Visit Anakeesta Theme Park in the Mountains of Gatlinburg Tennessee

Monday, September 10, 2018
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

Hope you enjoy this family adventure attraction in Gatlinburg. Feel free to share it and don't forget to follow us for more adventures.



43 comments:

  1. what a beautiful place to enjoy nature in real. So many wonderful colors

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a neat place! We are hoping to travel with the kids soon now that they are a little older. I love seeing all the neat attractions within driving distance to us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Falls is fast approaching this is the best time of the year to visit Smokies.

      Delete
  3. I've always wanted to visit Gatlinburg...it just looks so beautiful there! And this place looks so fun!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful! I enjoyed the pictures and even showed these to my partner because we have been wanting to go to Tennessee for a vacation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great I'm glad you like our photos, there so much things to do and see while in East TN. I highly recommend the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area.

      Delete
  5. We just passed through Gatlinburg on our way to Pigeon Forge the other month for our anniversary. I really wanted to stop by and your post tells me what we missed! Next time we go through, we're checking out Anakeesta.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pigeon Forge is really close to Gatlinburg. Hopefully next time you and your husband will make it. Go on some adventure like hiking, zip lining or white rafting. For sure you too will enjoy.

      Delete
  6. I'm not sure about that suspension bridge, but these are gorgeous pics! I have to visit next time I get to TN!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you the suspension bridge was not really that scary. Although of course if you have fear of heights you may find this challenging. I must say have fun with it life is too short to worry about things. :)

      Delete
  7. This looks absolutely beautiful! I live in the desert, so I always like to vacation in places that are lush and green. This looks like a great destination!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the desert view as well its like you were in a different planet. We are actually planning to go to Arizona - Utah border sometime next year. I just love that area with all those red rocks formation.

      Delete
  8. What beautiful views- these pictures are amazing! The mountains are my favorite vacation spot, but I've never been to Gatlinburg- I'm adding it to the wish list.

    ReplyDelete
  9. That is so beautiful. Its been years since I've been up there and I need to go back up there.

    ReplyDelete
  10. That sounds like such a cool place to visit. I have never been to Gatlinburg before, but I have been wanting to go for a while.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh my gosh does that look absolutely gorgeous! I have never been to Gatlinburg Tennessee but I know I want to get there and soon!

    ReplyDelete
  12. We were in Tennessee this summer. Now have go back to this area and have even more fun

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love, love, love Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountains are one of our family's favorite places to visit. There's always something to see and do. We will definitely have to Anakeesta Theme Park on our next visit. Thanks for the recommendation.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Living in the flatlands of Florida I so miss the mountains. There are so many things to do up in that area and this looks like one I'll be checking out for our next trip.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow the views are stunning! I had no idea Tennessee was so mountainous. Would love to visit someday.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, how beautiful. I need to get here one day. I've always wanted to go to Tennessee. I would love to see all the colors.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ohhhh, this is indeed a great place! I love the Chondola ride too. I hope I would be able to experience this gorgeous place the soonest!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I would love love to visit Anakeesta - Gatlinburg has been on my go-to list for the longest time. Now that we are just under four hours away it's totally doable!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Stine Mari FiskerstrandSeptember 12, 2018 at 1:02 PM

    It looks like you had a fantastic time. I am totally bookmarking this for later as I am planning a US road trip again soon! Thanks for sharing ��

    ReplyDelete
  20. That is so so pretty! Makes me want to book a vacation!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I would love to visit Anakeesta. The views are stunning. So much to see and do!

    ReplyDelete
  22. The photos that you have here are gorgoues! I have never been there before but it is definitely a place to add to the destination bucket list. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow this looks like such a beautiful, scenic place. I would love to visit one day. The views of the waterfall are gorgeous!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. That park looks so gorgeous. Tennessee is one of my favorite places to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  25. My husband and I visit Gatlinburg every winter and I was not aware of this place. It looks like an amazing time!

    ReplyDelete
  26. My husband and I visit Gatlinburg every winter and I was not aware of this place. It looks like an amazing time!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh my god that’s amazing scenery. This is a must visit for sure

    ReplyDelete
  28. Looks like great place to visit, peaceful and amazing scenery to enjoy the nature. Looks like you guys had fun time there.

    ReplyDelete
  29. That is a breathtaking view! I have always wanted to walk on a canopy of trees like that

    ReplyDelete
  30. We've considered this one when we were planning our trip but because of the kids, we chose to visit it when they are a bit older. Looks beautiful though, I definitely want to explore it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow! Gatlinburg is a really beautiful and adventurous place! I had never heard about this place before. I would love to go for those Chondola Rides and the canopy walk.

    ReplyDelete
  32. How gorgeous! It's been 20+ years since I've been in Gatlinburg, so maybe it might be time for a re-visit! haha We not travelers, tho, so it might take some convincing of my family.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The canopy bridge looks so cool! I've never been nor have heard. I have to do some more travelling! Your pics are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love visiting the mountains. They really aren't that far away from me!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am not too far, I'd love to experience this myself. It's beautiful. Thank you for the guide.

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a stunning place! I would love to take my family there one day.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love the Gatlinburg area. It's been many years since I have been there but now I want to go back!

    ReplyDelete
  38. It is so worth it! It's definitely the kind of place you'd want to visit especially when you're with your husband/SO. The view is stunning! Hoping we could visit someday!

    ReplyDelete

Powered by Blogger.
Back to Top