---
title: Anakeesta
slug: anakeesta-gatlinburg
type: attraction
sub_type: theme parks
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/anakeesta-gatlinburg
city: Gatlinburg
state: TN
country: US
address: 576 Parkway
geo:
  lat: 35.71287
  lng: -83.51264
duration: up to 3 hrs
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T16:52:39.740Z
price_from:
  amount: 33.99
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 4.5
  count: 118
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: General Admission
        price: 33.99
        regular_price: 37.99
        savings: 4
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (12-59 yrs)
            min_age: 12
            max_age: 59
          - name: Child (4-11 yrs)
            min_age: 4
            max_age: 11
          - name: Senior (60+ yrs)
            min_age: 60
      - name: Astra Lumina  General Admission
        price: 52.94
        regular_price: 61.99
        savings: 9.05
        ticket_types:
          - name: Astra Lumina Adult (12-59 yrs)
            min_age: 12
            max_age: 59
          - name: Astra Lumina Child (4-11 yrs)
            min_age: 4
            max_age: 11
          - name: Astra Lumina Senior (60+ yrs)
            min_age: 60
---
## Overview

Experience Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, a mountaintop adventure park with scenic views, treetop walks, gardens, dining, and family-friendly activities. Your ticket includes a ride to the summit where you can explore the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, and optional add-ons like ziplining.

## What's Included

- Admission to Anakeesta's mountaintop park
- Ride on the all-glass Crystal Express gondola or Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle
- Access to Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, Vista Gardens, TreeVenture, BirdVenture, Children's Treehouse Adventure, Firefly Village, and Black Bear Village

## What's Not Included

- Add-on experiences like ziplining, Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, Hellbender Mountain Coaster, and Gem Mining require an extra fee

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **General Admission** — $33.99 (regularly $37.99, save $4.00)
  Anakeesta tickets include unlimited Crystal Express gondola and Ridge Rambler rides to the top, Treetop Skywalk, Challenge Courses, AnaVista Tower, BirdVenture, restaurants, shopping, and more...plus all the photos you can take.
  - Adult (12-59 yrs)
  - Child (4-11 yrs)
  - Senior (60+ yrs)
- **Astra Lumina  General Admission** — $52.94 (regularly $61.99, save $9.05)
  Follow a glowing trail through Astra Lumina at Anakeesta. This timed-entry night walk leads you through illuminated forest scenes with music, projections, and storytelling across nine zones in a 45–60 minute immersive celestial journey under the stars. Park admission is included.
  - Astra Lumina Adult (12-59 yrs)
  - Astra Lumina Child (4-11 yrs)
  - Astra Lumina Senior (60+ yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## Good to Know

- Enjoy 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains from AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg
- Visit the Magical Firefly Village for shopping and dining
- Located at 576 Parkway (traffic light #5) in downtown Gatlinburg
- Tickets must be redeemed at the Ticket Booth Window upon arrival
- You can visit multiple times throughout the day
- Plan about 3 hours for your visit with extra time for the gondola or Ridge Rambler ride
- If the gondola stops while you're on it, don’t panic; stops allow wheelchairs or strollers to exit
- Some gondola cabins have glass bottoms, others are blacked out; you may opt to ride up in a truck instead
- Anakeesta is open year-round with varying hours; typically opens at 9 AM Memorial Day through December and at 10 AM in January and February
- No on-site parking; paid public parking nearby including city garages
- Many areas are wheelchair accessible, but some attractions like Treetop Skywalk, Astra Lumina, and AnaVista Tower are not
- Pets are not allowed except ADA service animals
- Open in most weather conditions; rides or attractions may close temporarily during severe weather
- Tickets can be redeemed only at the Anakeesta ticket booth before entry

## Cancellation Policy

As part of Anakeesta's 2026 expansion, some attractions may temporarily close due to construction. Refunds are not offered for closures.

## FAQs

### What is Anakeesta?

Anakeesta is a unique mountaintop outdoor adventure park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, featuring scenic views, treetop walks, gardens, dining, and family-friendly activities. Popular features include the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, and seasonal attractions, with add-ons like ziplining and the Rail Runner mountain coaster.

### Where is Anakeesta?

Anakeesta is located in downtown Gatlinburg at 576 Parkway, with the entrance along the main strip.

### Can you drive to Anakeesta?

No, you can't drive to Anakeesta. Instead, you'll ride up from downtown Gatlinburg on the all-glass Crystal Express gondola system (a 4-minute ride to the summit) or take the Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle, which includes a 20-minute guided tour. Both are included with admission.

### What is included with Anakeesta tickets?

Anakeesta tickets include admission to the mountaintop park, scenic rides on the Crystal Express gondola or Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle, access to the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, gardens, trails, and shopping and dining areas. Additional activities like ziplining and the Rail Runner mountain coaster are available for an extra fee.

### How long do you spend at Anakeesta?

Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours at Anakeesta, depending on how many attractions, dining options, and activities they choose to experience.

### What time does Anakeesta open?

Anakeesta is open year-round, with hours varying by season. The park typically opens at 9 AM during peak months (Memorial Day through December) and at 10 AM in January and February. Check the operating calendar for exact hours during your visit.

### Is parking available?

Anakeesta does not offer on-site parking. Paid public parking is available nearby, including lots adjacent to the attraction and city garages near Ripley's Aquarium and Traffic Light #3.

### Is Anakeesta wheelchair accessible?

Many areas of Anakeesta are wheelchair accessible, including Firefly Village, Black Bear Village, Vista Gardens, dining areas, and scenic viewing platforms. However, some attractions like the Treetop Skywalk, Astra Lumina, and AnaVista Tower are not accessible. Anakeesta's Gondola cabins are 32" wide and 49" deep and can accommodate most wheelchairs and strollers for the ride to the summit.

### What should I wear to Anakeesta?

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and changing weather conditions. Closed-toe shoes are required for activities like ziplining.

### Are pets allowed at Anakeesta?

Pets are not permitted, but ADA-recognized service animals are allowed.

### Is Anakeesta open in the rain?

Yes, Anakeesta is open in most weather conditions, including rain, snow, and light winds. Some rides or attractions may temporarily close during severe weather for safety. If weather causes closures for more than an hour after you've entered the park, you may be eligible for a rainy-day return voucher. In cases of severe weather closure, unused tickets typically remain valid for up to one year.

### What does Anakeesta mean?

Anakeesta is a Cherokee word meaning "place of the balsams" or "high ground," often associated with rock formations found in the Smoky Mountains.

### Where do I redeem the tickets?

Tickets can be redeemed at the Anakeesta ticket booth prior to entering the attraction.

## Reviews

> Great place. The views are amazing. Relaxing vibes and so much to do. The treetop bridge experience at night is wonderful. It’s a must to go early in the morning to avoid long lines.
> — Don Autrey, January 2026

> First time visiting from Florida. Great experience. Buy tickets in advance to save time.
> — Shuting Xie, January 2026

> Decent area to visit. If you see a line before you get to a rope bridge, it’s probably backed up; wait until later. The gondola sometimes stops to allow wheelchairs or strollers off. Some gondolas have glass bottoms.
> — Shaun H., June 2026

> Amazing experience. Get your tickets in advance to save time.
> — Deanna Schmac, June 2026

> Anakeesta is confusing because one person said you had to get in line to get a super ticket even when we had tickets on our phone. The ticket-taker didn’t require paper tickets when we went through the line.
> — Tripster Customer, January 2026