There is magic in the mountains — especially at Anakeesta! This Gatlinburg attraction is a wonderland for families and people craving the ultimate outdoor experience. There is something for everyone at Anakeesta, and we want you to be able to experience it all! To help you prepare for your visit, we’ve put together a guide of everything you need to know about Anakeesta in Gatlinburg:
About Anakeesta in Gatlinburg
Anakeesta offers a unique outdoor family experience that everyone will enjoy. It is located on 70 acres of forested land nestled in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Anakeesta is a Cherokee Indian word referring to high ground, and literally means “the place of the balsams.” Today, people associate the word with the massive rock layer known as the Anakeesta Formation that encompasses the peaks in the Smoky Mountains. The goal of Anakeesta is to be a place where you will create memories with your family that will last a lifetime.
Things to Do at Anakeesta
There are so many exciting things for you to do when you visit Anakeesta. Whether you want to relax and take in the beautiful sights or go on a thrilling outdoor adventure, you will be able to find the perfect activity! Here are some of the top things to do:
Dueling Zipline Adventure: Race through the treetops on dueling ziplines that stretch high over the forest floor and offer breathtaking views of the Smokies! You can ride side-by-side with the person of your choice, and you’ll also get to rappel off platforms for a controlled descent to a cushioned platform below.
Scenic Chondola: Your adventure begins with a scenic Chondola ride to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. You can choose to ride in an open air 4-person chair with a safety bar or an enclosed gondola cabin that seats 6. Enjoy the spectacular views as you soar high above Gatlinburg into Firefly Village.
Tree Canopy Walk: This adventure lets you feel what it’s like to be a bird high in the trees as you stroll 40 to 60 feet above the forest floor along a series of 16 connected sky bridges. Each bridge leads to a different observation platform where you can take in the sights and learn about your surroundings.
Children’s Treehouse Village Playground: There is even something just for the little ones to enjoy! Children will love this treehouse village that’s interconnected by multiple bridges. This isn’t your typical playground, though. There are physical and educational elements that are designed to build strength and confidence! Experience a log walk to an elevated bird’s nest, navigate a plank walk to a maze, and crawl through a tube net to a climbing adventure.
Those are just some of the amazing things to do at Anakeesta! You’ll have to visit for yourself to see everything else the attraction has in store.
Where to Shop at Anakeesta
Shopping is another popular activity at Anakeesta. Firefly Village was built among the treetops in the heart of the Smokies and has treehouse-themed shopping for visitors to enjoy! Find out more about the shops below:
Catching Fireflies: Catching Fireflies is a boutique that has a unique line of children’s clothing, costumes, toys and more. Not only will children love it — adults will too. The store has wind chimes, garden art, home goods and unique jewelry!
Great Outdoors Trading Company: Outdoor enthusiasts will love this store! There is a wide variety of Smoky Mountain books, as well as gear, apparel and anything else you’d need for a day of hiking in the Smokies. The shop even has a selection of regional Appalachian arts, pottery, crafts, home goods and more.
Where to Eat at Anakeesta
There are plenty of places to eat in Anakeesta! Whether you want a meal or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can find it in Firefly Village. Here are your delicious dining options:
Cliff Top Grill & Bar: If you want dinner and a view, there is no better place to dine that Cliff Top. You can order a burger, a fresh salad, or the restaurant’s famous fried green tomatoes before grabbing a drink at the bar and admiring the perfect scenery.
Anakeesta Smokehouse: Bring your appetite and enjoy the highest quality brisket and pork smoked slowly to perfection at Anakeesta Smokehouse. You can also choose from wraps, melts, salads and more as you sit outside in the beautiful weather.
Pearl’s Pie in the Sky: You don’t want to miss the chance to satisfy your sweet tooth and Pearl’s Pie in the Sky! Enjoy a frozen treat of creamy hand-dipped ice cream, a milkshake or even a sundae when you visit Pearl’s for dessert.
Where to Stay
When you visit Anakeesta, there is no better place to stay than our Gatlinburg cabins! Not only are our cabins just a short drive from the attraction, but they offer all the comforts of home in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. These cabins are perfect for every occasion, from romantic getaways to family reunions! You’ll have amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens and more.
Now that you know all you need to know about Anakeesta, it’s time to experience all that it has to offer! Browse all our Gatlinburg cabins and find the perfect one for your stay.
