Anakeesta

Anakeesta

Anakeesta is Gatlinburg's award-winning mountaintop adventure park — a gondola ride from the downtown Parkway that turns 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, it's 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 mountains. Plan on at least half a day — most guests stay longer.

Staying nearby makes it easy to visit twice in one trip. Browse our Gatlinburg cabin rentals minutes from the Parkway.

Getting to the top

The Anakeesta experience begins before you 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, which is the better call in poor weather. The Ridge Rambler gives you an open-air ride with unobstructed views on the way up. Either way, you arrive at the summit with a sense of arrival that sets the tone for the rest of the visit.

Things to do

Treetop Skywalk

One of the park's signature experiences — 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, which is equal parts thrilling and scenic, with ridgeline views at every turn.

AnaVista Tower

The highest point in downtown Gatlinburg, with 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.

Mountain coasters

Two separate coasters — the Hellbender and the Rail Runner — give riders control of their own speed down the mountain. The Hellbender is the original; the Rail Runner takes a different line through the terrain. Both are add-ons, and both are consistently among the park's most popular paid experiences.

Dueling Zipline

A side-by-side zipline that sends two riders down the mountain at once — a popular pick for competitive families and couples.

TreeVenture and BirdVenture

Kid-focused outdoor challenge course and nature trail. BirdVenture is a walk-through trail with character-based wildlife education woven along the path, and it's ideal for younger guests.

Gem mining, splash pad, and Vista Gardens

Hands-on mining sluice and a seasonal water play area for kids, plus Vista Gardens — a botanical garden woven into the mountaintop landscape and a genuinely beautiful spot for a slow walk and a break from the activity.

Dining

• Clifftop — the park's flagship restaurant; elevated casual dining with chef specials, steaks, gourmet burgers, and salads, with panoramic mountain views
• Smokehouse — Southern barbecue, flatbread pizza, and quick bites in a casual outdoor setting
• Kephart Café — counter service with sandwiches, coffee, and lighter fare
• Mimi's Creamery — ice cream and sweet treats
• Watering Can, Rocky Top Canteen, and Snack Shack — additional quick bites and drinks throughout the park

Eating in for a night or two brings the trip cost down. Every one of our Gatlinburg cabins has a fully equipped kitchen.

Shopping

Retail shops are spread across the park's Firefly Village and Black Bear Village areas, including Great Outdoors Trading Company, Catching Fireflies, Adventure Outpost, The Mercantile, Bear Essentials, and Willow's Workshop — gifts, candles, décor, jewelry, apparel, locally inspired goods, and official Anakeesta merchandise.

Admission

General admission covers the gondola ride, Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, TreeVenture, BirdVenture, gem mining, the splash pad, and Vista Gardens. Discounted rates are available for children and seniors, and children three and under are free.

The mountain coasters, Dueling Zipline, and Astra Lumina are ticketed separately. A Coaster Pass is available for unlimited coaster rides, and combo tickets bundling Anakeesta with other Gatlinburg attractions are also offered.

Check anakeesta.com for current rates and packages before you visit.

Hours and location

Hours vary by season and day — check the Anakeesta events calendar before visiting. Astra Lumina begins 30 minutes after sunset nightly.

Parking: Anakeesta sits on the Parkway within easy walking distance of Gatlinburg's main downtown parking facilities and trolley stops.

Seasonal events

• Bear-Varian Fall Festival — Anakeesta's signature autumn event, with themed entertainment, food, and seasonal experiences
• Astra Lumina — nightly year-round, weather permitting; advance tickets recommended
• Live music and entertainment — a rotating schedule through the season

Fall is the busiest and most beautiful stretch of the year in Gatlinburg. If you're visiting in October, book a fall cabin rental well in advance.

Nearby attractions

Anakeesta sits on the Gatlinburg Parkway, steps from some of the city's most popular stops. See our full things to do guide for more.

• Moonshine and wine tastings — several distilleries and tasting rooms along the Parkway, most with live bluegrass
• 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 entrance is minutes from downtown. See cabins near attractions

Frequently asked questions

How long should I plan to spend at Anakeesta?

Most guests spend three to five hours on a daytime visit. Adding Astra Lumina makes it a full evening — plan on five to six hours if you want both day and night programming.

Is Astra Lumina included with general admission?

No — Astra Lumina requires a separate ticket. Advance purchase is strongly recommended during peak season.

Are the mountain coasters included with admission?

No. The Hellbender and Rail Runner are ticketed separately, as is the Dueling Zipline. A Coaster Pass is available if you want unlimited rides.

Is Anakeesta open year-round?

Yes, with hours varying by season. Astra Lumina runs nightly year-round, weather permitting. Check the Anakeesta calendar for current daily hours.

Is there parking at Anakeesta?

Anakeesta uses Gatlinburg's downtown parking facilities rather than its own lot. It's within walking distance of the main parking areas and trolley stops on the Parkway.

Are pets allowed?

Service animals are permitted; pets generally are not. Confirm current policy with the park before your visit. If you're traveling with a dog, our pet-friendly cabins give them somewhere comfortable to wait.

Is it accessible for guests with mobility limitations?

The gondola and much of the mountaintop village are accessible, though the terrain is a mountain and some paths are steep. Contact the park directly to confirm what's workable for your group.

How far is Anakeesta from Pigeon Forge?

About eight miles, roughly fifteen to twenty minutes via US-441. Our Pigeon Forge cabins are an easy base for a Gatlinburg day.