Anakeesta Blog

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Your favorite Gatlinburg attraction has won yet another prestigious award! That’s right, Anakeesta won a 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award! The park is making it a tradition after winning a Travelers’ Choice Award in 2020 and serving our wonderful guests the best that the Smoky Mountains has to offer.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Anakeesta has added another award to a running list after the Best of Pigeon Forge 2021 awards were recently announced. The zipline team at Anakeesta won the Best Zipline award for the third year in a row!

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The perfect date night awaits in the Smoky Mountains at Anakeesta. While you may know Anakeesta as a place for families, it’s also a haven for couples. Anakeesta has been the site for many first dates, proposals, and even Gatlinburg weddings. We’ve created a guide to show you exactly what to do when you purchase tickets to Anakeesta!

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Good brews and great views are on the menu this September at Anakeesta! The park is set to host its first annual BrewFest on Saturday, September 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  A variety of breweries and bars in Gatlinburg will be on the mountain, and guests who purchase tickets will be able to taste test all they have to offer and enjoy the gorgeous Smoky Mountain views!

If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, a day at Anakeesta is a must! From mountaintop views and treehouse adventures to scenic rides and delicious dining, it’s one of the best family-friendly attractions in the Smoky Mountains. This guide will help you plan your visit—answering common questions about parking, tickets, rides, dining, and what to do so you can make the most of your day. Table of Contents Buying Tickets: Tips for Families Should you buy tickets in advance?Yes! Purchasing Anakeesta tickets online ahead of time saves time and helps you avoid long lines—especially during peak seasons (summer, fall foliage, and holidays). You can also buy tickets at the gate, but availability may be limited on busy days. Where to buy: Anakeesta’s site or at the main ticket booth downtown. Can you re-enter Anakeesta?Yes—your admission is good for all-day access. You can leave and return the same day. Anakeesta Discounts Purchase your tickets ahead of time for a discount! Tickets to Anakeesta are two dollars less if purchased online. Plus, you can skip the ticket line and go straight to the area for our Ridge Rambler vehicles or our Gondola lifts. Go here to purchase your tickets! Parking at Anakeesta: What to Know Does Anakeesta have its own parking lot?There is parking at Anakeesta, but parking fills up fast! However, we have plenty of options for families to park at: Nearby public parking garages Free Park and Ride located on Highway 441 at the Welcome Center has 90 spaces for passenger vehicles, buses and RV Free Park and Ride located on Highway 321 beside the City Hall Complex has 85 spaces for passenger vehicles, buses and RVs. Traffic light #2 has spaces for 30 passenger vehicles. Parking garage at traffic light #3 has spaces for 390 passenger vehicles. Parking garage at Ripley’s Aquarium has 380 spaces passenger vehicles. Newton Lane parking lot has 80 spaces. Reagan Drive parking lot has spaces […]

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Smokies are in full bloom and so is Anakeesta. The park’s spring celebration, Blooms and Tunes, has mimicked the Smoky Mountain’s explosion of color and life as the season gets warmer and the wildlife starts waking up.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Anakeesta’s hometown has won a well-deserved award. Gatlinburg was named “Best Mountain Town to Visit” by U.S. News and World Report.

In honor of Black Bear Day, Anakeesta has put together this guide to raise awareness about Black Bears in Tennesee. Tennessee’s only native bear is the American black bear. The largest population is in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park (about ~1,900 bears). Learn when bears are most active, what to do if you see one, and how to help keep bears wild. Black Bear Facts According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), “Black bears are one of Tennessee’s state treasures and no other animal exemplifies the wilderness experience like them.” While black bears are usually tolerant of humans, they should always be treated as wild animals, whether in residential or backcountry areas. Black bears are rarely aggressive towards people and typically go out of their way to avoid contact, however as human development continues and bear numbers increase, occasional interactions will be unavoidable. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression. Startled bears will often confront intruders by turning sideways to appear larger, make woofing and teeth clacking sounds, salivate, lay their ears back and slap the ground with their paws. These are warnings for you to leave the area. Bears will often stand on their hind legs to get a better view or a better sense of hearing and smell. Tips on Co-existing with Black Bears TWRA offers multiple tips to visitors and guests on how to co-exist with bears in the Smokies. Never feed or approach bears! If a bear approaches you in the wild, it is probably trying to assess your presence. If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel, return the way you came, or wait until it leaves the area. Make your presence known by yelling and shouting at the bear in an attempt […]

4 Reasons to Host Your Event at Anakeesta Planning a team retreat, client dinner, holiday party, reunion, or milestone celebration in Gatlinburg? Anakeesta makes group events easier to plan (and more fun to attend) because your venue, dining, views, and “what do we do after?” are all in one mountaintop setting. Table of Contents 1) One Mountaintop Campus, Multiple Venue Setups Instead of bouncing your group between a restaurant, an activity, and a separate event space, you can keep the flow simple: arrive, ride up, gather, eat, explore, and wrap up—without losing time to logistics. Cliff Top (up to 195) If you want an elevated, private dining experience with panoramic Smoky Mountain views, Cliff Top gives you a polished setting that works well for award dinners, client entertaining, leadership meals, and speaker-led events. Smokehouse (up to 240) Prefer a little more elbow room? Smokehouse accommodates up to 240 and lends itself to casual buffets, networking mixers, and team celebrations—still with the same sweeping ridgeline backdrop you came for. Vista Plaza (up to 200) Vista Plaza is an open-air scenic overlook that’s ideal for receptions, photo moments, and pre-dinner mingling—especially around golden hour. Lumina Pavilion (up to 80) Want something tucked into the woods with a rustic feel? Lumina Pavilion is a strong fit for smaller groups, casual celebrations, and more intimate formats. 2) Catering That Fits Your Schedule (and Your Guests) From Tennessee-inspired buffets (think smoked brisket, seasonal sides, and house-made desserts) to polished plated dinners, menus are built around your event style and timing. We routinely accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests—just share counts during planning. 3) Built-In Adventures for Team-Building and Free Time If you’re searching for a Gatlinburg event venue for groups, you’re probably also trying to solve the same problem every planner has: “What are people going to do before/after dinner?” That’s where Anakeesta shines. Your group can split into smaller […]

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Summer is just around the corner in the Smokies, and families will find no better place to spend their vacation than at Anakeesta during our Summer in the Smokies celebration.