Fri, January 22nd 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
865-325-2400
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Anakeesta - There's Magic in the Mountains

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Anakeesta - There's Magic in the Mountains

  • Anakeesta Experience
    • Enchanted Winter of Lights
    • Play
      • Chondola
      • AnaVista Tower
      • Treetop Skywalk
      • Dueling Ziplines
      • TreeVenture
      • Mountain Coaster
      • Gem Mining
      • BearVenture
      • Treehouse Village
      • Splash Pad
    • Dueling Zipline
    • Mountain Coaster
    • Shop and Eat
      • Cliff Top
      • Smokehouse
      • Kephart Cafe
      • Tap House
      • Pearl’s Pie in the Sky
      • Great Outdoors Trading Company
      • Adventure Outpost
      • Catching Fireflies
      • The Mercantile
      • Smile! Photos at Anakeesta
    • Relax and Unwind
      • Vista Gardens
      • Best Views of the Smokies
      • Memorial Forest Walk
      • Best Selfie Spot
      • Sit, Relax and Enjoy
    • Live Cameras at Anakeesta
  • Plan A Visit
    • Pricing
    • Buy Annual Pass
    • Calendar
    • Group Rates
    • Anakeesta Partner Packages
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Ana’s Junior Explorer Book
    • Health & Safety Guidelines
    • Hours & Directions
    • Park Map & Brochure
  • Gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • About
    • About Anakeesta
    • Community Relations
    • Careers
    • Blog
    • Contact
Fri, January 22nd 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
865-325-2400

About Anakeesta

A magical theme park in the mountains!

What does Anakeesta mean?

Anakeesta is a Cherokee Indian word referring to high ground, literally meaning “the place of the balsams.”

Today, the word is most often associated with a massive rock layer known as the Anakeesta Formation that encompasses many of the peaks in our part of the Smoky Mountains. You can see it high above Gatlinburg in Charlie’s Bunion, Chimney Tops, and Mount Kephart. We chose the name Anakeesta to capture the authentic Smokies heritage that our guests will experience among the treetops at the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. Anakeesta is located on 70 acres of pristine forested land nestled in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. 

We welcome you to join our Anakeesta family to discover the magic in the mountains!

 

Our Story

A mountain playground for all ages

Over 100 years ago, even before the National Park was established, the Pi Beta Phi fraternity for women identified the Appalachian region of Gatlinburg, Tennessee as the population most in need for access to literacy and healthcare.  They traveled to what was then a remote mountain village and worked alongside the community to create a school, healthcare facility and a cottage industry of weaving textiles and creating crafts for sale throughout the United States.

With the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934, Gatlinburg flourished and the community of residents continued to welcome what is now an influx of over 11,000,000 guests per year to Gatlinburg.

In 2014, the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity chose to sell the 55+ pristine acres of mountain forested land to Bob and Karen Bentz and their family. They exhibited a vision towards environmental stewardship of the property encouraging a family oriented mountaintop experience in the Smokies with a promise to maintain the authenticity, heritage and natural beauty of the land. 

Today, the Anakeesta family welcomes you to our mountain home in the hopes that you will create memories with your family that will last a lifetime.

Enjoy, relax and play in the Smokies.

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Contact

865-325-2400
info@anakeesta.com

576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

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Proud Member Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce

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There’s Magic in the Mountains

There's Magic in the Mountains

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  • READY TO ZIP?

    Admission ticket to Anakeesta is required to make a zipline reservation.

    YOU MUST READ AND AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

    Guests must be at least 7 years old and 70 - 270 lbs to participate. If the guest is under 18 years of age, someone who is 18 or older must be present to complete and sign a waiver OR waivers can be completed online before visiting Anakeesta. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the zipline tour. Close-toed shoes are required. To purchase same day zipline tickets, or if you have any further questions on limitations, please call us at 865-325-2433