The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is full of fun attractions people from all over the world want to experience. One of the most popular is Anakeesta and for good reason! You can experience mountain views, mouth-watering food, attractions for every age, and so much more at this theme park. To help you get the most out of visiting this attraction, we’ve put together a guide on visiting Anakeesta in Gatlinburg and sharing it with you.

Ways to Play

There are several things to do at this Gatlinburg theme park. First, we’ll start with the fun activities you won’t want to miss!

Treeventure Challenge Course

Everyone has wanted to navigate through a treehouse, and you can do just that on Treeventure Challenge Course. Young visitors can climb, swing, crawl, and slide through three levels, making their way through different challenges to get to the next treehouse!

Treehouse Village Play Area

Another spot at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg kids will love is the Treehouse Village Play Area. This themed treehouse village is connected through various types of bridges, and kids will have a blast making their way from one spot to the next. There’s also a life-size bird nest where they can learn about American Goldfinches, a plank walk with a maze, and much more!

Bearventure Challenge Course

The next spot where kids will have fun playing is Bearventure Challenge Course. They can climb, balance, and overcome all kinds of challenges on this black bear themed course.

Adventure Add Ons

These aren’t the only exciting activities you’ll find at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. If you love to get your heart racing, there are plenty of things to do for you at this theme park! Just know that these thrilling activities do cost extra.

Dueling Ziplines

Have you always wanted to try ziplining? Then Anakeesta is just the place to try it! They have the Dueling Ziplines, which is where two people can ride parallel to each other at the same time down the mountainside.

Rail Runner Mountain Coaster

Another exciting activity you will want to try is the Anakeesta mountain coaster, known as the Rail Runner. Riders will zoom on the track at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour as they control their own cart. After flying around every turn, they will enjoy a scenic uphill ride back to the top of the mountain!

Astra Lumina

An exciting and unusual display you’ll want to experience when you visit Anakeesta at night is Astra Lumina. The stars have come down from the sky to interact and play with us. Guests can enjoy a spectacular light and sound display that will leave them mystified.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Seeing the beauty of the area is one of the top things to do at Anakeesta. From enjoying incredible mountain views to strolling through gorgeous gardens, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors here.

Treetop Skywalk

If you want to see what exploring the Great Smoky Mountain forests is like, you should make your way through Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta. This is the longest tree-based skywalk made up of several hanging bridges that are suspended 50 to 60 feet in the air. Some people have even experienced seeing a black bear from up above!

Anavista Observation Tower

Taking in the Smoky Mountain views is one of the main reasons why people love to visit Anakesta in Gatlinburg. A great way to do that is to walk to the top of Anavista Observation Tower. The is the tallest point in downtown Gatlinburg, and you’ll have 360-degree views from the top!

Vista Gardens

Anyone who loves to see flowers in bloom or just enjoy strolling through nature will want to make their way through the Vista Gardens. You’ll see cascading waterfalls, musical garden chimes, and native plant life in the spring and summer.

Anakeesta Restaurants

When you’ve spent so much time running, chasing, and playing, you’ll work up an appetite! Here are some of the best Anakeesta restaurants you should try.

Cliff Top

If you want to enjoy an elevated dining experience while looking out at sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains, Cliff Top is the place to go. Enjoy juicy steaks, gourmet burgers, local craft beers, house made desserts, and much more.

Smokehouse

For a more down home feel, you could stop by Smokehouse to try classic barbecue dishes like pulled pork and brisket. You’ll still enjoy beautiful views with some incredible comfort food that you love.

The Watering Can

For anyone who needs a quick bite to eat, you should stop at The Watering Can. Guests will find light, refreshing garden eats like sandwiches and wraps, as well as some of the best lemonade they’ll ever have.

Places to Shop

Of course, we can’t forget the shopaholic while talking about Anakeesta in Gatlinburg! There are several places where you can pick up some unique items and souvenirs to take home!

Great Outdoors Trading Company

You’ll find a huge variety of home goods at Great Outdoors Trading Company. There are games and puzzles for the whole family, Smoky Mountain themed souvenirs, and so much more.

Adventure Outpost

If you love Anakeesta so much that you want to bring a piece of it home, you should stop at Adventure Outpost before you leave! They have all kinds of Anakeesta brand merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.

The Mercantile

The Mercantile is Anakeesta’s take on a modern day general store. They offer all kinds of home goods, including kitchenware, homemade jams and jellies, and all kinds of vintage gadgets. Everyone will have a blast browsing through this store!

Anakeesta in Gatlinburg is full of adventure. You could spend a full day at this theme park and still not see everything! Hopefully you have a better idea of what to expect when you visit. Want to know what else you should do when you stay with us? Check out these other fun things to do in Gatlinburg!