Cincinnati is a wonderful place to live for so many reasons, and one of them is that we can easily get to many different regions when we need some time away. Drive north to the Great Lakes for some water and beach time or head south into Kentucky and Tennessee for some time in the mountains. Gatlinburg is a popular getaway destination for Cincinnatians since it is a relatively easy drive and offers so much variety. Even if you already love to visit this area, you may not have heard of one of its newer attractions, Anakeesta. This treetop amusement park near Cincinnati offers incredible views, relaxation, and adventure – and all of the fun is definitely worthy of a road trip.

Gatlinburg is a popular vacation spot for those in the Cincinnati area for many reasons. At less than five hours away, it makes for a great long weekend or weeklong adventure and offers something for everyone.
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Anakeesta is a unique destination that should definitely be added to your Gatlinburg agenda.
Facebook/Anakeesta
It's a treetop amusement park and it's located literally in the trees, atop a mountain, perched above the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg.
In order to reach this treetop destination, you'll purchase tickets and hop on either an open-air lift or enclosed gondola that will take you up the mountain.
Facebook/Anakeesta
Facebook/Anakeesta
Getting to the destination is half the fun! The views as you go up and down are incredible and often include wildlife sightings. When you reach the top, you've escaped the crowds of downtown Gatlinburg and have arrived in what feels like a private village hidden away in the mountains.
The first thing you'll notice once at the top are the views. They are sweeping, jaw-dropping, and every other positive adjective imaginable.
Facebook/Anakeesta
Facebook/Anakeesta
Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains are known for their scenic landscape and this is a great way to experience it, especially if you want to stay close to town and not venture into the wilderness - this is a great way for everyone to still get that mountain experience.
Your ticket gives you access to the entire park area, which means you are free to roam around, relax, and have a seat to take in the views.
Facebook/Anakeesta
Facebook/Anakeesta
Some of the specific attractions, food, and shopping cost extra, but the park itself is a delightful place to explore any time of year.
If you love the little shops and restaurants scattered throughout Gatlinburg, you'll adore the options at Anakeesta.
Facebook/Anakeesta
Facebook/Anakeesta
Anakeesta's Firefly Village offers quaint shops, an ice cream parlor, and other options for food and drink. It's really its own little village within the park.
As a treetop amusement park, Anakeesta also offers adventures of all types right there in the trees. The Canopy Walk is a unique way to experience the mountain and has just the right amount of thrill.
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For more excitement, purchase a ride on the dueling zip line and get yet another view of the mountains and Gatlinburg and you race your friends to the bottom.
Facebook/Anakeesta
Visitors of all ages will find a way to enjoy time spent at Anakeesta.
Facebook/Anakeesta
Facebook/Anakeesta
Children young and old will love the Treehouse Playground, as well as activities just for little ones, such as gem mining. Adults will enjoy a visit to Clifftop Restaurant and Bar for what may be the best dining views in the entire region.
Admission to the park is purchased daily, and you are free to come and go as much as you'd like during that day.
Facebook/Anakeesta
If you're looking to make it a budget-friendly visit, consider going after 6 p.m. - you can return the next day for free! Season passes are also a great option for those who travel to this area multiple times a year.

In under five hours, you can be in the heart of Gatlinburg and heading up the mountain to its coolest destination. Anakeesta is a wonderful destination for a short road trip and you should definitely consider a visit next time you’re in the area. Have you spent time at this treetop amusement park near Cincinnati? Are you excited to check it out? Let us know in the comments!

Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738.

And if you love to play in the trees, you’ll want to check out this exciting canopy walk near Cincinnati!

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treetop amusement park near Cincinnati

Sarah M. | January 11, 2023

What are some other adventures parks near Cincinnati?

If you're looking for some epic adventures near Cincinnati, you'll be delighted to discover these bucket-list attractions, all within a short drive of the Queen City!

  • Soundwaves - Nashville, TN. Located at one of Tennessee's most iconic destinations, SoundWaves is unlike any other water park in the country -- and it's just four hours from Cincinnati! With both indoor and outdoor water parks, SoundWaves is a year-round destination for those looking an amazing aquatic adventure. The park's indoor attractions include the Crowd Surfer, a wave simulator that lets two people surf simultaneously; a sprawling lazy river that meanders through the beautiful hotel; a two-story play structure that's perfect for younger kids; five thrilling water slides; and an entire pool devoted to families. SoundWaves really is an all-inclusive, resort-level experience that makes for an incredible family vacation.
  • Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, TN. Dolly Parton is a national treasure, and her eponymous Dollywood is legendary. America's "friendliest park," Dollywood is the top destination for family vacations in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The country legend's Dollywood's Splash Country water park, located 10 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, pays tribute to local heritage and culture. Themed rides include an 8,000-square-foot lagoon with interactive features, the wooden Bear Mountain Fire Tower play structure, and dual slides that end at a massive swimming pool. If you're after an adrenaline rush, ride RiverRush, Tennessee's only water coaster. Whatever you do, a day at Dollywood promises to be a memorable experience.
  • The Holden Arboretum - Kirtland, OH. Another superlative canopy walk in the Midwest, Holden Arboretum is an Ohio treasure that features a treetops twofer: the Kalberer Emergent Tower and the Murch Canopy Walk. The tower is 120 feet tall (approximately 12 stories) and offers unparalleled views of the surrounding region. After admiring the views from above, venture *into* the trees on the 500-foot canopy walk. This magical, elevated walkway rises 65 feet above the forest floor. Walking across this unique bridge, you'll find yourself immersed in the mature forest of Northern Ohio, a place as close to Narnia as it gets.
  • NevilleBillie Adventure Park - Hocking Hills, OH. Just two hours from Cincinnati you'll find the world's largest ropes course! NevilleBillie Adventure Park (formerly R Adventure Park) is located at 15155 Sauer Kraut Rd, Logan, OH, 43138. The ropes course at NevilleBillie Adventure Park features five different towers and more than 60 challenge elements, making it the world's largest ropes course and an epic adventure just a stone's throw from Cincinnati.

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Anakeesta Ridge, Tennessee 37738, USA