Anakeesta is one of Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s top mountain attractions, offering fun for visitors of all ages. Our family has been to Anakeesta three times, and we’re already excited about our next visit. Each trip brings something new to explore, with fresh attractions constantly being added. As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, Anakeesta becomes an even more magical place, making it an ideal fall break destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to take in the stunning fall foliage, this mountain park has something for everyone.
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Getting to the Top of the Mountain
At the start of your adventure, you have a couple of ways to get to the top of the mountain, where all the fun awaits:
1. Take the Chondola
The Chondola gives you two options: you can either ride the open chairlift or the enclosed gondola cabin. On our first trip, our youngest was only 18 months old, so we chose the enclosed gondola to feel safer. Even on our second trip, I still wasn’t quite ready for the chairlift, but that changed when I saw the line for the gondola was over an hour long. I noticed many other families with kids of similar ages (2.5 and 5) opting for the chairlift, so we decided to give it a try. It turns out I was the only one nervous! The kids sat nicely, and I even managed to take a selfie once I relaxed. If I had been alone or if my kids were younger, I would have waited for the gondola, but it was a fun experience in the end.
2. Ride the Ridge Rambler
Another way to get to the top is by the Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle. While we haven’t tried it yet, it’s great to know there’s an option for those who aren’t comfortable with the chairlift but still want to experience the mountain.
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Upon reaching the summit, the enchanting Firefly Village greets you, serving as the gateway to all of Anakeesta’s offerings, including the nearby Black Bear Village. Thrilling attractions, quaint shopping, and interactive play await your exploration in this magical mountain park.
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Things to Do on the Mountain
Once you reach the top, there are so many activities to choose from that it’s hard to do them all in one trip! Over our three visits, we’ve tried nearly every attraction except for ziplining (you need to be at least 7 years old, so that’s on our list for next time).
Treehouse Adventure & Challenge Course
The Treehouse Adventure area is my daughter’s favorite spot. It’s a mix of treehouses and playground challenges. On our last visit, we went through the course three times because the kids couldn’t get enough of balancing and climbing!
Mountain Coaster
My son’s favorite is the Mountain Coaster. On our latest visit, they added a second coaster, and we got a pass that allowed us to ride both. You control the speed as you go, braking around turns and picking up speed downhill. The brave can hit up to 25 mph, but I wasn’t quite that daring and used the brakes more than my son would have liked! Thankfully, we got to ride twice, and by the second ride, I felt more comfortable going a bit faster.
Treetop Skywalk
The Treetop Skywalk is the longest tree-based skywalk in North America, with 880 feet of hanging bridges suspended 50-60 feet above the ground. We’ve done the Skywalk on every visit, and the views are incredible. Even the person in our group who’s afraid of heights managed to finish it. Once, we even spotted bears from the Skywalk, which added to the excitement!
AnaVista Observation Tower
One of the highlights of our visit to Anakeesta was climbing the AnaVista Observation Tower. It only took us a little over 5 minutes to climb to the top, even with little kids, and everyone made it just fine! The climb consists of 86 steps, but the reward at the top is well worth it. The two glass floor panels on the observation deck allow you to look down 60 feet into the lush Vista Gardens below, adding a bit of thrill to the experience.
BirdVenture
BirdVenture was still under construction during our last visit, but we’ve seen photos of the finished attraction, and it looks amazing. This bird-themed adventure zone features giant birdhouses, interactive zones, and seven huge slides that wind down the mountain. It’s something we’re definitely looking forward to next time!
Restaurants and Shopping
In addition to all the fun, there are also several restaurants, bars, and gift shops to explore on the mountain. On our last trip, we tried the beer pass, which gave us six 8 oz. samples of different beers and ciders to share with friends. It was a fun way to relax and try something new!
Astra Lumina
When you buy your Anakeesta tickets, you can also add on the nighttime experience, Astra Lumina. We haven’t done it yet because we usually visit with young kids during the day, but it looks magical. Astra Lumina transforms the Smoky Mountains with lighting, projections, and sound, connecting visitors to the stars in a unique way. It’s definitely on our list for a future trip!
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive Early: The earlier you arrive, the shorter the Chondola lines will be. This is especially important if you want to ride in the enclosed gondola.
- Avoid the Crowds: Since most people take the Chondola, the park doesn’t feel busy until later in the day.
- Leave Before the Rush: If you leave early, you’ll miss the long lines to head back down. We’ve always found the lines short when leaving before 3 pm.
Conclusion
Anakeesta is located right in downtown Gatlinburg at 576 Parkway (traffic light #5). With so much to do and see, it’s the perfect family destination. Whether you’re into thrilling rides, beautiful views, or just looking for a fun day in the mountains, Anakeesta has something for everyone. We can’t wait for our next visit!
For more information about Anakeesta and to purchase tickets, visit anakeesta.com.
