Anakeesta

What is Anakeesta?

Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park above downtown Gatlinburg. You ride up from the Parkway to a summit village with treetop bridges, an observation tower, gardens, mountain coasters, places to eat and shop, and long views of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's open year-round, rain or shine, and works for every age, from toddlers to grandparents.

This page covers the practical side of a visit: where it is, how to get up, parking, hours, and tickets. For a full rundown of the rides and activities, see our guide to the best things to do at Anakeesta.

Where is Anakeesta?

The base station sits right on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, an easy walk from most of the strip. Coming from Pigeon Forge? Plan on about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on Parkway traffic.

Getting to the top

You can't drive to the summit. Everyone rides up from the base station, and both ways up are included with admission. You can ride up and down as many times as you like during your visit.

Crystal Express gondola

An all-glass gondola that carries you from the Parkway to the summit in about four minutes. The enclosed cabins make it the better choice on cool or rainy days.

Ridge Rambler

A guided ride up the mountain in an open-air vehicle, with fresh air and views the whole way. It's a fun pick for families who want the ride to feel like part of the adventure.

Anakeesta parking

Anakeesta doesn't have its own parking lot. You have three main options:

Next door — a privately owned paid lot sits right beside the base station. It's not run by Anakeesta and charges a separate fee.

City garages — the city parking garages near traffic light #3 and Ripley's Aquarium have the most spaces and are a short walk away.

Park and ride — free lots on the edge of town connect to downtown by trolley, which saves you from circling for a space on busy days. See the Gatlinburg Trolley for routes.

For more tips, read our guide to parking in downtown Gatlinburg.

Anakeesta hours

Anakeesta is open every day of the year, with hours that change by season and sometimes by day. It typically opens earlier during the busy months and a little later in January and February, and stays open into the evening for Astra Lumina. Always check the calendar at anakeesta.com before you go.

Tickets and what's included

General admission covers your gondola or Ridge Rambler rides, the Treetop Skywalk, the AnaVista observation tower, Vista Gardens, the children's play and challenge areas, and access to the shops and restaurants in Firefly Village and Black Bear Village.

The mountain coasters, zipline, and Astra Lumina are paid add-ons. Prices and package options change, so check anakeesta.com for current rates. Anakeesta is in the middle of a multi-year expansion, so some attractions may be closed temporarily. It's worth confirming your must-dos before you buy.

Astra Lumina after dark

Astra Lumina is an evening walk through the forest lit with light and sound, beginning about 30 minutes after sunset. It's ticketed separately from general admission. On busy nights, buying ahead is the safest way to get the time you want.

How long to spend

Most visitors spend three to five hours at Anakeesta, or longer with coasters, a sit-down meal, and Astra Lumina. Arriving early beats the midday lines at the base station, especially on fall weekends. For lunch with a view, see our guide to the restaurants at Anakeesta.

Nearby in downtown Gatlinburg

Anakeesta pairs well with other downtown stops. The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is just down the Parkway. Our comparison of Anakeesta vs. the SkyLift Park can help you choose if you only have time for one. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a short walk away, and our full things to do list has more.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to the top of Anakeesta?

No. Everyone rides up from the base station on the Parkway by the Crystal Express gondola or the Ridge Rambler. Both are included with admission.

Is the Ridge Rambler a chairlift?

No. The Ridge Rambler is a guided ride in an open-air vehicle. The Crystal Express is an enclosed glass gondola.

Is there free parking at Anakeesta?

Anakeesta doesn't have its own lot. The lot next door and the city garages charge a fee, and the free park-and-ride lots connect to downtown by trolley.

Is Anakeesta open in the rain?

Yes. Anakeesta is open rain or shine, though some outdoor rides may pause for storms. The enclosed gondola is the drier way up.

Is Anakeesta in Pigeon Forge?

No. Anakeesta is in downtown Gatlinburg, about 20 to 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge depending on traffic.

Are the mountain coasters included with admission?

No. The coasters, zipline, and Astra Lumina are paid add-ons. Check anakeesta.com for current options.

How long should I plan to spend at Anakeesta?

Plan on three to five hours, or longer if you add the coasters, a meal, and Astra Lumina.