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For a magical outdoor experience in the mountains, plan a visit to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN! This unique theme park offers great adventures and memories for the whole family. If you're looking for an experience that combines many of the things that make the Smokies special all in one place, this adventure park is the place for you! To help guarantee you have the best time when you visit, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN:
About Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN
Anakeesta is not your average Gatlinburg attraction. It’s located on the top of a mountain in downtown Gatlinburg and is a place where you will be inspired by nature, can enjoy time with family and friends, and discover the magic in the mountains. Before Anakeesta was built, its vision was to provide a family-oriented mountaintop experience with a promise to maintain the authenticity, heritage and beauty of the land, and it has done just that.
What to Do
There is something for everyone to enjoy at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN, from the thrill-seekers to those who just want to kick back and relax. Here are some of the top things to do when you visit:
The Crystal Express
The scenic Crystal Express Gondola is your ticket Anakeesta. It's the only all-glass Gondola system in the world, featuring 56 all-glass cabins. That means you'll have 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains on your journey to the top of the mountain! If you don't want to ride The Crystal Express, you can hop on the Ridge Rambler vehicles that drive you up the mountain.
Dueling Zipline
The Dueling Zipline Adventure lets you zip side-by-side with the person of your choice as you soar through the treetops on lines that stretch high above the forest floor. There are 3 ziplines, mutliple rappels more than 50 feet high, and gorgeous views. Please note: The Dueling Zipline Adventure is currently closed for Anakeesta's Making More Magic Expansion. Keep an eye on their website for updates on when it reopens.
Rail Runner Mountain Coaster
The Rail Runner Mountain Coaster is the first single-rail mountain coaster of its kind in the United States! Riders will fly down the mountain with 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns, going speeds of up to 25 miles per hour! You'll be able to choose your own speed, so you can decide whether you want to take it slow or go for the ultimate thrill with a 400 ft elevation change. After the ride downhill, you'll be able to enjoy a scenic uphill ride back to the top of Anakeesta Mountain. In addition to the Rail Runner, Anakeesta is also home to the Hellbender Mountain Coaster, which delivers heart-racing twists, gravity-defying drops, and stunning scenic vistas. If you love these coasters, be sure to check out these other mountain coasters in Pigeon Forge!
Treetop Skywalk
At the Anakeesta Treetop Skywalk, you will stroll 40 to 60 feet above ground across 16 connected sky bridges. Each bridge leads to a different observation platform where you can take in the scenery!
Shopping and Dining
Anakeesta offers a unique shopping and dining experience for visitors. Some shops are located on the mountain, while others are in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Visit Catching Fireflies for enchanting boutique vibes, or stop by Great Outdoors Trading Company when you leave for the perfect souvenir! For dinner with a view, dine at Clifftop, which has everything from burgers to salads, then grab a drink at The Bar at the Top of the World as you watch the sunset. Other shops and eateries are Smokehouse, Kephart Cafe, Tap House, Mimi's Creamery, Rocky Top Tacos, The Watering Can, Fur Trader, and The Mercantile!
Bird-Venture
Families love this newer addition to Anakeesta! This aviary-inspired adventure zone invites guests to imagine life as a bird in the Smoky Mountains. Explore three larger-than-life birdhouses, a dozen interactive adventure zones, and seven giant serpentine slides that wind more than 50 feet down the mountain! Other play areas in the park include the Treehouse Adventure Play Area and the Treeventure Challenge Course.
Enjoy the View
When you visit Gatlinburg, Anakeesta is the perfect place to relax and unwind while admiring the stunning scenery! Take a stroll through Vista Gardens, a peaceful walk past a cascading stream and through lush gardens, then grab a seat in one of the rocking chairs around the firepit, one of the best spots to watch the sunset. Plus, you can't leave without climbing to the top of the AnaVista Tower, which offers 360-degree views from the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg!
More Adventures at Anakeesta TN
These are just some of the many things to do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN, but it's nowhere near where all the excitement ends! The adventure park includes fun events throughout the year, from seasonal themes like their Bear-Varian Fall Festival and Enchanted Christmas, to live musical performances and visits from Santa! It's also home to Astra Lumina, an enchanted nighttime experience that's the first of its kind in the United States. Other things to do at the park include enjoying the splash pad in the summer months or going gem mining! With its latest expansion, Anakeesta is adding even more fun to its mountaintop adventure park. A nighttime firefly experience and more is still to come!
Anakeesta Hours
Anakeesta is open year-round, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Smokies during every season. The days and hours vary throughout the year depending on the season, so be sure to check the operating calendar to see what time it's open during your vacation! The park is open both rain and shine, and the activities continue to operate during inclement weather; however, if there are dangerous winds, lightning or other serious weather events, the park may close.
Where to Stay Near Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN
When you visit Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN, there is no better place to stay than Parkside Cabin Rentals. We have a variety of cabins available to accommodate every type of guest. There are 1 bedroom cabins for couples, 2 and 3 bedroom cabins for families, and large cabins for groups! All of our cabins come with everything you need and more for a fantastic stay. After a long and exciting day at Anakeesta, you will love coming back to your cabin and soaking in the bubbling hot tub before getting a good night’s rest. We even have cabins with their own entertainment, like game rooms and large flat-screen TVs! To make your stay more affordable, check out our cabin specials to see how you can save.
Now that you know everything there is to know about Anakeesta in Gatlinburg TN, it’s time to plan your visit! Browse all our Gatlinburg cabins and book your stay today.
