This Tennessee Attraction Has the Nation’s Longest Tree Skywalk

When Winter Storm Fern sailed off for parts unknown (translation: dissipated and stopped bothering us), I decided I'd had my fill of writing about winter-related topics. Hopefully, she will be our big winter storm, and we can finish out the season relatively unscathed. Hope springs eternal.

Great Smoky Mountains

Yes, I'm aware that the Smokies never close and that many of the popular attractions in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area are open year-round as well. Still, this is all about planning a spring getaway, and the topic of this story would be better enjoyed in warmer weather. Also, you'd be visiting something no other state can claim.

Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

On March 9th, Anakeesta will open for the 2026 season, and it when it does, it will feature a temporary method of riding up to the park. A new lift will open in May, but until then, the Ridge Rambler will fill in.

(I'm sure the new lift will be a blast, but I want one of those.)

Once you're up there, you will have plenty to do, but you'll want to make sure you take a walk on the nation's longest tree-based skywalk. Simply called The Skywalk, it features 16 bridges that stretch across some 900 feet, and they're all connected. Plus, they are located more than 50 feet above the forest floor. What's more, they light them up at night for a breathtaking experience.

I love those "stations" along the way. I would also hope I had enough space on my phone for all the pictures I would take.