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.

1 or more people

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
Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Anakeesta mountaintop park is a great family value! With elements of adventure and relaxation, Anakeesta is sure to offer a memorable experience in the Smoky Mountains! Admission to Anakeesta includes all-day park access and unlimited scenic rides via the Chondola or Ridge Rambler before arriving in Firefly Village with quaint shopping, dining, and a whimsical mountain atmosphere.

NEW at Anakeesta, BirdVenture is an aviary-inspired adventure zone with three colorful, larger-than-life birdhouses, a dozen interactive adventure zones, and seven giant slides that kids of all ages can explore. The serpentine slides have light features and wind more than 50 feet down the mountain! BirdVenture is included in general admission tickets.

More adventure awaits at this award-winning theme park. Immerse yourself in nature as you stroll along a 14-bridge Treetop Skywalk with over 880-feet of connected bridges hanging 50-60feet in the air. Take your visit to new heights atop AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. This one of a kind observation tower provides guests with 360° views of the Smoky Mountains. See peaks as far away as Kentucky and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park and lush botanical Vista Gardens 60 feet below! Home to over 3,000 plants, flowers and sculptures and the “keeper of the forest” Willow, who stands more than 20' tall.

Discover TreeVenture perched on the mountainside of Vista Gardens. Climb, crawl and slide your way through this interactive challenge course for all ages to enjoy. Meandering trails, waterfalls, and inspirational signage, Vista Gardens is a beautiful oasis among the mountains of East Tennessee, located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg!

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.

Considered an add-on experience, you can purchase tickets on site for Astra Lumina at Anakeesta, an enchanted illuminated walk through the stars after 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.

Anakeesta Reviews

66 Reviews
irene straz Tripster User Profile Image
irene straz
Loudon, TN
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Couldn't attend Anakeesta"
March 2024 NEW
Couldn't attend Anakeesta this time (late Feb) as to it was too cold and my husband previously has had frostbite twice on his face. Glad the the tickets are good through the end of the year!!!
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Tip: Tripster offers good price

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Nancy Byrd Tripster User Profile Image
Nancy Byrd
Robertsdale , AL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Experience"
February 2024 NEW
Very nice experience it was rainy but not flooding
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Tip: Food is fantastic and staff friend. Worth the money

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David Hoffman Tripster User Profile Image
David Hoffman
Ralph, AL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Probably the best thing to do in Gatlinburg"
January 2024
We’ve been here a few times since 2019 and it has always been improving. We love the gondola ride, the beautiful gardens, and the tree walk. This is definitely one of the must-do tourist attractions in the Gatlinburg area. One small thing I loved was the addition of padding to the gondola seats.

However, there are a few things I don’t like. I cannot stand the refund policy. Bad weather? No refund, but an option to use the tickets within the next 365 days. This is not good enough for those of us who might not be back within a year. Look at Ober for an example of a better policy. This trip we had rude service from the cashier in the ticket line and the guy taking photos at the top of the ride. Neither one said a single word to us. I pre-purchased my tickets through ticket master so it shouldn’t have been a hassle for the cashier. The guy taking photos didn’t even look up, just pressed the camera when we were close. He was too busy playing on his phone. It was in the 30-40’s today with occasional rain and snow, but they had all of the heaters off and only one fire pit opened.
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Tip: Book tickets on Tripster!

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Claire Franz Tripster User Profile Image
Claire Franz
Sun Prairie, WI
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"One of my favorite places to visit"
January 2024
The weather was perfect for a late afternoon/ evening visit. Overlooking Gatlinburg was spectacular. All the lights throughout the village was magical. It was busy but not crowded except around the fire pits. The coasters were fun. We enjoyed ourselves immensely.
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Tip: Visit before Christmas NOT the week between Xmas and new years as it is very crowded then . Stay in town as traffic is heavy. Walking is your best option.

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Kelsey P. Tripster User Profile Image
Kelsey P.
Russellville , KY
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Gatlinburg Weekend Getaway"
December 2023
We went on our first couples weekend getaway to Gatlinburg, TN. It was during the holiday season, so Anakeesta was pretty crowded. The line for the ski life was approx 90 min long and the ground transportation option wait was about 35 minutes. Once at the top, we ate at one of the restaurants on the mountain right before/during sunset. The food was good and the view was beautiful. After that, we walked around the park and eventually went to view the Astra Lumina lights. It was nice, but also a little crowded. Lastly, we went for dessert but ironically, the Pie in the Sky bakery did not have any pie that day... Overall it was a nice experience and I was happy we saved some money booking through Tripster!
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Tip: Be mindful of weather and high season crowds

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Deanna Lovesmith Tripster User Profile Image
Deanna Lovesmith
Belton, TX
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Tripster saves!"
December 2023
We were able to save money on both Anakeesta and Dollywood! Both of these are must dos when in the area. So much family fun while getting a great experience of what the Smokies are all about.
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Tip: Even in the freezing cold, these attractions are great!

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Patricia Hennard Tripster User Profile Image
Patricia Hennard
Harrison, OH
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Winter trip 2023"
December 2023
What a beautiful place to visit during holiday times. We love the lights and gorgeous views. We have now eaten at 2 of the restaurants. Both with great food and service!
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Tip: Dress warm!! Very cold up there.

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Amar Lal Tripster User Profile Image
Amar Lal
Alabaster , AL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Anakeesta"
November 2023
Very excellent trip
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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?

Anakeesta does not offer guest parking. However, paid public parking is available adjacent to Anakeesta allowing for convenient access to Anakeesta Mountain. Guests can also find nearby parking at two City parking garages, one across the street at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the other at Traffic Light #3, the McMahan Parking Garage. 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.