Why You Need to Visit Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

One of Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s favorite downtown attractions offers something for everyone.

If you want to get away from the crowds in Gatlinburg without going away, Anakeesta is the perfect adventure for you!

I’m sharing more about why you need to visit Anakeesta during your visit to Gatlinburg.

This post was part of a hosted media visit from Visit Gatlinburg. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.

Convenient Downtown Location

Anakeesta is located at traffic light #5 in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.

If you’re already downtown, you won’t need to park again because of its central, walkable location.

You can park on-site at the Premier Public City lot. Two city parking garages are across the street at Ripley’s and the McMahan Garage at Traffic Light #3.

You Can Enjoy a Scenic Ride on the Chondola

The name Anakeesta means “Place of the Balsams” in Cherokee or “a place of high ground,” so it seems appropriate to start your adventure by traveling to the top of the mountain.

The Chondola gives you the option of a 4-person chairlift with a safety bar or an enclosed gondola cabin that seats up to 6 people and goes up 600 ft to the summit of the mountain.

There are fewer gondola cabins available that hold up to 8 passengers. Guests are given the option to wait in another line or continue in line for a chairlift.

The gondola cabins are 32″ wide and 49″ deep, perfect for families with younger kids or the elderly.

Ride the Ridge Rambler to the Top

The Ridge Rambler is another alternative for guests who may have a fear of heights, families traveling with a small child or elderly guest, or guests who want to experience Anakeesta in a new way.

Seat belts are provided to help secure guests during their ride on the steep and curvy paved road. This road isn’t accessible for the public to drive up.

You’re dropped off at the same location where you wait if you wish to ride the Ridge Rambler back down the mountain when you’re ready to leave.

Anakeesta Has Incredible Dining Views

The views from the Cliff Top restaurant and Smokehouse Restaurant at the top of Anakeesta are hard to beat!

There is plenty of seating with mountain views.

For an appetizer at Cliff Top, try the “Bucket of Chips” made of homemade potato chips, bleu cheese, applewood bacon, and balsamic glaze.

Another menu favorite is their “Famous Fried Green Tomatoes” made with bacon jam and garlic ranch.

Dining Options at Anakeesta

Anakeesta offers a variety of dining options and bars that includes table service and quick service.

• Cliff Top Restaurant – table service with modern American cuisine
• Smokehouse Restaurant – house smoked meats
• Kephart Cafe – quick service pizza and gourmet hot dogs
• Tap House – craft beer and cocktails
• The Bar at the Top of the World – liquor, speciality cocktails, beer and wine
• Mimi’s Cremery – handdipped ice cream by Bluebell
• Bear Can – speciality cocktails, select beer and alcohol free mocktails
• Tower Bar – the highest bar in downtown Gatlinburg
• Cloud 9 Cafe & Bakery – cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes and more
• Tennesee Sidecar- quick bite serving Tennessee Walking Tacos
• Rocky Top Tacos – quick service serving tacos

Extreme Adventure on the Dueling Zipline

You can take your Anakeesta adventure to the next level on the Dueling Zipline with friends or family ages 7 and up.

Anakeesta offers my favorite style of zipline course because the participant doesn’t have to use their hand in a glove to handbrake to slow them down.

You just hold onto the handle, relax, and enjoy the experience as you travel 150 feet above the ground. 

Enjoy the ride while the brake system and the staff take care of your safety for the rest of your ride.

Rappel Off a Platform

The course does include two 50-foot high rappels, but don’t worry, it’s a very smooth rappel, similar to climbing gear.

Tips for Ziplining at Anakeesta:

• All participants need to wear closed-toed shoes.
• Lockers are available to lock up your valuables at no additional cost.
• Phones, cameras, and GoPros are at your own risk.
• Wear comfortable clothes. I highly recommend wearing leggings or longer athletic shorts because the harnesses make your clothing ride up, which is awkward if you wear short shorts.
• Participants must be at least 7 years old and 70 lbs. to participate.
• You don’t have to make a reservation to zipline, but they are strongly encouraged.
• Don’t forget to bring cash to tip your guides. Our guides (Dillon, John, and Tailor did a fantastic job!)

Walk the Tree Canopy Trail at Anakeesta

The elevated 16-bridge trail is another stunning feature that is absolutely gorgeous day and night!

I highly recommend you stay at Anakeesta long enough to experience the Tree Canopy Trail both ways.

A walk through the forest on the lighted bridge at night feels magical, like something out of a movie.

