Anakeesta: NEW Fun in the Smokies

Looking for a place to duel zipline with a friend, ride a thrilling mountain coaster, dine with an incredible mountain view, shop for unique souvenirs, and stroll amongst the tree canopy? Venture to Anakeesta, a 55-acre aerial adventure park for all ages in Gatlinburg, Tennessee — right next door to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! From Firefly Village and the Treehouse Village Playground to Adventure Outpost and the Forest Memorial Interpretive Trail, memorable experiences and incredible family photos are waiting for YOU atop Anakeesta Mountain.

The Journey Begins

Ascend 600 feet to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain via a 14-minute chondola ride, featuring both 4-person chairs and 6-person gondola cabins. Before hopping on and enjoying the scenic trip, make sure to choose your admission type: single day or season pass (rates are below). Concerned about paying more for less in the afternoon? Don’t be — when you purchase your single-day tickets after 3:00 p.m., playtime rolls over to the next day. Boasting exciting attractions, breathtaking views, and extended hours (10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.), Anakeesta makes sure your money is well spent!

Single-Day Admission

  • Little Ones (ages 3 and under): FREE
  • Children (ages 4-11): $15.99
  • Adults (ages 12-59): $19.99
  • Seniors (ages 60 and over): $17.99

Season Pass

  • Little Ones: FREE
  • Children: $27.99
  • Adults: $34.99
  • Seniors: $31.99

Magic on the Mountaintop

What’s included with my admission? Glad you asked! Covered is not only your transportation to the top but also access to Firefly Village — boasting European-inspired architecture, quaint shops, tasty eateries, and fun activities. Enjoy tender BBQ for lunch at Anakeesta Smokehouse and hand-dipped ice cream for dessert at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky. Monitor the kids while they explore 5 treehouses, travel through a tube net, tackle a maze, and learn about the American Goldfinch at the Treehouse Village Playground. Find fossils and gems with the little ones at the Anakeesta Gem Mining Company nearby. And stroll through the treetops over 16 sky bridges 40-60 feet above the forest floor and pause to take in the sights and sounds of nature at multiple observation platforms along the Tree Canopy Walk.

Interested in staying closer to the ground? Reflect on the bravery of those who fought the 2016 Gatlinburg Fires and witness the spirit and strength of the local people on the Forest Memorial Interpretive Trail. Before you head down the mountain, be sure to shop a little (or a lot) for traditional community crafts (pottery, home goods, soaps, jewelry, etc.) and hiking gear at the Great Outdoors Trading Company as well as garden art, plushies, apparel, and more at Catching Fireflies. Most important of all, don’t forget to capture each and every special moment with photos galore throughout the day — with the Great Smoky Mountain backdrop as a picturesque bonus!

The Adventure Outpost

As you make your way through Firefly Village, you’ll come across the Adventure Outpost, where you can purchase tickets to take on the Dueling Zipline Adventure! Race through the trees with a friend by your side down 3 ziplines (totaling 2,000+ feet) — smile (and scream) with rushing mountain and tree-studded views all around. Who knows? You may even catch a glimpse of a foraging black bear 150+ feet beneath your own! Rappel 2 times onto a cushioned platform over 60 feet down, ride an ATV to Anakeesta Chondola Station, and return to the outpost to pick up a commemorative t-shirt or hat. Better yet, go for another zipline dash at half the price! Note: if you book online, arrive at least 1 hour early to give yourself plenty of time to get up the mountain and to your zipline destination.

Zipline Admission

  • Children (ages 7-11): $25.99
  • Adults (ages 12-59): $29.99
  • Seniors (ages 60 and over): $27.99
  • Second Round (all zipline-approved ages): $14.99

Safety First!

  • Zipliners must be at least 7 years old & weigh between 70 and 270 pounds.
  • Closed-toed shoes are a requirement as well as proper weather attire.
  • Hair ties are a necessity for those with long locks.
  • Any necessary medication should be securely fastened.
  • Hanging jewelry or loose items are not permitted.
  • Smiling for photos may not be a requirement but is highly recommended!

Check out the daring Dueling Zipline Adventure!

Coming Soon!

Oh, you didn’t think that was all Anakeesta had to offer, did you? Summer 2018 brings new attractions to Anakeesta! First, knock back a cold one with a chargrilled burger at Sunset Grill, a brand-new bar and grill. Then, mosey along the Anakeesta Garden Walk, admiring the beautiful flowers and impressive landscaping as you go. And finally, soar up to 25 miles per hour down the mountain on the Anakeesta Rail Runner, the first single-rail line in the United States!

Where Can I Find This Magical Place?

Great question! Conveniently located at 576 Parkway (Traffic Light #5) in the heart of Gatlinburg, Anakeesta is super easy to find. Feeling lost? Simply call 865.325.2400 to find your way. Remember: fantastic mountain views, yummy food, a treehouse playground, nature walks, shopping sprees, dueling ziplines, and precious memories await!


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *