Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

Anakeesta is a highly popular and family-friendly attraction located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This 70-acre theme park is situated on top of a mountain, giving guests a breathtaking view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Anakeesta is open year-round, and tickets can be purchased either online or at the attraction itself.

The name 'Anakeesta' comes from the Cherokee language and means 'place of high ground.' In the early 1900s, an entrepreneur named Gerald Hines purchased the Anakeesta hill and began constructing a ski resort. Unfortunately, the ski resort never came to fruition, and the land was eventually sold to the City of Gatlinburg. In 2017, Anakeesta officially opened to the public as a theme park.

One of the most popular attractions at Anakeesta is the Chondola ride, which takes guests up the mountain on a chairlift and down on an enclosed gondola. The ride is a great way to take in the beautiful views of the mountain and the valley below. Once at the top, guests can explore the tree canopy walk, which features suspended bridges and hanging platforms amongst the trees. Visitors can also enjoy the mountain coaster, which winds through the forest and provides a thrilling ride down the mountain.

In addition, Anakeesta has a number of beautiful gardens and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a family outing. Guests can also grab a bite to eat at the Smokehouse BBQ or Cliff Top Grill and Bar, both of which offer stunning views of the mountains.