Cliff Top Restaurant at Anakeesta is a unique dining destination perched atop a scenic mountaintop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Guests can savor a menu of American classics while taking in sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains. The restaurant’s open-air design enhances the experience by bringing the surrounding natural beauty right to your table. Access to Anakeesta, including Cliff Top, requires an admission ticket to the outdoor adventure park. This combination of nature and dining offers a memorable outing for families, couples, and visitors of all ages.
Anakeesta was developed on a former mining site, transformed into a treetop village that celebrates the cultural heritage and natural landscape of the Smokies. The mountaintop offers not only Cliff Top Restaurant but also observation areas and gardens that showcase the region’s diverse flora. The name Anakeesta means 'the place of high ground' in the Cherokee language, reflecting the area's historical connection to the indigenous people. The restaurant itself is designed to blend with the environment, using natural materials and an open layout that invites fresh mountain air and light.
Visitors to Cliff Top Restaurant often arrive via the scenic Anakeesta Chondola or by hiking trails that wind through the park. Once at the top, the combination of good food and unbeatable views creates a relaxing atmosphere. Daytime visits provide clear views of landmarks such as Kuwohi and downtown Gatlinburg, while evening dining offers a chance to see the mountains lit by sunset hues. The restaurant’s casual menu makes it easy to enjoy a meal before exploring other Anakeesta attractions like the Tree Canopy Walk or the Rail Runner coaster.
Yes, access to Cliff Top Restaurant requires admission to Anakeesta, which includes the Chondola ride and park entry.
Absolutely. The restaurant offers a family-friendly menu and plenty of space with safe, scenic surroundings.
Reservations are recommended during peak seasons and weekends but are not always required; check ahead for current policies.
The menu features American classics with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Yes, the restaurant and Anakeesta’s Chondola are wheelchair accessible to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
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Field Notes
Last reported Bigfoot sighting near Cliff Top Restaurant at Anakeesta: On October 14, 2024, a group of hikers near Cliff Top reported seeing a large, hairy figure briefly crossing the ridge line. The figure disappeared into the trees before anyone could get a clear photo. Locals joked it might have been Bigfoot taking in the mountain views, enjoying the same scenery as visitors.
