Vacation Fun: Adventures at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

Enhance your vacation by playing at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. With our guide, you'll make memories while enjoying the park's nature, thrills, and relaxation. Whether you're soaring across treetops via zipline or basking in the mountain scenery, you and your guests are in for a treat in the Smoky Mountains.

Getting to Anakeesta

The fun begins even before you've entered the park. Buy your Anakeesta tickets and prepare to gain entrance in one of two exciting ways:

Chondola Ride: By far, the most popular option. Guests will ride a hybrid chairlift/gondola up the mountain to the park's entrance.

Ridge Rambler Adventure Vehicle: For those who don't like heights or prefer something different, you can ride an open-air military-style vehicle to the summit via a backroad.

The best part about gaining entrance is the gorgeous views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains you'll see on your way up the mountain, making this an excellent reason Anakeesta is one of the best attractions in Gatlinburg.

Top Attractions & Activities at Anakeesta

Once you're finally inside this fun theme park, there is no shortage of Anakeesta rides and activities to enjoy. Pick your favorite from our list and prepare for a fun adventure with loved ones.

Treetop Skywalk in Anakeesta

The treetop skywalk in Anakeesta is incredibly popular for good reason. This is one of the longest tree-based bridges available in North America. Some highlights of this crowd favorite include:

Suspended 5-60 feet above the forest floor.
A series of hanging bridges that provide excellent views.
Spot birds, wildlife, and beautiful scenery while crossing the bridges.

AnaVista Tower

Another crowd favorite is the AnaVista Tower. This tower offers a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains that is practically unmatched, letting everyone enjoy a picturesque backdrop while having fun.

Pro tip: Time your visit to this tower for sunset views for a gorgeous viewing experience.

Dueling Zipline Adventure

Nothing says fun in Gatlinburg more than seeking thrills. One of the best ways to get your adrenaline fix is to hit the Dueling Zipline Adventure at Anakeesta. Highlights of this fun option include:

Race side-by-side with friends or family across treetops.
Multiple platforms and a rappel experience at the end.

After making it to the end, you'll feel your heart racing and be hyped to explore the rest of the theme park.

Rail Runner Mountain Coaster

Before returning to your cabin rental, you owe it to yourself to try out the Anakeesta rides spread throughout the park. One of our favorites is the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster for the following reasons:

Only single-rail mountain coaster in the United States.
Speed is controllable from start to finish.
Coaster reaches speeds of up to 25mph.

Treehouse Village Adventure

Do you have little ones with you? They'll love spending time at Treehouse Village Adventure. This interactive and imaginative play area offers the following:

Blends into the natural landscape.
Plenty of room for kids to run and play.

Dining at Anakeesta

Everyone in your group will love getting a bite or two to eat when not playing. Fortunately, you never have to leave the park, thanks to yummy dining options like:

Cliff Top Grill & Bar: Eat burgers, steaks, and more while enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Pearl's Pie in the Sky: Save room for dessert and help yourself to pies, pastries, and more.

Snack Shops: Keep things simple by swinging by various snack shops.

Shopping at Anakeesta

Did you know that shopping is available at Anakeesta? Before leaving the park, visit Firefly Village to find boutique stores and local goods from artisans. Souvenir options include:

Outdoor Gear
Handcrafted Jewelry
Unique items not found anywhere else.

Ticket Prices & Best Times to Visit

Overall, admission prices vary depending on the season and package options. However, below is a general breakdown:

General Admission: Around $35 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors.
Annual Passes: Around $70 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors.

Best Times to Visit

To get the most from your experience at Anakeesta, we recommend going in the mornings on the weekdays. You'll enjoy less crowds and have a more peaceful experience. Alternatively, you can go in the late afternoon to watch the sunset from AnaVista Tower and enjoy excellent dining.

Seasonal Visits

Spring & Summer: Ideal temperatures and gorgeous scenery.
Fall: Breathtaking foliage.
Winter: Festive lights and a snowy landscape.

Tips for Visiting Anakeesta

Now that you've learned a little about the joys of Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, you're ready for our general tips to maximize every visit to this top-notch attraction:

Go early to beat the rush.
Wear comfortable shows.
Check the weather and dress accordingly.
Bring a camera or phone for pictures.
Plan for a 3-5 hour visit to fully explore Anakeesta.

Book Your Gatlinburg Cabin Vacation Today

Anakeesta is more than an attraction. It's a go-to for adventure and offers proximity to other Gatlinburg attractions and activities. Fortunately, with our Gatlinburg cabin rentals, you'll remain close to Anakeesta and everything else in the Smoky Mountains for a memorable vacation experience. Don't wait to add Anakeesta in Gatlinburg to your travel plans. We look forward to assisting you with your dream vacation.