Top 4 Activities at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

July 21, 2021

When you visit Gatlinburg, one of the most popular theme parks to visit is Anakeesta . One of the many great features of the park is the variety of activities to experience when you visit. There are enough adventures to give you a full day of family fun! Here are 4 of the best activities at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg:

1. Dueling Zipline Adventure

The term Anakeesta means “the place of high ground” in the Cherokee language. The park lives up to the name as it is situated on a 70-acre mountain that sits 600 feet above the city of Gatlinburg. Because of the high elevation, one of the best activities to do is ziplining with the Dueling Zipline Adventure. As you ride beside your friends and family through the trees of the park, you will be treated to beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. There are three different lines that you can try at the attraction, and all the ziplines are led by a guide to give you all the information you need to know before flying through the trees.

2. Rail Runner Mountain Coaster

As the only single-rail mountain coaster in the United States, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster will be something you want to experience while at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. One of the best ways to take in the breathtaking view of the Smokies is to travel through on a mountain coaster. This particular ride takes you up Anakeesta Mountain as you encounter a 400-foot elevation change. The single rail track covers 1,600 feet and can travel up to 25 miles per hour. The good news is if you want to travel slower than that, you control the speed of how fast your coaster goes. If you are visiting with small children, Anakeesta offers tandem rides for parents to be able to ride with their child.

3. Visit the Anavista Observation Tower

As the highest point in Gatlinburg, the Anavista Observation Tower will reward you with the best views possible of the Smoky Mountains! When you get to the base of the tower, guests can climb 84 steps to the top deck. It will be worth the exercise because when you reach the observation deck, you will have a 360 degree view of the Smokies as well as an overhead look of Vista Gardens thanks to the glass panel floors. There is a guide on the observation deck that helps identify the different mountain ranges you see.

4. Treeventure Challenge Course

If you are visiting Anakeesta with children, they will be thrilled to get to spend some time in the Treeventure Challenge Course. Everyone remembers growing up seeing different tree houses that kids used as their secret hideout. This is just like that, except this one is a little more advanced than the one your parents might have built. Kids will be able to climb and swing their way through the three-tiered treehouse, which includes netted bridges, secret tunnels, and a giant slide. The course will provide children with a fun time while also being surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains!

Now that you know of the best activities at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, be sure to check out the other great attractions available to you with our Smoky Mountain Adventure Pass. We hope you enjoy your vacation in the Smoky Mountains!