One-of-a-Kind Fun on the Anakeesta Rail Runner Mountain Coaster

Anakeesta is home to the first of its kind single-rail mountain coaster in the US that can reach speeds up to 25 mph+ on 1600 feet of track!

You can make this adventure as EXTREME or extremely slow as you want, depending on your comfort level. You control the handbrake, which means that your speeds are determined by you.

Riders can go solo or tandem with a small child.

Single Riders must be at least 48′ tall, and the max weight is 270. No one under age 7 can ride alone)

If you ride tandem, your weight can’t exceed 270 combined pounds, and your passenger must be between 3 to 7 years old and a minimum of 38′ tall.

If you tend to enjoy your speeds more on the extreme side, make sure that you still pay attention to the signs that tell you to brake during specific parts of the track.

I was definitely more cautious on my first ride than my second.

If you want to take your ride even more to the extreme check out the Hellbender Mountain Coaster that winds through 3,350 feet of track and can reach speeds up to 25 mph.

Add on the Coaster Pass for 2 mountain coaster rides of your choice.

Shop at Magical Firefly Village

Many parts of Anakeesta are wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. There are plenty of cute shops to visit and explore.

Depending on when you visit, you may find additional seasonal decor. 

Shops at Anakeesta include:

• Adventure Outpost
• Fur Trader
• The Mercantile
• Great Outdoors Trading Company
• Catching Fireflies
• Willow’s Workshop

You can also check out and purchase your photo taken from the Chondola ride up.

Walk the Vista Gardens

The landscaping is both stunning and inspirational, and that little house makes me wonder what’s behind that yellow door. ( View the expansion of the Vista Gardens that includes AnaVista Tower and additional play structures for kids.)

At the top of Vista Gardens, you will find plenty of photo ops perfect for families or just taking in the scenery.

Enjoy the Views from AnaVista Tower

You can experience downtown Gatlinburg’s highest point on top of the AnaVista Observation Tower.

If you want to see incredible 360-degree views from the AnaVista Observation Tower, you’ve got to climb the stairs. I promise it’s worth it!

How Far Can You See on Top of AnaVista?

On a clear day you have views of more than 50 peaks and mountain ranges in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky.

Once you reach the observation platform of AnaVista Observation Tower you’ll feel like you are on top of the world.

You can see views of both the Great Smoky National Park and downtown Gatlinburg from the 60 ft tower that’s 1,947 above sea level.

Views from the AnaVista Tower at night are also beautiful.

You can enjoy a 360-panoramic views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding area lit up at night.

Memorial Forest Walk Tribute

There is a beautiful tribute to the community and those who fought the fires that burned more than 15,0000 acres of the city of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on November 28, 2016.

Gem Mining for Kids

Kids can pan for their own special treasure and take home a souvenir.

Guests can purchase a bag that contains dirt and arrowheads or colorful crystals to use on the sluice.

TreeVenture Challenge Course and Treehouse Adventure Play Area

Kids and adults will enjoy exploring both the TreeVenture Challenge Course and Treehouse Adventure Play Area.

The playground has lights at night and offers kids plenty of opportunities to burn off extra energy by climbing and crawling throughout the structure.

Take a Picture With Willow

Willow, “the keeper of the forest” is the friendly forest troll.

Relax and Unwind

What I appreciated about Anakeesta is how laid-back and relaxing it is.

There are plenty of seating areas throughout the Magical Firefly Village designed to encourage a slower pace and appreciation of nature.

You can’t help but feel a sense of wonder as you gaze at your surroundings.

Enjoy Anakeesta at Night

It’s hard to believe that you didn’t have to travel far from downtown Gatlinburg to feel so far away…in a good way.

The campfires in the evening are a wonderful way to gather and share the highlights of the day with family and friends.

Admission for Anakeesta

Admission for Anakeesta includes the following activities and all day access:

• Unlimited Chondola and Ridge Rambler rides
• AnaVista Observation Tower
• Treetop Skywalk
• Vista Gardens
• TreeVenture Challenge Course
• Treehouse Adventure Play Area
• BirdVenture

*Kids ages 3 and under are free.

How to Save Money and Time in Line

Purchase your tickets online at least one day in advance to save and skip the ticket line. These tickets are date specific so plan accordingly.

Enjoy Anakeesta All Year

The Season passes cost less than two trips to Anakeesta.

If you’re a local or frequent visitor, it would make sense to invest in an annual pass to experience all of the gorgeous seasons there.

More Information

You can find more information on the Anakeesta Theme Park in the Mountains of Gatlinburg website. 

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