The Stunning Walk Between Trees in Tennessee You Need To Experience

What to know about the famous walk between trees in Tennessee at Anakeesta

The famous Skywalk, which is known as a walk between the trees, is located at the Anakeesta attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Anakeesta bills itself as a mountain-top theme park, and it has a variety of Smoky Mountain-themed activities. However, it’s the Treetop Skywalk that tends to be the real show-stopper. It is the longest tree-based skywalk in North America.

How long is the Anakeesta tree canopy walk?

The walkway is 880 feet long, and it is suspended 50 to 60 feet in the air. And truthfully, I like it immensely. It’s romantic in the idealistic sense of the word. I experience a sense of joy, wonder and adventure when walking from treetop to treetop on rope bridges and wooden planks. The only downside is that I would have preferred to have it to myself. But, that’s hard to do in the middle of Gatlinburg’s theme park. Plus, that would be a poor business model. And of course, everyone else paid for their ticket as well.

How does it compare to the SkyBridge?

Anakeesta’s Treetop Skywalk is sometimes confused with the SkyBridge at Gatlinburg SkyPark. A comparison is pictured above. Anakeesta has the longest tree-based skywalk in North America (pictured left). It’s a series of bridges where guests immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Located nearby, the SkyBridge (pictured right) is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. It’s a singular long bridge that towers with a height of 500 feet above Gatlinburg.

Things you should know about the Skywalk

Unfortunately, accessibility is an issue. There are stairs down to the Skywalk and then a couple of flights back up and out. It isn’t arduous, but if stairs present an issue for you, they are worse upon exit – which is nearer the Anakeesta Chondola – than they are upon entry near the rear of the park. At the time of this writing, while many parts of Anakeesta are wheelchair accessible, the Treetop Skywalk is not.

Also, if you have a fear of heights, the Skywalk might not be for you. Of course, the Skywalk is plenty sturdy. I never felt remotely unsafe. But it is a series of rope and netted bridges, and it’s gonna jostle and sway. On that note, jumping and running are not permitted.

What else is at Anakeesta?

The famous Treetop Skywalk is included in the price of admission at Anakeesta. At the attraction, there are several fun things to do for guests. The majority of this has to do with Anakeesta’s majestic views of the Smokies. The included activities are the Chondola ride, the AnaVista observation tower, TreeVenture and BearVenture challenge courses, the brand new BirdVenture play area and the Vista Gardens. The AnaVista tower now is the tallest point in downtown Gatlinburg. Guests can also gain access to shopping and dining options. For example, one of the best places to grab a bite to eat is the Cliff Top Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the city.

The park has a few add-on options as well for guests looking for some more outdoor adventures. For example, the Rail Runner mountain coaster is an extra cost, as well as the newer Hellbender mountain coaster. The park also offers a Dueling Zipline and gem mining activity. Guests can purchase the Astra Lumina immersive night walk experience (pictured above), which is the first of its kind in the United States.

Parking, tickets and location

There is a paid parking lot located at the entrance of the attraction for convenience. Your visit to Anakeesta begins with a scenic ride on the Chondola, which is what Anakeesta calls its chair lift. Most guests ride in the 4-person chair, but there is an enclosed gondola cabin as well. If preferred, you can also take the truck to get up and down the mountain, which is known as the Ridge Rambler.

At the time of this writing, general admission tickets are $34.99 for adults, $27.99 for seniors and $22.99 for kids (ages 4-11). Children 3 and under are free. Prices are subject to change. You can usually find a better deal and save a couple of bucks per ticket when you book through Tripster. Anakeesta is located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN.

Have you taken a walk between the trees at Anakeesta’s Treetop Skywalk attraction on a Gatlinburg vacation? Let me know in the comments!

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