If Anakeesta is on your mind when making your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary, this article will help you decide if it suits you. Anakeesta has everything you’d expect with views, exciting activities, places to shop and comfortable areas arranged high up on the mountain.
In other words, is it worth our time? We can check now.
Getting There: Chairlift, Ridge Rambler, or Gondola?
From the base station in downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll decide how to go up the mountain:
- Scenic Chondola (Chairlift + Gondola) provides a wonderful chance to see the Smokies from above.
- If you’d rather stay on the ground, check out the Ridge Rambler Truck Ride.
- Express Entry allows you to get a premium application approval quickly.
Hint: You’ll get the best views on the Chondola, but these can become very crowded especially during peak moments.
Vista Gardens & Mountaintop Views
At the top, you reach Vista Gardens which is a lovely area with:
- The facility provides winding garden trails.
- Both waterfalls and koi ponds are attractive features for gardens.
- Great places to see beautiful overlooks.
- Published information about local plants and wildlife
From Anakeesta, you get some of the finest views of the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg. If it’s not cloudy, you’ll be able to look out for miles.
Adventure Awaits: Ziplining, Coaster & Tree Canopy Walk
Anakeesta gives more than amazing views, there’s also plenty of fun to be had:
- Take on Dueling Zipline Adventure and race over the trees with a partner
- A Rail Runner Mountain Coaster allows you to travel down the track as quickly or slowly as you like.
- Tree Canopy Walk – Bridges 60 feet from the forest floor
- AnaVista Tower is the tallest place in downtown Gatlinburg with views of the land for miles around.
For families on this ride, you can enjoy being together or go solo or tandem just the same.
Dining with a View
Anakeesta has many different places to eat and most are located to provide great views of the mountains:
- Cliff Top Restaurant – Fancy food with hamburgers, steaks and creative drinks
- Smokehouse – BBQ and dishes that make you feel comforted
- Kephart Café is your place for pre-packaged meals, soft pretzels and drinks.
- Tap House – You’ll find locally made beers served outside on their large patio
Having dinner with a view of the sunset at Cliff Top? Highly recommended.
Shops & Souvenirs
Shop at the shops in Anakeesta’s lovely Firefly Village. You’ll find:
- Gifts from artisans and items for home décor
- Fudge and other sweet snacks made nearby
- Smoky Mountain gifts and outdoor items
Here, you can choose an exclusive gift to remind yourself of your journey.
Family-Friendly Fun
It’s also great for kids! Highlights include:
- An Accelerated Challenge Course Program, TreeVenture Challenge Course
- Know about gem mining experience
- To include nature themed play areas.
- Pumpkin lights in fall and Enchanted Christmas in winter
Is Anakeesta Worth the Price?
Access to (with General Admission), includes:
- Vista Gardens
- AnaVista Tower
- Canopy Walk
- Are all scenic areas and shops.
Ziplining and the mountain coaster require add on tickets.
Ticket prices (subject to change):
- Adults: ~$34.99
- Children (4–11): ~$21.99
- Add-ons: $12–$30
Our Verdict: Yes, it’s worth it—especially for first-time visitors or families!
Anakeesta is one of the top attractions in Gatlinburg and the area around it’s duo of mountaintops have a unique atmosphere featuring natural beauty, fun activities and breathtaking views.
Want a Visual Tour?
You can get a good look at Anakeesta in our YouTube video, where we take you all around the area, from the gondola to the dinner spot. Add the link if you have it.
Final Thoughts
Anakeesta speaks to all of those needs and is a great combo for adventure, scenery and charm if you’re looking for something to do in Gatlinburg. It is not just family friendly—its romantic, too — and a must see in the Smokies.
Don’t leave your camera, sunscreen and your sense of adventure home!