Anakeesta is a mountaintop destination that combines entertainment, activities, dining, and shopping with breathtaking vistas. Located just a chairlift ride from downtown Gatlinburg on Parkway, this whimsical village offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, a sight that many visitors have only been able to enjoy since the area opened to the public in 2017.
Spanning 70 acres, Anakeesta features a variety of attractions for the whole family. From dining and shopping to unique characters and beautiful gardens, there’s something for everyone. The treetops adventure playground is particularly popular, with rope bridges, walkways, and enchanting treehouses creating a playground that delights both children and adults.
Images courtesy of Anakeesta
For those seeking thrills, the ziplining experience includes dual lines for a friendly race, covering over 1,000 feet at a height of approximately 60 feet. The mountaintop village offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for exploration, relaxation, and capturing unforgettable selfies.
Anakeesta’s gardens, including the Vista Gardens Walk and Memorial Forest Walk, provide both beauty and educational experiences. Art installations, like the impressive 20-foot tall Willow Man, are scattered throughout. Keep your camera ready, especially when you find a seat with a spectacular mountain view.
After all the excitement, you can refresh at the restaurant and bar or enjoy a treat from the dessert shop. Souvenir shops offer keepsakes, clothing for all ages, and photo mementos. The village also hosts live music, movie nights, and wine/brew events.
The Adventure Outpost, with its whimsical treehouse architecture, serves as the entrance to the zipline adventure. You and a partner can race down the dual ziplines through the treetops, then ride the enclosed Chondola back up for a luxurious 12-minute chairlift journey.
For more downhill thrills, try the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, the first in the U.S. to use a single rail line. Experience a 400-foot drop over 1,600 feet of track, then relax as the coaster brings you back up, allowing you to enjoy the views.
Once back on top, explore the interconnected treehouse play areas. Race between stations, cross the Skywalk, and tackle the Challenge Course for extra fun. The treetop adventures are expanding, with a major new addition in 2020 marking the start of a multi-million dollar expansion.
Anakeesta continues to evolve, maintaining its whimsical charm. The highlight of 2020 is the Anavista Tower, the highest observation point in Gatlinburg, offering 360-degree views of the stunning Smoky Mountains.
Since then, the village has added BirdVenture, an aviary-inspired adventure zone featuring three larger-than-life birdhouses, 12 interactive adventure zones, and seven giant serpentine slides with light features, winding more than 50 feet down Anakeesta Mountain.
Also added is the Hellbender Mountain Coaster, named after the local Smoky Mountain salamander species. This new double-railed mountain coaster offers 3,350 feet of track with thrilling 90-degree and 270-degree turns, as well as a 360-degree spin.
Anakeesta, ever creative, started its Astra Lumina light display in 2023, a gorgeous feature receiving rave reviews. And it expanded the Vista Garden Walk to include shaded bench swings, beautiful plant life, an interactive play area called BearVenture, and art installations called “Twigloos”.
The many amenities of the complex have also been significantly enlarged, with more dining options in the new Smokehouse Brewery, a casual-dining restaurant seating up to 300 guests, offers sweeping views of Mount LeConte. And a new walkup bar, Tap House, opened in mid-September 2020.
Retail options have expanded too, and new shopping areas include the Great Outdoors Trading Company on the Parkway, Bear Essentials on top of the mountain, and Fur Trader, designed as the largest retail shop in Anakeesta.
Anakeesta offers general admission tickets and also a variety of passes. Find the base of the chair lift at Light #5 on Parkway in Gatlinburg. Check the webcam for current conditions.
Useful Information
Anakeesta
576 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: 865-325-2400
Web: Anakeesta.com.
Open every day 10am-9pm
