Did you know Anakeesta offers all-day park access together with unlimited scenic rides through the Chondola lift ride? You can also get to have a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains and as far as Kentucky. Seasonal events and live music are often taking place at Anakeesta, especially in Black Bear Village and the park’s other gathering areas.
The reputation of the Anakeesta adventure theme park is great since it has received Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition, including in 2020 and 2021. Attractions like the rope obstacle courses at TreeVenture and BearVenture have set it apart from the competition. Its huge size is another great advantage of the park as you get to have a whole day of outdoor family fun and then some.
This article will take you through the various things you need to know about the Anakeesta theme park. Our list consists of dining, play, adventure, and shopping locations where you can go on your vacation to get the most of what Anakeesta offers.
About Anakeesta, Gatlinburg: Family Theme Park
- Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Website: Anakeesta
- Telephone Number: 865-413-8430
- Business Hours: Hours are seasonal and can change by date, weather, and special event, so check Anakeesta’s official hours calendar before visiting.
Anakeesta is located above the city of Gatlinburg in a land that covers over 70 acres of the mountains. It is largely immersed in nature with lots of vegetation, greenery, and rocky environments. Anakeesta is a Cherokee Indian phrase that means ‘the place of high ground’, which reflects its high altitudes and sky-high adventure retreats like the ziplining.
To get to the theme park, you will first start your journey at Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. From there, the Chondola ride takes you high up into Anakeesta in an open-air chair or enclosed gondola cabin that can sit multiple people. The ride takes you high up for 600 feet, after which you get to land in the Firefly Village at Anakeesta.
Another way to get into Anakeesta theme park in Gatlinburg is to take the park’s Ridge Rambler adventure vehicles. These vehicles can be found in the city of Gatlinburg and can only take you to the park if you so wish.
A lot of places at Anakeesta are accessible via a wheelchair, including the Firefly Village shops, Vista Gardens, and dining pavilion. Wheelchair inaccessible places include the attractions like the Treetop Skywalk.
First Aid assistance is just a second away from the many certified professionals who roam around the park. Needless to say, you won’t be missing any urgent medical attention in case of a major or minor accident while having some fun. If an assistant doesn’t find you in time, then you can visit the Information Booth in the Firefly Village to get help. Ask any Anakeesta employee for assistance in case you are far away.
With all that said, let us jump into the various activities you may want to indulge in while at Anakeesta.
Things to do in Anakeesta
Play and Adventures
1. Rail Runner Mountain Coaster
As the first of its kind in the United States, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster is a must-visit adventure. This downhill adventure takes you on a ride through a single rail system, where you get to control the speed up to 25 miles per hour. The ride follows more than 1,600 feet of track, along which you can get to see the scenic nature of the park and bask in the blissful wind brushing through your hair.
There is a single rider and tandem rider option. Age, height, and weight limits apply for both, and tandem riders must meet the driver and passenger requirements posted by Anakeesta.
The many turns in the forest are exhilarating as they take you through 400-foot elevation changes through the Anakeesta mountains. This is definitely a must-try for visitors.
2. Hellbender Mountain Coaster
Hellbender Mountain Coaster is another exciting coaster experience at Anakeesta. This ride winds through the trees and gives coaster fans another way to take in the mountain setting while enjoying the speed, dips, and turns of a paid add-on attraction.
Rider requirements, pricing, and operating times can vary by day and weather conditions, so check the current coaster details before planning around it.
3. Chondola
The beauty of the Chondola is that its cost is included in the general admissions fee into the Anakeesta theme park. The Chondola ride takes you from Gatlinburg city, where you leave the noisy scenes behind and head up to the serene Anakeesta mountains. The open-air 4-person chair or enclosed gondola cabin sits you comfortably as you get whisked up 600 feet to the summit of the Anakeesta Mountain.
Ensure you secure any loose items as they may fall down and become hard to find. But do not let that stop you from enjoying the beautiful scenes down below that occasionally brings out a bear or two.
4. AnaVista Tower
The AnaVista observation tower is the highest point of downtown Gatlinburg. This is where the Anakeesta Live webcam is situated to give the whole world a taste of the theme park and the Smoky Mountains 24 hours per day.
