Anakeesta - a scenic view of a green mountain range
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Anakeesta

4.2
·15k reviews·Gatlinburg, United States

Anakeesta is a mountain-top adventure park in Gatlinburg, TN, featuring treetop walks, a mountain coaster, stunning views, and a magical nighttime lig...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the crowds and enjoy the day

CrowdLow
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Anakeesta - a scenic view of a green mountain range

Anakeesta

Best Time

Morning

Beat the crowds and enjoy the day

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Anakeesta is a mountain-top adventure park in Gatlinburg, TN, featuring treetop walks, a mountain coaster, stunning views, and a magical nighttime light experience.

4.2
(15k reviews)

"Anakeesta is such a beautiful place and definitely worth visiting!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Anakeesta tickets online in advance.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Treetop Skywalk

Treetop Skywalk

Anakeesta

Wander through the canopy on a series of suspended bridges, offering magical forest views and a unique perspective.

Rail Runner Mountain Coaster

Rail Runner Mountain Coaster

Anakeesta

Experience the thrill of America's first single-rail mountain coaster, where you control your speed down the mountain.

Vista Gardens & AnaVista Tower

Vista Gardens & AnaVista Tower

Anakeesta Summit

Explore charming gardens and climb the AnaVista Tower for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.

Astra Lumina

Astra Lumina

Anakeesta

A magical nighttime light experience that transforms the forest into an enchanting wonderland.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Anakeesta tickets online. While tickets are available at the gate, booking ahead ensures you secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. Consider purchasing after 5 PM for potential evening access to Astra Lumina.

Allocate Ample Time

Anakeesta is more than just a quick visit. While some suggest 3 hours for the chairlift and a quick look, many recommend dedicating a full day to truly experience the treetop walks, mountain coaster, and dining. Evening visits offer a different, magical perspective.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy the day
Crowd
Low
When
After 5 PM
Why
Evening views & Astra Lumina
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall
Why
Stunning autumn foliage
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

America’s first single rail mountian coaster! 🤯 Would you try this? @anakeesta #coaster #travel #thrilling #mountaincoaster
@alexojeda
382.3K likes • 8.5M views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Anakeesta tickets online in advance. TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

The Treetop Skywalk in Gatlinburg on Anakeesta is the most magical experience. 10/10 would recommond to anyone in the area! Worth going up the mountain at night to see it lit up. 🤍🌄 #gatlinburgtennessee #gatlinburg #tennessee #anakeesta #beautifulviewsanakeesta #treetop #treetopskywalk #TN #treetopskywalktennessee #magic #forest #bridge
@dez.brevig92
237.7K likes • 3.7M views
A day trip to @anakeesta is a must when in Gatlinburg! @visitgatlinburg #gatlinburgpartner 🎟️ TICKETS: A general admission ticket to @anakeesta is $34.99 for adults (ages 12-59), $21.99 for kids (ages 4-11), and $26.99 for seniors (ages 60+). You can purchase tickets online or when you get there! If you plan to purchase tickets when you get there, I recommend arriving as soon as they open at 9am...
madelyneonthemove
7K likes • 238K views

⏰ Allocate a Full Day

To truly enjoy all Anakeesta offers, plan to spend the entire day here. TikTok

🌃 Visit for Astra Lumina

The nighttime light show is a magical experience, especially with the forest setting. TikTok

America’s FIRST & ONLY single rail mountain coaster! 🤯 Would you try this? @anakeesta - Follow me @alexojeda for more epic adventures! 📍Anakeesta Mountain, Tennessee, USA #thrilling #travel #tennessee #coaster #mountiancoaster #thrill
alexojeda
605K likes • 17M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Anakeesta tickets online in advance. TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

⏰ Allocate a Full Day

To truly enjoy all Anakeesta offers, plan to spend the entire day here. TikTok

🌃 Visit for Astra Lumina

The nighttime light show is a magical experience, especially with the forest setting. TikTok

📸 Plenty of Photo Ops

The park is designed for stunning views and photo opportunities at every turn. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

Anakeesta offers great play areas and activities that children will absolutely love. TikTok

🚠 Gondola Ride is Scenic

The scenic chondola ride up the mountain offers beautiful views and a unique start to your visit. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(15k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Anakeesta is widely praised as a beautiful and engaging destination, particularly for families, offering stunning mountain views, unique treetop walks, and thrilling rides. Visitors appreciate the well-organized park, the scenic gondola ride, and the magical nighttime light experience. While generally well-received, some find certain attractions costly or the nighttime walk extensive.

"Great activity for families! We got discounted tickets which helped make the decision to go! Beautiful scenes and so many places to take pictures! Great places for children to play: rope bridges and slides! We got tacos and nachos and they were super yummy! We did the light activity at night. It was pretty, I wouldn’t do it with young kids again since it’s a lot of walking and it’s a gravel path so a stroller wasn’t recommended."

Amber Ross

"It is a bundle of enjoyment! We visited with our kids and had so much fun. The tram ride in and out of the mountain was awesome, and we went both in the afternoon and evening—each time offered beautiful natural views. Everything was well organized, and the kids absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!"

