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Traveling around the country, we’ve enjoyed one-of-a-kind experiences. One of the highlights has been Anakeesta’s tree walk. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is home to a whimsical adventure park where kids and adults of all ages can enjoy connecting with nature in unique ways. The Treetop Skywalk is a magical stroll through the forests of this popular tourist town. Let’s dive in and learn more about what you can expect when you visit Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta Adventure Park!
Where Is Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg is a mountain town in eastern Tennessee. It sits along Highways 331 and 441 and is about 15 minutes from its popular tourist destination neighbor, Pigeon Forge. Gatlinburg, TN, is known as one of the gateway cities to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is only about ten minutes away.
Knoxville, TN, is the nearest large city, about an hour northwest of Gatlinburg. It’s an easy drive along Highway 441 or Highway 66 up to I-40 and west. The Tennessee-North Carolina border runs through the Smokies about 30 minutes down Highway 441 from Gatlinburg.
Pro Tip: Don’t Waste Your Time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll want to read this before traveling.
What Is Gatlinburg Known For?
Gatlinburg is well-known as a tourist destination. Between Gatlinburg and neighboring Pigeon Forge, the area welcomes over ten million people annually. Many of these tourists visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But others visit the famous attractions of Dollywood and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or tour the various breweries and distilleries in the area. Gatlinburg only has about 3,500 residents, but the economy relies on the millions of tourists that visit each year.
What Is the Tree Walk In Gatlinburg?
One of the popular tourist attractions in Gatlinburg is Anakeesta, an award-winning mountaintop adventure park. It’s uniquely located above and in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. The park is 600 feet above the city and sprawls across 70 acres. In the Cherokee language, Anakeesta means “the place of high ground.”
Anakeesta is a family-friendly immersive adventure park with a chondola, tree walk, mountain coaster, gem mining area, restaurants, shopping, and more fun activities. The park is open daily year-round.
The tree walk in Gatlinburg is a magical paradise. The longest tree-based skywalk in North America, the tree walk’s hanging bridges travel 880 feet and suspend 50-60 feet in the air. There are 16 bridges and 14 viewing platforms. Guests get a bird’s-eye view through this beautiful scenic landscape.
It’s important to note that although this activity is family-friendly, it’s not ideal for everyone. The bridges sway and move, and guests must walk up and down stairs. If you can’t perform these tasks, the tree walk in Gatlinburg isn’t the best attraction.
How Do You Get To the Tree Walk At Anakeesta?
Anakeesta is located at traffic light #5 in Gatlinburg. There’s no guest parking at the park. Instead, you’ll need to find parking in a nearby garage or public parking lot. To get up to the mountain, you must ride the open-air chairlift, the enclosed chondola, or the Ridge Rambler vehicle. The Ridge Rambler is your best option if you’re afraid of heights. Families with young kids will probably want to avoid the open-air chairlift.
Once you arrive at the top of the mountain, the tree walk entrance is to the left. Firefly Village immediately greets you when you step off the chair lift or chondola. Black Bear Village is past the Firefly Village, and the Forest Adventures area is on your left after you pass Black Bear Village.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit the Tree Walk In Gatlinburg?
The tree walk in Gatlinburg is included in the general admission ticket. To visit Anakeesta, everyone must purchase a ticket. You can save money buying purchasing online. The day pass gives you access to the chondola and Ridge Rambler rides, Anavista Observation Tower, Treetop Skywalk, Vista Gardens, TreeVenture Challenge Course, Treehouse Adventure Play Area, and BearVenture Challenge Course.
Adult advanced tickets are $34.99. Children aged 4-11 are $22.99. Seniors aged 70 and over are $27.99. There are add-ons like the zipline, mountain coaster, and Astra Lumina experience.
What Else Can You Do At Anakeesta In Gatlinburg?
Besides the Treetop Skywalk, there are many other activities at Anakeesta. You can enjoy an entire day here. With quaint shopping, sweet treats, craft beers, and slow-smoked southern barbeque, the villages offer stunning views and plenty to do, even if you don’t participate in the rides and activities of Anakeesta.
About: The AnaVista Observation Tower is downtown Gatlinburg’s highest point. From the top, you have 360⁰ views of the Smokies. On a clear day, you can even see Kentucky. At the bottom, you can enjoy the Vista Gardens, a botanical garden with walking trails and interactive play areas. Two glass panel floors in the tower allow you to look down into the garden, too.
Cost: included with general admission
Add-On the Dueling Zipline Adventure
About: The Dueling Zipling Adventure is not included in your general admission ticket. This adventure takes you through the tree canopy side-by-side with family or friends. It’s 2,600 feet of thrills! There are three zip excursions with multiple rappels.
Cost: $59.99
Explore the Treventure Challenge Course
About: The Treventure Challenge Course is a family-friendly adventure with climbing, swinging, crawling, and sliding. The interactive treehouses offer three levels of play. Netted bridges connect the play areas. Children of all ages will enjoy exploring the Treventure Challenge Course again and again.
Cost: included with general admission
Ride the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster
About: Another add-on to the general admission ticket is Anakeesta’s single-rail mountain coaster. It’s 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns, changing 400 feet in elevation. Guests reach speeds up to 25 mph, and they race through the trees. The adventure ends with a scenic uphill ride to the top of Anakeesta Mountain. Solo and tandem rides are available.
Cost: $14.99/single rider, $18.99/tandem rider
Go Gem Mining
About: Gatlinburg offers plenty of unique experiences, like gem mining. At Anakeesta, you don’t have to leave the park for this family-friendly activity. The Anakeesta Gem Mine has an interactive waterfall and a sluice. Kids can search for gemstones or fossils before taking the Treetop Canopy Walk.
Cost: starting at $10
Enjoy the Enchanted Astra Lumina
About: Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is a special experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series. Guests immerse themselves in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection, and sound. This magical experience helps visitors connect with the stars. The astral energy transforms the Smoky Mountains into a celestial pathway as the stars come down to visit before rising and reuniting with the night sky.
Cost: $15.99
Is Visiting the Tree Walk In Gatlinburg Worth It?
The tree walk in Gatlinburg is only one of the amazing adventures at Anakeesta. This mountaintop park offers stunning scenery, connecting guests with nature in unique ways. The Treetop Skywalk is included in the general admission ticket, so there’s no additional fee to enjoy this magical adventure. The next time you’re headed to the Smokies, plan a day at Anakeesta. It’s fun for the whole family!
Have you ever visited this adventure park in eastern Tennessee?
