Anakeesta Mountaintop Park Review: A Magical Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, visiting Anakeesta Enchanted Christmas is an absolute must. Tucked away in the Smoky Mountains, this outdoor activity park offers breathtaking views, family-friendly activities, and numerous unique attractions. Even on a cold, rainy day, our experience at Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park was unforgettable. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

4 kids sitting on a ski lift outside of anakeesta

Arriving at Anakeesta

We began our adventure with a ride up Anakeesta Mountain. Since the weather was chilly and rainy, we opted for the enclosed gondola instead of the open chairlift. I’m glad we made this choice—it kept us warmish and dry while still offering glimpses of the surrounding beauty through the misty clouds.

a mom and 2 kids in a gondola

The ride itself is an experience. All six of us crammed into the gondola. There was excitement and some nervous anticipation as there may be two of us who aren’t fond of heights. Once at the top, we were greeted by the crisp mountain air and the welcoming charm of the whimsical atmosphere.

wagon at anakeesta
christms lights at anakeesta theme park

The theme park is separated into three different villages. Anakeesta’s Firefly Village is home to various shops, restaurants, food trucks, and ample places to relax and enjoy the views. Black Bear Village has areas for live music as well as some of the best views in the park. Last, for parents, Stone Village offers multiple areas of play for the kids and you!

family of 6 taking a selfie

Highlights of Our Visit

Despite the weather, there was no shortage of fun and memorable moments. Here are some of our trip highlights:

family of 6 standing in front of an astra lumina sign

The Astra Lumina Light Show

Wow. What else can I say? Anakeesta’s Enchanted Night Walk Light Show is an absolute treat for the senses. The glowing pathways and vibrant displays transform the park into a magical wonderland. Even with overcast skies, the lights mesmerized, creating a warm, enchanting atmosphere that captivated everyone in our family. 

The Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta 

One of the most popular attractions is the Treetop Canopy Walk, featuring a series of suspension bridges high above the forest floor. For one of our littles and me, this was equally amazing and nerve-wracking. It was dark and wet, and the bridges swayed slightly with each step, adding a thrilling and eerie edge to the breathtaking views.

family of 6 taking selfie from anakeesta tower

Scenic Views

While much of the panoramic scenery was obscured by clouds most of the night, there were moments when the mist cleared, revealing glimpses of the surrounding Smoky Mountains and the lights of Gatlinburg. It’s easy to see why Anakeesta is known for its incredible views—even in yuck weather, the surroundings were awe-inspiring.

Fun Slides and Play Areas for Kids and Adults

We absolutely loved the slides and the rope courses in the TreeVenture Challenge Course. Rain or shine, this area offered endless fun and a chance for the kids to burn off some energy. The carefully designed play spaces were safe and engaging, making them a hit for families with younger children. Don’t be fooled; I saw almost as many adults playing and sliding as I saw kids. Lol!

Weather Challenges

Our visit was marked by a mix of rain, clouds, and even a temporary exhibit closure due to a bear sighting. Remember, you are still in the middle of the mountains! While this may sound like a lot, it actually added a unique twist to our day. The staff handled everything so professionally, ensuring everyone’s safety while keeping the atmosphere lighthearted.

Unfortunately, the Anakeesta mountain coasters closed early due to the weather, the dueling ziplines were booked to capacity, and the slides closed early (the moisture on the slides caused them to get really slippery and fast – sounds kinda fun to me!); which was a bit of a disappointment. However, the other activities more than made up for it.

Giant steak hanging off plate at an ankeesta restaurant
family sitting around firepit at anakeesta adventure park

Dining and Shopping

After exploring, we warmed up with some hot cocoa and coffee from one of the cozy dining spots in the park. There is a hot cocoa crawl consisting of 7 stops around the park. If you complete the crawl, you get a special Anakeesta mug. The shopping and dining options are plentiful, offering everything from quick snacks to sit-down meals with a view.

We caught dinner at the Cliff Top restaurant. It was delicious. Ribeye steak, burgers, salads, and chicken sandwiches covered our table.

the ridge rambler at ankeesta

The Ridge Rambler

On the way down, we opted for the Ridge Rambler, an open-air truck ride that takes you back to the base of the mountain. It was a fun and bumpy experience, adding a touch of adventure to the end of our visit.

family of 6 taking selfie on ridge rambler at end of day at anakeesta

Staying Late at Anakeesta

We were the last visitors in the park that night, walking to the exit with the security staff. This gave us the chance to soak in every moment of the experience. The quiet and stillness of the park after hours felt like a special privilege and was the perfect way to end our day.

4 kids getting picture taken with a sculpture
couple standing in a heart igloo shape

Tips for Visiting Anakeesta

  1. Dress for the Weather: Anakeesta is an outdoor attraction, so be prepared for changing conditions. Bring layers, especially if you’re visiting during cooler months.
  2. Plan Your Activities: Check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly. Some attractions, like the mountain coasters, may close in adverse weather.
  3. Arrive Early: This gives you time to explore the park at your own pace and avoid crowds. It will also give you a better chance to soak in the views of the Smokies.
  4. Capture the Memories: Don’t forget your camera or phone for the numerous photo opportunities scattered throughout the park. There were great photo ops throughout the park. A few of my favorites were, in Vista Gardens, the 20’ tall Willow, keeper of the forest, and the heart-shaped twiglow.
man and woman smiling in selfie outside ankeesta

Why Anakeesta is Worth Visiting

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, unfortunately, have their share of tourist traps. Anakeesta is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s an experience that brings families together. From the thrilling and frightening suspension bridges to the crazy amazing Astra Lumina light show, there’s something magical about spending time in this mountaintop paradise. Even with the weather challenges we faced, our day was filled with laughter, awe, and connection. 

family of six taking a silly selfie

This was worth it all. As we talked and laughed about our day over dinner, I knew we had made a great decision to visit Anakeesta Mountaintop Park.

If you’re wondering, “Is Anakeesta worth it?” our resounding answer is yes! Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a unique family outing, Anakeesta has something for everyone.

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