Radhika Chavda

"Anakeesta is such a beautiful place and definitely worth visiting! You can reach the top either by ropeway (which is amazing) or by their bus service if you prefer. Once you get up there, the mountain views are absolutely stunning—perfect for relaxing and taking pictures. There are food courts where you can grab something to eat or drink, and plenty of gift shops to explore. Sometimes you’ll even hear live music, which makes the atmosphere even better. The place is quite big, so you can easily spend the whole day enjoying the views, food, and peaceful vibes. Watching the mountains from the top is truly a wonderful experience!."

Nikita Tiwari

What People Like

Breathtaking mountain views
Magical Treetop Skywalk
Family-friendly activities

What People Dislike

Additional costs for rides
Extensive walking at night

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Anakeesta is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. You can reach the summit via a scenic chondola ride or a bus service if you prefer not to take the ropeway. Parking is available at the base of the mountain. TikTokReddit

Yes, Anakeesta offers parking at the base of the mountain. It's advisable to check their website for the most current parking information and fees. TikTok

While Anakeesta is generally accessible, some areas like Astra Lumina have gravel paths, making strollers less recommended. The main park areas are more accommodating. Reddit

You can take the scenic chondola ride up the mountain, which offers beautiful views. Alternatively, a bus service is available for those who prefer it. TikTokReddit

Anakeesta offers a bus service to the summit for those who cannot use the chondola. Many areas are accessible, but some trails may be challenging. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission tickets for Anakeesta are approximately $34.99 for adults (12-59), $21.99 for children (4-11), and $26.99 for seniors (60+). Prices can vary, so check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing. TikTok+1

Yes, purchasing Anakeesta tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially secure your entry. TikTok

Discounts may be available for military personnel, AAA members, or through special promotions. It's always a good idea to check for 'Anakeesta discount tickets' or 'Anakeesta deals' online. TikTok

General admission typically includes the scenic chondola ride up and down the mountain, access to the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, Vista Gardens, and children's play areas. Rides like the mountain coaster are usually extra. TikTok

While not strictly mandatory, buying Anakeesta tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid queues and ensure entry, especially during busy periods. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the Treetop Skywalk, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, climbing the AnaVista Tower for panoramic views, and exploring Vista Gardens. The Astra Lumina nighttime experience is also highly recommended. TikTokReddit+1

While a quick visit might take 3 hours, many visitors recommend allocating a full day to fully experience all the attractions, dining, and views Anakeesta has to offer. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Anakeesta is very family-friendly, with dedicated play areas, engaging treetop walks, and activities that children of all ages will enjoy. TikTokReddit

The Treetop Skywalk is a unique attraction where you walk among the trees on a series of suspended bridges, offering a magical and immersive forest experience. TikTok+1

Yes, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster allows you to control your speed, offering a thrilling or more relaxed ride down the mountain. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Anakeesta offers various dining options, including casual eateries like the Smokehouse and the Cliff Top Restaurant, providing a range of choices from tacos to BBQ. Reddit

Yes, the Cliff Top Restaurant at Anakeesta offers dining with stunning mountain views, providing a memorable culinary experience. Reddit

You can find a variety of food options, including tacos, nachos, BBQ at the Smokehouse, and other casual fare at their various eateries. Reddit

While specific menus can change, Anakeesta's diverse dining options often include salads and other dishes that can be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets. It's best to inquire directly at the restaurant. Reddit

Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted within Anakeesta to support their onsite dining establishments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The AnaVista Tower offers unparalleled 360-degree views. The Treetop Skywalk, Vista Gardens, and the scenic chondola ride also provide fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

Anakeesta is a photographer's dream, with stunning mountain vistas, whimsical theming, and unique attractions like the Treetop Skywalk and Astra Lumina. Reddit

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting for mountain views. Evening visits are perfect for capturing the magical Astra Lumina light show. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted at Anakeesta to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Please check their official policies. Reddit

The observation deck of the AnaVista Tower, the suspended bridges of the Treetop Skywalk, and the various themed areas within Vista Gardens are highly recommended for memorable photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Anakeesta is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide array of activities that will keep children entertained and engaged. The Treetop Skywalk provides a sense of adventure as kids navigate the suspended bridges, and the AnaVista Tower offers exciting views that even the youngest explorers will marvel at. TikTokReddit Don't miss the dedicated children's play areas, which are often a highlight for younger visitors, featuring unique structures and fun challenges. The scenic chondola ride up the mountain is also an exciting part of the experience for the whole family. TikTok

To make the most of your family visit, consider arriving early to avoid peak crowds and allow ample time for exploration. While Anakeesta offers dining options, packing some snacks might be helpful for little ones. Be aware that some nighttime attractions, like Astra Lumina, involve significant walking on uneven terrain, so plan accordingly for strollers or very young children. Overall, Anakeesta provides a memorable and fun-filled day for families looking for adventure and beautiful scenery in Gatlinburg. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Anakeesta presents a wealth of opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and unique perspectives. The AnaVista Tower is an absolute must-visit, offering unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, especially breathtaking during golden hour. Reddit The Treetop Skywalk provides a magical setting for capturing intimate forest scenes and unique angles from within the canopy. TikTok+1

