Anakeesta Gatlinburg, TN

576 ParkwayGatlinburg, TN 37738
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Overview

Experience Anakeesta Gatlinburg! This outdoor adventure theme park combines nature, thrills and wonder for a one-of-a-kind journey. Ride the chair lift, race on a zip line (additional), see epic mountain views atop AnaVista Tower at sunset, or brave the treetop skywalk—the choice is yours! Plus, don’t miss the quaint shops, restaurants, and more.

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Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our Gatlinburg Travel Experts
  • Enjoy 360-degree views of the Smokies from AnaVista Tower, downtown Gatlinburg's highest point.
  • Visit the Magical Firefly Village for shopping and dining.
  • Located at 576 Parkway (traffic light #5) in downtown Gatlinburg.
  • Ride the scenic Chondola or Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle to the top.
  • Pick up your all-day wristband at guest services. You can visit multiple times throughout the day.
  • Plan about 3 hours for your Anakeesta visit with some extra time for the Chondola or Ridge Rambler ride to the top.

Description

from Anakeesta
Discover Anakeesta, Gatlinburg, Tennessee's award-winning mountain top theme park. Known for its panoramic Smoky Mountain views, Anakeesta offers thrilling outdoor treetop adventures including North America's longest tree-based skywalk bridge, dueling zip lines, a mountain coaster, dining, shopping, and seasonal events featuring live music and family-friendly activities.

Ride the scenic Chondola or Ridge Rambler adventure truck from Downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of Anakeesta and enter a world of whimsy and family fun. Stroll across the TreeTop Skywalk featuring over 800-feet of connected bridges hanging 50 to 60 feet in the air. Swing, crawl, balance and slide your way through the TreeVenture and BearVenture Challenge Courses and Treehouse Adventure play area. Take a trip up AnaVista Tower and experience 360-degree mountain views from the highest point in Downtown Gatlinburg. Then, stroll along meandering pathways as you immerse yourself in the beauty of Vista Gardens, an interactive sensory garden with over 10,000 flowering plants.

When it’s time to relax and recharge, head over to Black Bear Village and enjoy a bite to eat at one of Anakeesta’s restaurants including an elevated dining experience at Cliff Top, serving delicious modern American cuisine and spectacular views of Mt. LeConte. Savor slow-smoked southern BBQ and craft beers at the Smokehouse. Save room for a sweet treat at Pearl's Pie in the Sky. Afterwards, gather with friends and family around the fire pit in Firefly Village and watch the sunset on the Smoky Mountains while waiting for the lights of Downtown Gatlinburg to come alive.

Now Open—Anakeesta’s Astra Lumina is an enchanted walk through the stars. Come nightfall, set off across mysterious observatory grounds for a phenomenal celestial experience of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina is the 15th Lumina experience, and the very first in the United States! (Astra Lumina is an add-on experience and not included in general admission tickets.)

Please Note:
  • Astra Lumina, Dueling Zipline Adventure, Gem Mining, and Rail Runner Mountain Coaster are not included in Anakeesta general admission, but are available for purchase when you arrive.
  • A printed voucher is required for entrance. Vouchers must be redeemed at the guest services window upon arrival.





Anakeesta Reviews

51 Reviews
Kara Martin Tripster User Profile Image
Kara Martin
Indianapolis, IN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"2 hours just to get into the park"
January 2023
Anakeesta is a huge disappoint the wait to get in was ridiculous and the things to do at the park are limited. The additional 60 for zip lining is crazy when you have to pay separately to get in. The coaster cost separately as well. Weren’t that many shops and the restaurant we ate at was overpriced and was just mediocre. Attractions mostly enjoyed by kids but there are much more family friendly theme parks for better price that this place.
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Tip: Get there right before they open if you are going plan to wait in line for at least an hour. If your looking for a theme park with lots to do this isn’t one of them. No need to buy tickets ahead

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Jennifer Robertson Tripster User Profile Image
Jennifer Robertson
Franklin, IN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Saved money but not time!"
October 2022
Purchased our tickets through Tripster thinking I would save both money and time. Turns out, most venues will not accept the ticketing provided by Tripster so you have to stand in line to get their tickets.
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Misty Hoertsch Tripster User Profile Image
Misty Hoertsch
PARIS, TN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great experience"
October 2022
Once we were able to get to the top, was an amazing experience. Loved it
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Tip: There is long lines and you will have to still go to the ticket window if you purchase them online.

