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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy the day
Anakeesta
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy the day

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.
"Anakeesta is such a beautiful place and definitely worth visiting!"
🎟️ 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Anakeesta
A magical nighttime light experience that transforms the forest into an enchanting wonderland.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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!
⏰ Allocate a Full Day
To truly enjoy all Anakeesta offers, plan to spend the entire day here.
🌃 Visit for Astra Lumina
The nighttime light show is a magical experience, especially with the forest setting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ 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!
⏰ Allocate a Full Day
To truly enjoy all Anakeesta offers, plan to spend the entire day here.
🌃 Visit for Astra Lumina
The nighttime light show is a magical experience, especially with the forest setting.
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
The park is designed for stunning views and photo opportunities at every turn.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Anakeesta offers great play areas and activities that children will absolutely love.
🚠 Gondola Ride is Scenic
The scenic chondola ride up the mountain offers beautiful views and a unique start to your visit.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
While Anakeesta is generally accessible, some areas like Astra Lumina have gravel paths, making strollers less recommended. The main park areas are more accommodating.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Yes, purchasing Anakeesta tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially secure your entry.
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.
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.
While not strictly mandatory, buying Anakeesta tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid queues and ensure entry, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
Absolutely! Anakeesta is very family-friendly, with dedicated play areas, engaging treetop walks, and activities that children of all ages will enjoy.
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.
Yes, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster allows you to control your speed, offering a thrilling or more relaxed ride down the mountain.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, the Cliff Top Restaurant at Anakeesta offers dining with stunning mountain views, providing a memorable culinary experience.
You can find a variety of food options, including tacos, nachos, BBQ at the Smokehouse, and other casual fare at their various eateries.
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.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted within Anakeesta to support their onsite dining establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
The AnaVista Tower offers unparalleled 360-degree views. The Treetop Skywalk, Vista Gardens, and the scenic chondola ride also provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Anakeesta is a photographer's dream, with stunning mountain vistas, whimsical theming, and unique attractions like the Treetop Skywalk and Astra Lumina.
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.
Drone usage is typically restricted at Anakeesta to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Please check their official policies.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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. 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.
🎢 Thrill-Seekers
Beyond the coaster, Anakeesta also features ziplining adventures that allow you to soar through the trees, adding another layer of excitement to your visit. 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
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. 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.
A Magical Mountain Escape: Treetop Walks and Views
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. 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.
Planning Your Anakeesta Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Tips
When it comes to timing, many visitors recommend dedicating a full day to Anakeesta to fully immerse yourself in all it has to offer. 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. 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. 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. The park is designed with many photo opportunities, so be prepared to capture the stunning scenery. For families, Anakeesta is a hit with its kid-friendly play areas and engaging activities. 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.
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