Anakeesta is preparing to introduce a brand-new immersive attraction that brings one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most awe-inspiring natural wonders to life in an entirely new way.
The upcoming Firefly Experience, part of the park’s reimagined Treetop Skywalk, is inspired by the region’s famous synchronous fireflies. This is one of the rarest natural light displays in North America. The experience is part of Anakeesta’s ongoing Making More Magic campaign and is designed to blend nature, storytelling, art, and cutting-edge technology into a year-round immersive journey high above the forest floor.
A Natural Wonder, Reimagined
Each summer, the Great Smoky Mountains become one of the only places in the world where thousands of fireflies flash in perfect unison. This rare phenomenon creates waves of light that ripple across the forest, captivating visitors and scientists alike.
Researchers believe the synchronized flashing is the result of biological rhythms and environmental cues that allow the fireflies to communicate through precisely timed pulses of light.
The Firefly Experience draws inspiration directly from this natural event. Using advanced lighting design and carefully choreographed sequences, the installation will recreate the sensation of synchronized flashes and fading light along the elevated pathways of the Treetop Skywalk.
Immersed in Light and Forest
As guests move through the reimagined Skywalk, they will encounter immersive pathways that transform the forest canopy into a glowing, living environment. The experience is designed to make visitors feel as though they are walking through a twilight forest where light itself becomes a form of communication.
By blending art and science, the Firefly Experience brings a fleeting seasonal moment into a permanent, sensory-rich attraction that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
“The synchronous fireflies of the Smokies are one of nature’s most extraordinary displays,” said Karen Bentz, founding partner of Anakeesta. “Grounding this experience in science allowed us to honor the phenomenon while creating something immersive and meaningful for our guests.”
Part of a Larger Transformation
The Firefly Experience is one of several enhancements included in Anakeesta’s Making More Magic campaign and will serve as a centerpiece of the reimagined Treetop Skywalk, scheduled to open in spring 2026.
The upgraded Skywalk will feature new towers, expanded bridges, and winding canopy pathways designed to deepen guests’ connection to the forest and provide new elevated perspectives of the Smoky Mountains.
About Anakeesta
Anakeesta is Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s premier mountaintop attraction, offering adventure, relaxation, and discovery in the Great Smoky Mountains. Guests arrive via the Crystal Express and explore signature experiences including the nation’s longest Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower with 360-degree views, Vista Gardens, mountain coasters, ziplining, BirdVenture, and gem mining, along with dining and craft cocktails throughout the park.
