Tennessee,  Travel

Soar High Through the Treetop World of Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

Have you ever heard of Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN? If not, are you gonna be blown away! Come along with us as we travel to a whole new world on top of a mountain.

Anavista Tower with waterfall cascading in front of it.

♥️A special thank you to Anakeesta for providing us with complimentary tickets in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. ♥️

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This is Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN

For this trip to Tennessee, I was looking for a place where I could “get away from it all.” Like a world on top of a mountain filled with lush botanical gardens, a soaring tower encircled by the clouds, breathtaking mountain views, enchanting treehouses, and bridges that connect the treetops.

A view of the mountains from a bird’s nest inside Anakeesta.

Well I found it.

It is called Anakeesta.

What Does Anakeesta Mean?

View from the Chondola.

Anakeesta is a Cherokee Indian word referring to high ground. Therefore, that’s exactly where you will find yourself after a 600 foot scenic chondola ride up to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. Located on 70 acres of forested land, right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta does an incredible job of maintaining the heritage, and natural beauty of the land all while being a top family attraction.

Make your way up the mountain via chondola or passenger truck.

If heights are not your thing, Anakeesta also offers a open air passenger truck that takes you on a scenic, guided tour up the mountain. Both the chondola and the passenger truck ride offer unlimited rides that is included with your admission.

What Does Anakeesta Offer?

Adventure

Firstly, Anakeesta offers a ton of adventure packed experiences! For example, it includes soaring through the trees on a dueling zipline, racing down the mountain on the Rail Runner Mountain coaster, a challenge course through interactive treehouses, and our family’s favorite, the Treetop Skywalk.

Treetop Skywalk Entrance

Treetop Skywalk is the longest tree based skywalk in North America!! Walk amongst the canopy on more than 880 feet of hanging bridges that are 50-60 feet in the air! Keep an eye out below as you might spot a bear!

Walking the bridges at the Treetop Skywalk.

If you need to cool down after spending time in the trees, make sure you stop by the splash pad. It’s a cute replica of a natural stream and the perfect place to cool down.

Relaxation

Vista Gardens

Secondly, if you need to relax after all that treetop fun, no problem! Take a stroll through the Vista Gardens where you can enjoy the sounds of the waterfall and take in the beauty of the botanical gardens.

The Vista Gardens is filled with beautiful plants and flowers.

In the middle of the Vista Gardens, you can climb to the top of the Anavista Tower and delight in the stunning 360 degree views of the mountains from Gatlinburg’s highest point! You can even see all the way to Kentucky!

Anavista Tower surrounded but lush botantical gardens.
Anavista Tower.
View from the top of the Anavista Tower.

Shopping & Dining

Meanwhile, if shopping and dining are more your thing, Anakeesta doesn’t disappoint! Firefly Village is filled with restaurants that will tempt all of your taste buds. Whether your looking for a sit down meal at Cliff Top, over looking Mt. LeConte, or treating yourself to a sundae at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky, there is delicious food everywhere you turn!

Photo courtesy of Anakeesta.com

Firefly Village has shops in some of the cutest whimsical mountain buildings I’ve ever seen! Our favorite had to be the Great Outdoors Trading Company because that is where I bought a card game called “Across the USA.” It has kept my kids busy on many days since we have been home.

Photo courtesy of Anakeesta.com

You Need to Visit Anakeesta in Gatlinburg!

In conclusion, Anakeesta had to be one of the greatest surprises during our recent trip to Tennessee. Never have I visited a place filled with such wonder, adventure, and relaxation all in one place. There is adventure around every corner so don’t be shocked if you spend the whole day there. If you are traveling to the Smoky Mountain area, make sure you visit Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN.

Know Before You Go

Make sure you check out some of our other Tennessee adventures:

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