Enjoy a one-of-a-kind family destination!
ADVENTURE AWAITS AT ANAKEESTA!
Ride the WORLD’s ONLY fixed-grip scenic Chondola to the summit of Anakeesta, ride our Ridge Rambler vehicles to the summit, stroll our Treetop Skywalk, discover the Children’s Treehouse Village Playground, race side-by-side on the Dueling Ziplines, soar on the Rail Runner single-rail mountain coaster, and so much more! The mountains are a place for adventure and relaxation, exploration and wonder. A place where people of all ages can discover nature and family entertainment. You and your family will find lots of fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains at Anakeesta. Want to see what it looks like at Anakeesta right now?
RIDE THE SCENIC CHONDOLA OR RIDGE RAMBLER
Enter Anakeesta via our scenic Chondola. This is the WORLD’s ONLY fixed-grip Chondola where our guests choose to ride in an open-air 4-person chair with a safety bar or select an enclosed gondola cabin with seating for 6. This scenic ride takes you up 600’ to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain where you will enter the whimsical Firefly Village.
Soar above the City of Gatlinburg and leave the sounds of the City behind. Below the Chondola is a historic campus and natural habitat that is home to our neighbors and many forest friends. If you are quiet you just might see a bear! Please be sure to keep your voices low and secure all loose items.
OR experience a ride like no other via our Ridge Rambler vehicles. These passenger trucks take you on a scenic guided tour through the forest as you journey to the summit of Anakeesta. This is at no extra cost and has unlimited rides included in your admission.
Enjoy the ride and get ready to experience the magic in the mountains!
ANAVISTA OBSERVATION TOWER
NOW OPEN!! AnaVista Tower is downtown Gatlinburg’s highest point! With 360⁰ views of the Smokies and the only one of its kind in the world, it is surrounded by Vista Gardens, a lush botanical garden with meandering walking trails and interactive areas of play. Guests will climb 78 steps to a large observation platform atop AnaVista Tower. From the top deck scenic views as far as Kentucky will surround you. Interpretive signs identify mountain ranges and peaks and two glass panel floors allow guests to peer down into the garden 60 feet below!
TREEVENTURE CHALLENGE COURSE
NOW OPEN! Anakeesta’s newest treehouse adventure adds more outdoor fun and imaginative play for families. Climb, swing, crawl and slide your way through three levels of play in these interactive treehouses. Six netted bridges and three tree houses offer a different challenge that will delight children of all ages. Climb to the top to enjoy the views from above then slide to the bottom level to begin the fun all over again.
TREETOP SKYWALK
Anakeesta’s Treetop Skywalk is the longest tree-based bridge in North America! Guests will walk more than 800′ along a spectacular series of skybridges suspended 50-60 feet in the air! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you stroll through the canopy. Experience what it feels like to be a bird in the treetops. Keep a sharp eye, you may spot a bear on the forest floor below or a woodpecker nearby.
Be sure to bring your camera for the perfect vacation memory that you will want to share with everyone!
TREETOP SKYWALK UPDATE: On April 23, 2020 a very powerful storm, with winds exceeding 100 MPH, moved through the Gatlinburg area causing longstanding healthy trees to fall. When the storm subsided 8 trees had fallen and 3 poplars that fell across the skywalk were discovered. The largest of the three trees was estimated to be more than 5 tons. The strength of the skywalk bridges were put to the test that day and their ability to withstand the forces of nature is a testimony to their strength and the quality of craftsmanship.
TREETOP SKYWALK IS LIMITED BUT OPEN: 10 of the 16 bridges of the Treetop Skywalk are open. 5 bridges can be accessed next to the entry of Vista Gardens and 5 bridges can be accessed via the Adventure Outpost back deck. Accessing these two separate 5 bridge sections requires an ‘out and back’ walk. Reconstruction is currently underway to repair the entire Treetop Skywalk with a much larger and improved platform with seating. We expect repairs to be completed by late summer.
For your safety on the Treetop Skywalk please note:
- Must be able to walk unassisted
- Infants in secure baby carriers attached to an adult are allowed
- No strollers
TREEHOUSE VILLAGE ADVENTURE
Children of all ages will love playing in the trees in this whimsically themed treehouse village interconnected by multiple bridges of varying challenge. Physical and educational elements designed to build strength and confidence will surprise guests at nearly every turn. Trek along a log walk to an elevated bird nest to learn about how an American Goldfinch cultivates its home, navigate a plank walk to a maze encapsulated by a house in the trees, and crawl through a tube net to a climbing adventure within the walls of nature.
Race on a Dueling Zipline
Fly through the treetops on Anakeesta’s Dueling Zipline Adventure. Stretching high over the forest floor, all three lines offer beautiful views of the Smokies while zipping side-by-side next to your friends or family. Along the way, you’ll be able to test your courage when you rappel off our platforms and enjoy a controlled descent to the platform below. Zipline guests end their journey via a short downhill path to our mid-station and ride the Chondola back to the summit of Anakeesta to continue your adventures!
Rail Runner Mountain Coaster
Anakeesta’s new single-rail mountain coaster is the first of its kind in the United States! As a single-rail line, riders can ride lower to the ground on a single track creating a thrilling and unique experience as you race through the trees while flying down the mountain. It also allows you to control your own speed so if you prefer a slower pace you can do that too! The Anakeesta Rail Runner takes you on an exhilarating downhill ride with a 400 ft. elevation change and can hit speeds of 25 mph. The ride begins with 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns and ends with a scenic uphill ride back to the top of Anakeesta Mountain. Riders can ride solo or tandem with a small child. Our Rail Runner carts feature back and headrests for a comfortable and safe ride. Rail Runner is weather dependent.
Additional Information:
SINGLE RIDERS
- Maximum weight: 270 lbs.
- No one under the age of 7 years old may ride alone
- Riders must be at least 48″ tall
TANDEM RIDERS
- Combined weight cannot exceed 270lbs
- Passengers must be 3 to 7 years old and a minimum of 38″ tall
- Passengers must be no taller than the driver’s shoulders
- Driver is fully responsible for passenger in front when riding tandem and must be able to control braking lever at all times
Anakeesta Gem Mining
Strike it rich at the Anakeesta Gem Mine! An interactive waterfall and sluice allows kids of all ages to search for that special gemstone or fossil. Located at the beginning of the Treetop Skywalk and adjacent to the Children’s Treehouse Village Adventure, Gem Mining is always a fun family activity.
Welcome to Anakeesta!
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