Anakeesta Gatlinburg Guide
Ride up from downtown Gatlinburg to a mountaintop park with a treetop skywalk, an observation tower, gardens and big Smoky Mountain views.
About Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park right above downtown Gatlinburg. You board at 576 Parkway and ride the Crystal Express, an all-glass gondola that opened in May 2026, about four minutes up the mountain. You cannot drive to the summit. The park opened in 2017 and sits around 2,000 feet in elevation.
General admission covers the rides up and down and all-day access to the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, Vista Gardens and the kids’ play areas. Zip lines, mountain coasters and the nighttime Astra Lumina walk cost extra. It is an easy half-day outing from your cabin, and a natural pairing with a morning in the national park.
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Top Things to Do at Anakeesta
The highlights to plan around, from treetop bridges to sunset views.
Treetop Skywalk
A walk through the forest canopy on swaying bridges and viewing platforms. It was expanded in 2026 and is now billed as the longest elevated canopy walk in North America. Strollers are not allowed.
AnaVista Tower
A tall observation tower at the summit with some of the widest views of the Smokies and downtown Gatlinburg from the park.
The Crystal Express
Billed as the world’s only all-glass gondola, with 56 cabins that have glass floors and walls. The ride takes about four minutes and rises more than 600 feet above downtown Gatlinburg.
Zip Lines & Coasters
Add the Dueling Zipline, the Rail Runner single-rail coaster or the Hellbender double-rail coaster for extra thrills. These are add-ons with their own rider rules.
Vista Gardens & Villages
Wander the gardens, then browse the shops and dining spots in Firefly Village and Black Bear Village at the top.
Astra Lumina at Night
A three-quarter-mile nighttime forest walk with light, projection and music. It starts about 30 minutes after sunset and needs a timed ticket on top of admission.
Planning Your Visit
The essentials before you leave the cabin.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Where to Board | 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, in the heart of downtown. |
| Parking | Anakeesta does not offer guest parking. Use the paid Parkway Parking lot next to the entrance or a City of Gatlinburg garage nearby. |
| Getting Up | The Crystal Express gondola from 576 Parkway. Anakeesta also lists the Ridge Rambler guided vehicle. You cannot drive to the summit. |
| Time Needed | Plan about 3 to 5 hours. Admission is good all day, so you can leave and come back the same day. |
| Hours | Hours change by day and season. Check the calendar at anakeesta.com before you go. |
Best Time to Visit
Anakeesta is open most of the year, and each season changes the mood.
Spring
Fresh green ridges and blooming gardens. A good time for clear views from AnaVista Tower.
Summer
Long evenings for sunset views over Gatlinburg. Buy tickets online on busy days.
Fall
Fall color across the ridges makes this a peak season. Go early or stay for sunset.
Winter
Holiday lights usually run mid-November to early January. Open Thanksgiving, closed Christmas Day.
Anakeesta FAQs
Quick answers from our local Casago team.
Can you drive to the top of Anakeesta?
No. You park downtown and ride the Crystal Express gondola from 576 Parkway to the summit. Anakeesta also lists the Ridge Rambler guided vehicle as a way up.
Where do you park for Anakeesta?
Anakeesta does not offer its own parking. Use the paid Parkway Parking lot by the entrance or a nearby City of Gatlinburg parking garage.
How long should I plan to spend at Anakeesta?
Plan about 3 to 5 hours for the views, the Treetop Skywalk, the gardens and a meal. Allow more time for zip lines, coasters or Astra Lumina.
What is included with Anakeesta admission?
General admission includes the ride up and down, the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower, Vista Gardens and the play areas. Zip lines, coasters and Astra Lumina cost extra.
Is Anakeesta stroller and wheelchair friendly?
Much of the park is, and the Crystal Express cabins are designed so families can roll strollers straight in. The Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Tower and Astra Lumina are not stroller or wheelchair accessible, so call Anakeesta about wheelchair access before you visit.
Tips for Visiting
Make your trip seamless and memorable with these insider recommendations.
Buy Tickets Online
On busy days Anakeesta can pause same-day sales, so buy ahead in summer, fall and the holidays.
Stay for Sunset
Admission is good all day. Many guests come back in the evening for sunset over Gatlinburg.
Stay Close By
Book direct with Casago Smoky Mountains for a cabin a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg, without third-party booking fees.