360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains make this the perfect place to come and take a look at everything the mountains got to offer. The Vista Gardens surround the tower, and guests get to go through 84 steps to get to the huge observation deck at the top of the tower. There is no charge for entering the AnaVista tower since it is all included in the general admission fee.
5. Dueling Zipline Adventure
The Dueling Zipline Adventure is a thrilling ride that takes about one and half hours to complete. It is open to people of age seven and above, which makes it a perfect experience for family vacations. Advance booking is recommended, since tours can sell out quickly to eager guests.
Zipline will take you through trees high above the forest floor, giving you a huge adrenaline rush over 50 feet. Participants cannot weigh more than 270 pounds or less than 70 pounds. Visit the attractions to get treated to the safest zip line you could ever get among trained professionals.
Also Read: Best Zipline in the Smoky Mountains Pigeon Forge Area
6. Gem Mining
Gem mining is a big industry in the Smoky Mountains. Anakeesta brings you this child-friendly experience for an additional cost, with bag sizes and prices subject to change. You can bring your children here to dig for their precious treasure near the interactive waterfall and sluice.
7. Bearventure challenge course
Located in the AnaVista Garden, the Bearventure challenge course is an exciting trail that takes you through physical hustles. Kids love this challenge as it is whimsical and takes them through the black bear-themed side of the park.
8. Treeventure challenge course
The TreeVenture is not so different from the Bearventure challenge course. Its cost is included in the admission fee. All you need to do is show up to enjoy this imaginative play tailored for families. The interactive tree houses have three levels on which you and your family get to play.
Netted bridges give you the thrilling push you need to climb to the top of the trees. Once you get to the top, you can then take a slide to the bottom, where you can choose to go back up for more fun.
9. Treetop skywalk
The Treetop Skywalk, one of Anakeesta’s signature attractions, is known as the longest tree-based skywalk in North America. The 880-foot-long skywalk is composed of hanging bridges suspended at about 50 to 60 feet above the forest floor. You can get to experience what it feels to be a bird up in the treetops from this height.
This is the perfect spot to spot most bear sightings in the mountains. Woodpeckers are also a common sight in this region of the park. Cameras are highly recommended as you can get to see a lot of amazing animals and get the best views of the Anakeesta mountain nature.
10. Treehouse Village
The various bridges with challenges are interconnected at the Treehouse Village. This village is a play area for children where they can get to interact with physical and educational elements that help them build confidence and strength.
11. BirdVenture
BirdVenture is a newer bird-themed play area that adds more climbing, sliding, and imaginative fun for families. Oversized birdhouses, nests, and colorful play features make it a natural stop for kids who still have energy after TreeVenture, BearVenture, and Treehouse Village.
12. Astra Lumina
Astra Lumina is Anakeesta’s immersive nighttime walk through lights, projection, and sound in the mountain forest. It is a separate add-on experience from regular daytime general admission, and operating nights and entry times can vary, so check the current schedule before making evening plans.
Also Read: 20+ Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg
Restaurants and Other Dining Options
13. Smokehouse
Smokehouse brings you house-smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and chicken. This awesome dining place is located at the top of Anakeesta Mountain in the Firefly Village. It is serenely located at the highest point to give you a relaxed and unforgettable experience among beautiful sceneries and forest ambiance.
Menus, hours, and prices can change, but barbecue plates, sandwiches, and sides are the core of the Smokehouse experience.
14. Kephart café
Kephart Café serves hot dogs, pizza, frozen treats, and other items like flatbread at the Black Bear Village. It is a great option for those on the go with its assortment of fast-food meals and soft drinks.
Craft beers and pizza make it the perfect stop after a long day of exploration. Visit Kephart Café to get sweet treats and quick bites when you want something casual between attractions.
15. Cliff Top
Cliff Top is also located at the Black Bear Village next to the Kephart café. It serves modern American cuisines like mouth-watering steaks and gourmet burgers. Menus can rotate, but Cliff Top is known for burgers, steaks, salads, and entrées that pair well with the mountain views.
Do not miss the views from this full-service restaurant, especially if you want a more relaxed meal during your Anakeesta visit.