Consider visiting during different times of day to experience the park's diverse photographic potential. Morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination for the mountain vistas, while an evening visit is essential for capturing the enchanting Astra Lumina light show, which transforms the park into a wonderland of color and light. TikTok The whimsical theming throughout Anakeesta also offers plenty of creative opportunities for detail shots and atmospheric photography. Remember to check Anakeesta's policies regarding drone usage if you're looking for aerial shots. Reddit

🎢 Thrill-Seekers

Anakeesta caters to thrill-seekers with its exciting adventure attractions. The Rail Runner Mountain Coaster is a major draw, allowing you to control your descent down the mountain for a personalized adrenaline rush. TikTok+1 This unique single-rail coaster offers a fun and exhilarating ride through the scenic landscape.

Beyond the coaster, Anakeesta also features ziplining adventures that allow you to soar through the trees, adding another layer of excitement to your visit. Instagram+1 While these rides often come with an additional cost, they are well worth it for those looking to inject some serious fun and adventure into their trip. Plan to allocate extra budget and time if these thrilling activities are high on your priority list.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrills of Anakeesta

Anakeesta offers a unique blend of adventure and scenic beauty, with attractions designed to thrill visitors of all ages. The Rail Runner Mountain Coaster is a standout, billed as America's first single-rail mountain coaster. Riders control their own descent, allowing for a personalized thrill experience as they navigate the twists and turns down the mountainside. TikTok+1 Beyond the coaster, the park features other adventurous elements that contribute to its reputation as a premier outdoor adventure hub.

For those seeking a different kind of exhilaration, the Dueling Zipline Adventure offers an exciting way to soar through the trees. While not explicitly detailed in every review, the mention of zip lining as a key activity points to the park's commitment to adrenaline-pumping fun. Instagram+1 These rides are a significant draw for visitors looking for an active and exciting day out in the Smoky Mountains, complementing the more relaxed experiences available within the park. The combination of controlled speed on the coaster and the aerial freedom of zip lines ensures there's an adventure for most thrill-seekers.

It's important to note that while these rides are a major highlight, they often come with an additional cost beyond the general admission ticket. Visitors should budget accordingly if they plan to experience the full range of Anakeesta's adventurous offerings. The park's design ensures that these thrilling activities are integrated seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surroundings, providing an unforgettable experience. Instagram

A Magical Mountain Escape: Treetop Walks and Views

Anakeesta truly shines with its immersive treetop experiences and breathtaking panoramic views. The Treetop Skywalk is a signature attraction, allowing visitors to wander through the forest canopy on a series of suspended bridges. This unique perspective offers a magical, almost ethereal, experience, especially when surrounded by the lush greenery of the Smoky Mountains. TikTokInstagram+1 The whimsical design and the feeling of being among the trees make it a highly memorable part of any visit.

Complementing the treetop walk is the AnaVista Tower, the highest point in the park, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Climbing to the top provides a stunning vantage point, perfect for appreciating the vastness and beauty of the natural landscape. Reddit Visitors often describe the views as breathtaking and a highlight of their trip, making it an essential stop for photography and quiet contemplation. The park's commitment to creating a visually stunning environment is evident in these carefully designed attractions.

Beyond these specific features, Anakeesta is celebrated for its overall aesthetic and the peaceful ambiance it cultivates. The Vista Gardens add to the charm, providing beautifully landscaped areas to explore. Whether you're enjoying the elevated walkways, soaking in the mountain vistas, or simply relaxing in the gardens, Anakeesta offers a serene escape that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and thoughtful design. Reddit

Planning Your Anakeesta Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Tips

Navigating your visit to Anakeesta is made easier with a few key insights from fellow travelers. General admission tickets are required to access the park and typically include the scenic chondola ride up the mountain, the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, and Vista Gardens. TikTok+1 While tickets can be purchased at the gate, booking Anakeesta tickets online in advance is a common recommendation to save time and potentially secure better pricing. TikTok Some visitors suggest looking for Anakeesta discount tickets or deals, though these may vary. It's also worth noting that some attractions, like the mountain coaster and ziplines, often incur an additional fee.

When it comes to timing, many visitors recommend dedicating a full day to Anakeesta to fully immerse yourself in all it has to offer. TikTok However, some tips suggest that a shorter visit of around 3 hours might suffice if you're primarily focused on the chairlift and a quick overview. Reddit A popular strategy is to visit in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and then potentially return in the evening for the magical Astra Lumina light show, which transforms the park after dark. TikTokReddit This dual-visit approach allows you to experience Anakeesta in two distinct, enchanting ways.

Practical advice from visitors emphasizes wearing comfortable shoes due to the amount of walking involved. Reddit The park is designed with many photo opportunities, so be prepared to capture the stunning scenery. Reddit For families, Anakeesta is a hit with its kid-friendly play areas and engaging activities. TikTok While the park offers dining options, including the Cliff Top Restaurant and Smokehouse, some reviews mention that the Astra Lumina experience, while beautiful, involves a lot of walking on gravel paths, making strollers less ideal. Reddit

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