet of hanging bridges and platforms, this is the largest tree-based skywalk in the country. Walk among the fall colors in a unique way and take in the many different views as you go.
You won't be able to resist taking a selfie or a family picture with one of the world's best views in the background. The fall colors of the Smoky Mountains are second to none.
As you spend the day enjoying the many things at Anakeesta you will notice the way that light plays a role in the surrounding peeks.
The shadows cast differently as the day progresses so every time you look at the hues of red, orange, and yellow leaves on the mountains it's like getting a brand new perspective.
Make sure to stay on the mountaintop as the sun goes down because Anakeesta illuminates the park with brilliant lights at night. As the daylight gives way to night the surrounding views fade, but you can experience Anakeesta in a whole new way.
The fall foliage in the Smokies indeed gives you some of the best views in the whole country. So make sure to spend some time soaking in the views on top of Anakeesta Mountain for a full family fun day this fall. To get your tickets to this incredible autumn event please visit the Anakeesta website.
