GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Autumn has officially arrived in the Smokies, and East Tennessee residents will have the perfect opportunity to enjoy the changing season this November at Anakeesta.
From Monday, November 1st through 7th, Anakeesta is welcoming local residents and employees from Blount, Cocke, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier Counties to our mountaintop adventure park for just $5 admission. A portion of the proceeds from this week-long local appreciation days will be donated to the Friends of the Smokies.
Friends of the Smokies assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect our Great Smoky Mountains National Park through fundraising, public education and providing volunteers.
Guests who participate in Local Appreciation Week will be able to enjoy the best views of the Great Smoky Mountains’ fall foliage in all of Gatlinburg, along with stunning fall blooms in our Vista Garden. Snap a selfie in front of our whimsical fall sculptures and autumnal décor as you tour the park. While taking in the views of Mt. LeConte, residents can try delicious fall cuisine from our Cliff Top restaurant or try a tasty, sweet treat from Pearl’s Pie in the Sky. A pumpkin spice latte will infuse delicious fall tastes and warmth into your day!
More adventurous visitors can add on an exciting zipline through the gorgeous colors of the forest on our Dueling Zipline Challenge or coast down the mountainside on our Rail Runner Mountain Coaster. After a thrilling adventure through the trees, guests can watch the autumn sunset from the deck of our Smokehouse restaurant or the observation platform atop AnaVista Tower.
Locals are invited to purchase an Annual Pass during this week-long promotion by upgrading their $5.00 discounted ticket to enjoy the park for a full year. Visit our Annual Pass page on our website to learn more about all of the VIP pass holder benefits.
To qualify for the event, locals must present a photo ID with their address or a current paycheck stub with ID at our ticket booth at 576 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
Derek Whitman says
Sounds great. The most important thing is Friends of the Smokies! If I can’t be there I’d like to donate some opportunities for the Friends (kids) of the Smokies
to experience this. Id like to pay for 20 kids to ride up the lift.
My #865-770-9989
Maggie Gregg says
Hi Derek, thank you for reaching out! We have passed your number onto our team.
Paul says
Is this local admission rate for all members of a party? Our grandchildren are visiting from out of state. Can we bring them for the same $5 price?
Paul says
Is the $5 admission for everyone in the group? We live here but our grandchildren are visiting from out of state that week. Does that rate extend to them too?
Margaret says
Is Anakesta handicapped friendly? My husband doesn’t find it easy to walk very far.
Corrine says
Hi! We would like to attend the event. Can I pre-purchase tickets via the website for $5 or is at the kiosk only?
Maggie Gregg says
Hi Corrine, at this time, we can only allow them to be purchased at our ticket booth. Thank you!
Gretchen Detwiler says
If my hubby works in Knoxville, does the discounted price apply for each member of our family? There are 5 of us, 2 parents, and 3 kids, 1 over 18 and 3 under 18.
Maggie Gregg says
Hi Gretchen, thanks for reaching out, it does cover your family!
Emily says
What all does the $5 admission cover?
Maggie Gregg says
Hi Emily, your General Admission ticket includes:
• Unlimited, all-day Chondola and Ridge Rambler access
• Treetop Skywalk
• Vista Gardens
• AnaVista Tower
• Tree House Village Adventure
• TreeVenture Challenge
• BearVenture Challenge
• Shopping and Dining Opportunities
Sierra says
Can you purchase a ticket earlier in the week say today, but go on Friday or Saturday with that ticket as long as it hasn’t been used and is still during SCD? We came last year and it was super busy, which I expect again this year.
Maggie Gregg says
Hi Sierra, unfortunately at this time, we can only offer those tickets for the day of.
Pam C says
We recently moved here and don’t have updated photo ID. Can we bring closing paperwork on our home that shows our address?