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Sarah James Tripster User Profile Image
Sarah James
Monroe, MI
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Beautiful"
October 2022
This was so beautiful the views were outstanding and the entertainment was amazing fire, shop, food so fun kids play tree house
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Samantha B. Tripster User Profile Image
Samantha B.
LaFayette , GA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL & VERY COOL OVERALL"
August 2022
1st BEFORE I HIT ON THE HIGH POINTS, FOR THISE WHO ARE PURCHASING ON A BUDGET THIS VOUCHER FOR *ANAKEESTA* ONLY APPLIES TO GENERAL ADMISSION WHICH ONLY INCLUDES: ALPINE CHAIR LIFT UP/DOWN THE MTN.! ACTIVITIES SUCH AS THE RIDGE COASTER, ZIP LINING, & FEW OTHER THINGS AREN'T FREE.
Now within saying that, there are many great aspects of ANAKEESTA such as: the view once up there, we did actually get to see a few bears running around, there are several food options, several gift boutiques, cool treehouse adventure for kids, a very extensive treetop rope bridge trail, water activities and more. The Alpine chair ride in the way down provides for the best overlook of Gatlinburg.
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Tip: Honestly, if it's as hot as it has been lately you should probably visit this attraction during the evening once sun starts to set & it cools off or one of the cooler seasons. I would also suggest if you are wanting to do the zip lining course while you're up there, then you should purchase your tickets for it ahead of time because they sale out very quick each day.

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Martha Beckworth Tripster User Profile Image
Martha Beckworth
Thomson, GA
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Ankeesta"
July 2022
It was a beautiful place. Had expected more of an amusement type park. Kids were disappointed, but they liked the sky lift.
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Tip: Mostly shops , very few things for children to actually do

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Thomas Hartshorn Tripster User Profile Image
Thomas Hartshorn
Taylorsville, NC
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Unique experience"
July 2022
From the ride up and breath-taking views, to the misting fans to keep you cool, Anakeesta has something for everyone. Only minor issue is a few more attractions are needed. They are expanding so we'll see what they add. Definitely worth it!
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Tip: Lots of good food and drink. They do have water bottle refill stations

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Chona  Santiaguel Tripster User Profile Image
Chona Santiaguel
Southbend , IN
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Breathtaking view from above"
July 2022
Bring water abd wear comfy shoes and outfits
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Tip: Prepare to ride thechair lift( a bit daring on my part )

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Anakeesta is located at 576 ParkwayGatlinburg, TN 37738
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Frequently Asked Questions about Anakeesta

Where is Anakeesta?

Anakeesta is located in the heart of Gatlinburg at 576 Parkway.

What time does Anakeesta open?

Anakeesta is open year-round, but operating hours will vary throughout the year. The park typically opens at 9 am Memorial Day through December and at 10 am January and February. March and April opening times can vary. For Anakeesta hours of operation during your next Gatlinburg visit, please check the operating calendar in the ticket section above.

Can you drive to Anakeesta?

You can't drive to Anakeesta Mountain. However, there are three fun ways to the park included in Anakeesta admission tickets. You can take an enclosed Chondola ride, an open-air chairlift, or the Ridge Rambler adventure truck that includes a 20-minute guided tour.

Is parking available?

On-site paid parking at “Parkway Parking” (not an Anakeesta owned parking lot) allows for convenient access before embarking on the Chondola ride to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. There are also several public parking lots and two City-owned parking garages nearby, one across the street at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the other at Traffic Light #3 (the McMahan Parking Garage).

Is Anakeesta wheelchair accessible?

While many parts of Anakeesta are wheelchair accessible like the Firefly Village shops, dining pavilion, Black Bear Village, and scenic viewing platforms, there are some areas that are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller such as the Vista Gardens and Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta. However, Anakeesta's Gondola cabins are 32″ wide and 49″ deep to accommodate both wheelchairs and strollers for your ride to the summit. Please note: Beginning August 8 through Spring 2023 the access ramp into Vista Gardens/AnaVista Tower will be closed due to continued expansion of the park.

What should I wear?

Anakeesta suggests wearing comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the area's changing weather. If you will be ziplining (additional), then you are required to wear close-toed shoes and be able to pull back long hair.

Are pets allowed?

Anakeesta does not allow pets. However, ADA certified service animals are permitted.

Is Anakeesta open in the rain?

East Tennessee is subject to many different types of weather conditions. Anakeesta is an outdoor theme park and many of the rides and activities are designed to operate safely in a variety of weather conditions including rain, snow and light winds. Weather conditions are monitored at all times for the safety of Anakeesta guests and staff. With this in mind, staff may choose to suspend operations during periods of inclement weather. The park does not issue refunds for tickets that have been redeemed and impacted by bad weather. Please check the weather prior to entry.

What does Anakeesta mean?

Anakeesta is a Cherokee Native American word for high ground, literal meaning “place of the balsams.” It is often associated to a massive rock formation known as Anakeesta rock that is mostly slate. You can see Anakeesta rock outcroppings in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at spots like Chimney Tops and Charlie’s Bunion.

What is Anakeesta?

Anakeesta is a unique and award-winning outdoor adventure park located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is accessible from downtown via the Chondola's chair lift and gondola cabins, or their Ridge Rambler vehicles. The theme park offers a 14-bridge Treetop Skywalk, an observation tower with 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, an interactive challenge course, meandering trails, gardens and waterfalls, shops, restaurants, and more. Thrill seekers can purchase tickets onsite for ziplining and Rail Runner mountain coaster.