Anakeesta is Gatlinburg's award-winning mountaintop adventure park — a world-class attraction that transforms a gondola ride from the downtown Parkway into a full day of treetop adventure, sweeping mountain views, dining, shopping, and one of the most celebrated nighttime experiences in the Smokies. Perched above the city at 576 Parkway, Anakeesta is one of those rare attractions that works for everyone: thrill-seekers, families with small kids, couples looking for a scenic evening out, and anyone who just wants to sit above the clouds and take in the Great Smoky Mountains. Plan on at least half a day — most guests stay longer.

Getting to the Top: The Crystal Express Gondola & Ridge Rambler

The Anakeesta experience begins before you even reach the park. Guests ascend the mountain via the Crystal Express Gondola or the Ridge Rambler, a classic open-air chairlift. The gondola offers enclosed, climate-controlled cabins perfect for any weather, while the Ridge Rambler provides an open-air ride with unobstructed views on the way up. Either way, you'll arrive at the summit with a sense of arrival that sets the tone for the rest of the visit.

Things to Do at Anakeesta

Treetop Skywalk
One of the park's signature experiences, the Treetop Skywalk is a series of hanging bridges spanning 880 feet across the forest canopy, suspended more than 50 feet above the forest floor. The bridges sway gently as you cross — it's equal parts thrilling and scenic, with views of the surrounding ridgelines at every turn.

AnaVista Tower
The highest point in downtown Gatlinburg, AnaVista Tower delivers 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and the valley below. On clear days the views stretch deep into the national park — this is the photo stop at Anakeesta.

Mountain Coasters: The Hellbender & Rail Runner
Two separate mountain coasters give riders control of their own speed down the mountain. The Hellbender is the original; the Rail Runner offers a different line through the terrain. Both are available as add-ons and are consistently among the park's most popular paid experiences.

Dueling Zipline
A side-by-side zipline experience that sends two riders down the mountain simultaneously — a popular pick for competitive families and couples.

TreeVenture & BirdVenture
Kid-focused outdoor challenge course and nature trail experience. BirdVenture is a newly added walk-through trail with character-based wildlife education woven throughout the path — ideal for younger guests.

Gem Mining
Classic hands-on mining sluice activity for kids and families.

Splash Pad
Seasonal water play area for younger guests.

Vista Gardens
A lush botanical garden woven into the mountaintop landscape — a genuinely beautiful space for a slow walk, photos, and a break from the activity.

Astra Lumina — Nighttime Experience
Anakeesta's most talked-about experience and one of the top-rated nighttime attractions in the Smokies. Astra Lumina is an immersive, after-dark walk through an enchanted forest of light and sound — nine chapters following a star's journey from the sky to the mountains and back. The experience begins 30 minutes after sunset nightly. Tickets are sold separately and advance purchase is strongly recommended during peak season.

Dining

Anakeesta has a full lineup of dining options at various price points:

• Clifftop — The park's flagship restaurant; elevated casual dining with chef specials, steaks, gourmet burgers, and salads with panoramic mountain views
• Smokehouse — Southern BBQ, flatbread pizza, and quick bites in a casual outdoor setting
• Kephart Café — Counter-service café with sandwiches, coffee, and lighter fare
• Mimi's Creamery — Ice cream and sweet treats
• Watering Can, Rocky Top Canteen, Snack Shack — Additional quick-bite and beverage options throughout the park

Shopping

Multiple retail shops are spread across the park's Firefly Village and Black Bear Village areas:

• Great Outdoors Trading Company, Catching Fireflies, Adventure Outpost, The Mercantile, Bear Essentials, Willow's Workshop — Gifts, candles, décor, jewelry, apparel, locally inspired goods, and official Anakeesta merchandise

Admission & Pricing

• Adults (ages 12–64): $39.99
• Children (ages 4–11): $27.99
• Seniors (ages 65+): $32.99
• Ages 3 and under: Free

Pricing above covers general park admission including the gondola ride, Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, TreeVenture, BirdVenture, Gem Mining, Splash Pad, and Vista Gardens. Mountain coasters, Dueling Zipline, and Astra Lumina are ticketed separately.

A Coaster Pass is available for guests who want unlimited coaster rides. Combo tickets bundling Anakeesta with other Gatlinburg attractions are also available. Check anakeesta.com/pricing for current rates and packages before visiting.

Hours & Location

Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 325-2400
Today's Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Hours vary by season and day. Check the Anakeesta events calendar for current daily hours before visiting. Astra Lumina begins 30 minutes after sunset nightly.

Parking: Parking is available in Gatlinburg's downtown parking facilities; Anakeesta is located on the Parkway within easy walking distance of the city's main parking areas and trolley stops.

Seasonal Events

Anakeesta runs seasonal programming throughout the year. Current and upcoming events include:

• Bear-Varian Fall Festival — Anakeesta's signature autumn event featuring themed entertainment, food, and seasonal experiences (details at anakeesta.com/bear-varian-fall-festival)
• Astra Lumina — Nightly year-round (weather permitting); advance tickets recommended
• Live music and entertainment — Rotating schedule throughout the season; check the events calendar for current programming

Nearby Attractions

Anakeesta is located on the Gatlinburg Parkway, steps from some of the city's most popular stops:

• Ole Smoky Moonshine (The Holler) — The original Gatlinburg distillery; free to enter, $5 tastings, live bluegrass daily
• Bootleggers Homemade Wine — Small-batch Appalachian wines; tasting room at 903 Parkway
• Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies — One of the Southeast's top family aquariums, a short walk down the Parkway
• SkyLift Park — Home to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park — The park entrance is minutes from downtown Gatlinburg

Frequently Asked Questions

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