Top 4 Reasons Why Getting to Anakeesta is Half the Fun

chairlift at Anakeesta
April 12, 2022

You’ve probably heard that Anakeesta is one of the “must see” destinations in Gatlinburg, as the mountaintop theme park is filled with thrilling attractions, unique specialty shops and several wonderful restaurants! One of the cool things about visiting the park is that just getting there is part of the fun! Since you can’t drive your own vehicle to the top of the mountain, you have several exciting ways to reach the park! Here are the top 4 reasons why getting to Anakeesta is half the fun:

1. Unique Transportation Options

Chondolas in air at Anakeesta

The theme park offers 3 unique transportation options to access the mountain, so you can choose to ride one or experience them all during your visit! The Chondola is the world’s only fixed grip cable ride where you can select from an open-air 4-person chair with a safety bar or an enclosed gondola cabin with seating for 6. Both of these options allow you to soar 600 feet above downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of the mountain! If you are afraid of heights and prefer to be on the ground, hop aboard one of the Ridge Rambler vehicles! These passenger trucks take you on a scenic guided tour through the forest as you journey to the top!

2. Unlimited Rides to the Top

Since your admission ticket includes unlimited rides to and from the summit, you can ride the Chondola and Ridge Rambler as much as you want! Take a trip to the top of the mountain during the daylight hours to enjoy the stunning Smoky Mountain views, then head back to your hotel or cabin for an afternoon nap! Come back in the evening hours to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the glowing lights in downtown Gatlinburg and to experience the magic of the theme park in the evening!

3. All Ages Can Participate

Firefly Village at Anakeesta

Another reason why getting to Anakeesta is half the fun is because all family members can participate in the rides to and from the summit! Whether you have toddlers or grandparents in your family, everyone will love the adventure of reaching the park! Once at the top, there are plenty of awesome things to do ranging from dueling ziplines and a treetop skywalk to a single rail mountain coaster! Don’t forget to explore the whimsical Firefly Village and satisfy your appetite with a meal at the Clifftop Restaurant, Smokehouse or the Kephart Cafe!

4. Possible Wildlife Sightings

Whether you are riding the Chondola or Ridge Rambler, there is always a possibility that you might get to see some wildlife in the forest! The Chondola rises above a historic campus and natural habitat that is the home to the park’s neighbors and many forest friends. If you keep your voices low and eyes peeled, you may just catch a glimpse of a black bear, white tailed deer or other critters as they wander through the woods! Be sure to have your camera ready as you never know what surprise you may see in the Smokies!

Check out all of our coupons to Anakeesta today to save money on this incredible Gatlinburg attraction! Be sure to browse all of our other coupons too for fantastic savings on lodging, restaurants and attractions throughout Gatlinburg!