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

  • 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

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

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warmandsunnydaydream
Madison, Alabama
"Loved it so much we're going back!"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed November 18, 2024 NEW
We took three kids, two six year olds and a four year old. We got there when it opened and avoided a long line. The gondola takes longer if you choose a closed in one. They loved the decorations, bridges and especially playing in the bird houses. We had to pry them out of there. There is not an exit below them so we were able to rock and listen to the band. We ate at the restaurant with amazing views and were surprised at how good the food and service were. We are openly food snobs. We came down the mountain on the truck instead of the gondolas. When we got to the bottom, it was closer to 5pm, and the line was very long to get in. I guess people come later so they can drink and maybe Astra Lumina. I'm glad we went early. We liked it so much, we are going again at the end of the week for Thanksgiving break.
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MasterArmorer
Lexington, South Carolina
"Adventure and Fun in Gatlinburg"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed November 05, 2024 NEW
The food is good, the drinks are quality, the shopping is decent. The tree bridge walk-through is cool and the zip line adventure is very fun. Highly recommend.
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D5865FMjohnc
"Longest Lines ever! Not worth it."
TripAdvisor user rating 1 out of 5
Reviewed November 05, 2024 NEW
Horribly managed entry and exit. The lines to get up and down the mountain took nearly an hour and a half each way! Preposterous! All the shops closed around us and the line was still huge of people trying to leave. They should not have allowed the immense number of people up there if they can't deal with the crowd in a timely manner.
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AleishaHowes
Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, England
"Scenic Theme Park"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed November 03, 2024 NEW
Amazing experience from the Chodola Ride to Astra Lumina. We spent 5 hours in the park. Taking in the spectacular views from multiple areas including the tower. We also tried the Mountain coasters which were great, the one on two rails was personally better for us. The park was very well maintained and decorated for Halloween. Astra Lumina is a must it took us 45 minutes to walk around, it was beautiful and took you on a journey. Would recommend this to anyone visiting Gatlinburg, we stayed across the road at Margaritaville which was an ideal location.
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eugene1225
Warrenville, DuPage County, Illinois
"Anakeesta has something for everyone"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed November 03, 2024 NEW
Anakeesta was decorated for fall festivities on our last visit. The gardens were nice, the kids play area was just right and the views are amazing, especially at sunset. After a ski lift style ride up the mountain, we ate at Cliff Top Restaurant and if you get a chance, Heather is a terrific server! The rope bridges are fun and I’m aching to try their zipline/rappelling but that will have to wait until next time. Also, they have one of the best light shows I have ever seen and I’m a retired lighting designer. Imagine lights, lasers, fog, sound effects and music all in the woods on the side of a mountain at night. It’s very cool. Enjoy!!
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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.