16. Pearl’s Pie in the Sky
This is a great dessert place that offers guests cream hand-dipped ice creams by Bluebell. The cones, milkshakes, and sundaes are a dream for the sweet tooth. Homemade fried pies, as well as brownies and cookies, will leave you wanting more. The decoration is reminiscent of 1940s culture that adds to the uniqueness of the Anakeesta theme park.
17. Watering Can
The Watering Can is a small eatery that also acts as a retail outlet. Visitors come to this location in the Vista Gardens and AnaVista Tower to get treated to a sweet drink alongside a tantalizing sandwich. There are earthy consumer products that highlight the beauty of the Smoky Mountains; feel free to purchase a piece of the exquisite nature.
18. Snack Shack
Snack Shack in the Anakeesta theme park is situated between Black Bear Village and Firefly. Funnel cake fries are the order of the day. Bring family and friends along as you won’t miss a snack that is befitting for each and every one of them.
19. The Happy Camper
The Happy Camper is a seasonal snack-and-drink stop that may be available near the TreeVenture challenge in the Vista Garden during busier periods or events. It offers refreshing drinks on your trail and a few snacks to quench that hunger.
Shopping
20. Adventure Outpost
The Adventure Outpost is where you can go to purchase the theme park’s branded t-shirts, hats, hoodies, and even magnets. There are more items than you can think of buying. The Outpost is also where you get the Dueling Zipline Adventure tickets as you sign the waiver and check in.
21. The Mercantile
Locally made items grace the Mercantile. It is a modern general store that offers home and kitchen items like utensils, décor, and bowls. There is a good selection of vintage items like sweet treats, games, and gadgets that are reminiscent of the southern culture.
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Anakeesta Tickets and Pricing
The cost of visiting attractions at Anakeesta changes by date, age, and ticket type. Other parks offer competitive prices, but with the experiences you get, one can only hope the tickets are never sold out. Various tickets are available, including an annual pass and a general admission pass.
The general admission pass is normally valid for one day, though late-arrival and next-day offers can change by season. The day admission includes access to the Treetop Skywalk, Chondola/Ridge Rambler rides, Treehouse Village adventure, BearVenture, TreeVenture, AnaVista Tower, Vista Gardens, BirdVenture, and access to shopping and dining places. Current general admission pricing is sold by age group online, and taxes, fees, or upgrades can apply, so check the official ticketing page before buying. Age groups are typically listed as follows:
- Adults between 12 and 59 years of age
- Seniors above 60 years of age
- Children between 4 and 11 years of age
- 3-year-old children and below
Annual passes include repeated park access during the pass term and can include perks such as discounts on select add-on attractions, food and beverages, and retail purchases. This pass can help you skip ticket lines if you buy it before visiting, but current prices and pass benefits can change, so review the annual pass page before purchasing.
Some attractions need individual ticket purchases, like the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, Hellbender Mountain Coaster, Gem Mining, Dueling Zipline Adventure, and Astra Lumina. Add-on prices, online availability, and on-site availability vary by date and attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get through Anakeesta?
You can expect to spend at least 2 to 4 hours going through the main attractions in Anakeesta. However, this depends on the activities you partake in and if you choose to dine and wine. The good news is that the ticket is for an all-day admission which gives you plenty of time to explore the scenic park to the fullest.
How long is the Chondola ride at Anakeesta?
The Chondola ride from Gatlinburg is short, taking about 10 to 15 minutes to get you to the FireFly Village in Anakeesta. It is an open-air chair or enclosed gondola cabin experience that can be substituted for the Ridge Rambler ride.
How much is parking at Anakeesta?
Anakeesta park does not offer any self-parking or valet parking to the guests. The best parking options are the paid public lots and garages near where you board the Chondola, including city parking options in downtown Gatlinburg. Rates and availability can vary by season, event, and day of week.
Can I bring my pet along?
Unfortunately, you are not permitted to bring pets to the Anakeesta theme park. Only trained service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed on the premises, and some attractions may have safety restrictions. The staff at the ticket counter need to be informed of your service animal in case you plan to bring one along.