Anakeesta

Anakeesta is an award-winning mountaintop adventure park spread across 90+ acres of Smoky Mountain forest, rising 600 feet above downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The name "Anakeesta" means "high ground" in Cherokee, chosen to capture the authentic Smokies heritage. Opened in 2017 by co-developers Bob and Karen Bentz, the park pairs sweeping panoramic views with treetop adventures, family dining, and year-round events. It is designed for easy, memory-making days in the Smokies, offering a blend of natural beauty and thoughtful design that honors the Smoky Mountains.

What makes Anakeesta special is its unique access and immersive nature experience. Visitors cannot drive to the top; instead, they access the park via the scenic Chondola chairlift, enclosed Gondola cabins, or the Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle. Once at the summit, guests enter a world of whimsy featuring the longest tree-based skywalk in North America, botanical gardens, thrilling mountain coasters, and the AnaVista Tower, which is the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. The park is currently undergoing a multi-year, $100-million "Making More Magic" expansion, which will introduce a new high-speed gondola, an immersive Firefly Experience, and new thrill rides by 2027.

Spring: Enjoy Blooms and Tunes with over 1,500 flowering plants reaching full bloom between March and June. Summer: United Tastes of America food and drink festival (May-August) and appearances by the Anakeesta Gnomes. Fall: Bear-varian Beer Festival (August-November) with great brews and autumn views. Fall foliage displays start as early as mid-September. Winter: Enchanted Christmas (November-January) featuring thousands of twinkling lights, spirited entertainment, and holiday magic. Astra Lumina, a nighttime walk with light, projection, and sound, is a year-round highlight but especially magical in the darker months.

1. Buy tickets online in advance to save $2 and skip the ticket line, going straight to the Chondola or Ridge Rambler.
2. Arrive early (before noon) to avoid peak wait times, especially for the Chondola, Coaster, and Zipline.
3. If you plan to zipline, purchase tickets and reserve your time online in advance.
4. Put your name on the waitlist for popular restaurants like Cliff Top as soon as you arrive, then enjoy the park until your table is ready.
5. Take the chairlift up during sunset for gorgeous views.
6. Parking fills up fast; use the free Park and Ride at the Welcome Center or City Hall Complex, or park in the large garage at Ripley's Aquarium.
7. If visiting multiple times a year, purchase a VIP Annual Pass for unlimited visits, VIP Express Lane access, and discounts.
8. Check the events calendar before arriving to catch live music or seasonal events like the Anakeesta Gnomes.
9. Wear clothes you can move in easily and comfortable walking shoes; closed-toe shoes are required for ziplining.
10. For a quieter experience, visit the Vista Gardens Arboretum for a peaceful break.

Practical Details

Hours: Typically 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, but check the website for daily variations and weather updates. Parking: No parking at the summit. Use nearby public parking garages in Gatlinburg, the free Park and Ride at the Welcome Center (Hwy 441) or City Hall Complex (Hwy 321), or the parking garage at Ripley's Aquarium. Accessibility: The enclosed Gondola cabins and Ridge Rambler are wheelchair and stroller friendly. The park features wide, flat walkways. What to wear: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Closed-toe shoes and tied-back hair are required for ziplining. Bring a jacket for cooler mountaintop temperatures, especially in the evening. Visit duration: Most families spend 3-5 hours, but admission is good for all-day access with same-day re-entry allowed.

Family & Kids

Anakeesta is highly family and toddler-friendly. The enclosed Gondola cabins and Ridge Rambler can accommodate strollers, and the park itself features wide, stroller-friendly walkways. Kid-friendly highlights include the Treehouse Adventure (whimsical treehouse village with bridges and tunnels), BirdVenture (interactive zones with giant birdhouses and serpentine slides), Gem Mining, and the TreeVenture multi-level interactive treehouse playground. The Treetop Skywalk is also stroller-friendly. Younger kids can ride tandem with an adult on the mountain coasters. There are dedicated kids' menus at restaurants like Rocky Top Canteen.

Nearby Attractions

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Walking distance
Gatlinburg SkyPark: Walking distance
Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg: Walking distance
Gatlinburg Space Needle: Walking distance
Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium: Walking distance