Visit Anakeesta Theme Park in the Mountains of Gatlinburg Tennessee

My husband and I were in Gatlinburg, TN for the Labor Day weekend and for the first time we visit Anakeesta. Anakeesta is a new attraction since the big forest fire of 2016.  It offers a unique outdoor mountain experience for all ages.  Admission includes a scenic Chondola ride from the Parkway to the summit, 16 bridge Tree Canopy Walk, Treehouse Village Playground, Forest Memorial Walk, Dueling Ziplines, Gem Mining, shopping, dining and the most gorgeous scenic views of Great Smoky Mountain.

The breath taking view of the restaurant on top.

Admission was around $20 per person which includes unlimited Chondola rides. The ride took about 15 minutes to reach the top because it had to stop continuously,  so that other visitors can get into the enclosed lifts since those take time to board.  The view at the top was beautiful and it was nice to walk around and enjoy the scenery.

Anakeesta Chondola Rides - There's Magic  in the Mountain!

As we get to the top, WOW  it's gorgeous up there.  If you aren't interested in anything else they offer, it's still worth it to ride up there just for the view.  On the side you come up, you have the beautiful view of downtown Gatlinburg and mountains.  If you walk across the way to the other side, you can see just nature and mountains. Tucked on the side is the seemingly never-ending trees.

We walked around and there is a beautiful flower garden.  There is so much beauty to see, and it's such a breath of fresh air from the bustle of the strip. They pay tribute to the fire, in a big way. They have a whole path that leads to the playground and tree canopy walk that is lined with stands that have pictures and facts and personal stories from that devastating fire. They have kept some damaged wood, along with other artifacts, to help keep you grounded and remember that they rose from those ashes.  I really enjoyed learning about the area and history.

Treehouse Village Playground

High above, between the trees, you'll fine rope bridges connecting the trees from the back of the park up to the front.  It was an easy level and  fun attraction for us. We didn't get to do zip-lining because we were limited on time, but it looked like other visitors were enjoying it.

The 16 Bridge Tree Canopy Walk

One of the shopping place with a view.

 Lastly is the lovely looking restaurant overlooking the edge of the mountain, with a spectacular view of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. We did eat here and the food was so good. The Burnt Tip Salad top with coveted beef brisket black sugar tips and bucket of homemade chips are my favorites. Every single worker that we passed was pleasant and easy to deal with and gave great customer service.

" The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

 Overall, I can't think of a reason why everyone shouldn't stop by Anakeesta while hanging out in Gatlinburg. You can look over the edge, sit down in the flower garden, or by the pond. There is truly something for everyone and you can probably spend most of a day there. They are also adding a coaster ride which is some type of mountain ride that looked like it would be complete sometime this year, so I'm looking forward to that.  I feel like we at least saw everything offered there, but I'm sure I missed stuff.

I like the mountains because they make me feel small. They help me sort out what’s important in life.

📍 Located at: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3202

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42 comments Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Tennessee, Theme Parks, United States