Ober Mountain vs. Anakeesta: Which is the Better Family Attraction

When planning a vacation to a new place, doing some research to find the top attractions and sights is a must!

In areas like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this list can quickly become overwhelming due to the sheer number of things to see and do.

With time and budget constraints, it’s often challenging to decide what to do!

A common dilemma for visitors to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is choosing between Anakeesta and Ober Mountain

Both of these attractions are nestled atop mountains and offer unique experiences, but which one should you choose?

Having visited both with my family, I’m here to break down the highlights of each to help you make an informed decision.

Of course all of this information is based on my opinion and experiences.

Ober Mountain offers a wide range of attractions for kids of all ages, whereas Anakeesta, while fun for kids, has a more limited variety.

Anakeesta, however, feels more manicured, open, and boasts superior views

Pricing for both attractions is fairly similar for a family, though the specifics differ.

Ober Mountain provides a variety of quick-service food options that the kids will enjoy.  

When it comes to getting there, you have a couple of choices: Anakeesta offers the chondola or the Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle, while Ober Mountain can be accessed by car or via the scenic aerial tramway.

Personally, I prefer Anakeesta due to its gorgeous manicured grounds, breathtaking views, and unique attractions like the Treetop Skywalk, Treehouse Adventure Play area for the kids, and the Birdventure Adventure Zone. 

To me, Anakeesta is more unique and charming, which I absolutely love. 

Of course this is based on my personal preferences and what I value in a destination.

Keep reading to find out more details about both Ober Mountain and Anakeesta to help you decide which one your family would enjoy more.

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Getting to Ober Mountain and Anakeesta

The best ways to reach both Ober Mountain and Anakeesta are either by driving or taking the free Gatlinburg trolley. 

Ober Mountain Transportation

If you are driving, you have two options:

(1) Drive to the lower terminal of the Aerial Tramway: This is where the Aerial Tramway Mall is located. From here, you can take the Aerial Tramway up to Ober Mountain

(2) Drive to the top of the mountain: You can park at the top, though parking may be limited.

Parking at both the Aerial Tramway Mall and the top of Ober Mountain costs $10. 

It is important to note that parking may be limited at the top of Ober Mountain. 

If you choose to take the Aerial Tramway, note that the cable car departs every 20 minutes. 

During our weekday summer visit, we waited about 40 minutes to board. 

Each cable car holds 120 people, and the ride takes almost 20 minutes. Seating is extremely limited, so most passengers will have to stand.

You can bring a stroller on board, but it must be folded up. 

Must Know Information

Driving to the top parking lot can save you time and money, but you risk finding no available parking spots. If you’re purchasing a wristband for the activities, the tram ride is included so you might as well ride the tram unless you want to avoid the wait.

Expert Tip

Plan to arrive at the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway early in the morning. Especially on weekends and holidays, the wait for the cable car can be up to a couple of hours.

Anakeesta Transportation

Anakeesta is conveniently located in downtown Gatlinburg, across from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

There are numerous parking lots nearby where guests can park, including one right by the Chondola loading area and a garage by Ripley’s Aquarium. 

If you’re traveling by the Gatlinburg trolley, there are also trolley stops nearby.

After purchasing your tickets for Anakeesta, you can choose to ride either the Chondola or the Ridge Rambler vehicle to the Anakeesta Mountain summit. 

During our visit, Anakeesta workers recommended taking the Ridge Rambler vehicle due to its significantly shorter wait times compared to the Chondola. 

We took their advice and opted to experience the Chondola on the way back down the mountain.

Expert Tip

Arrive at Anakeesta as early as possible to minimize wait times for the Chondola or Ridge Rambler vehicle. Follow the workers’ advice and choose the quicker option for the ascent, and then decide if you want to use a different option for your descent. I recommend experiencing the chair lift or enclosed gondola if you do not get to ride it on the way up.

GATLINBURG FAMILY VACATION: Ultimate Family Guide to Making Smokey Mountain Memories

Ticketing and Pricing

Ober Mountain Prices

For guests who simply want to ride the Aerial Tramway, the cost is $29 for anyone aged 5 and older. 

Ober Mountain also offers a wristband for unlimited participation in several activities starting at $49 for ages 5-59. 

Seniors aged 60 and over can purchase a wristband for $39. 

In addition to the various activities, the wristband also includes the tram ride.

Essentially, if you’re already riding the tram, it’s an additional $20 for access to the activities or just $10 if you’re 60 and over.

Age groupPrice
ages 4 and under (tram only)FREE
ages 5 and older (tram only)$29
ages 4 and under (wristband includes tram ride)FREE
ages 5-59 (wristband includes tram ride)starts at $49
Seniors 60 and over (wristband includes tram ride)$39

During some weekends and holiday, wristband prices may increase, so check the Ober Mountain website for the most up-to-date pricing for your visit. 

Children aged 4 and under are free with a paying adult and can participate in all activities unless restricted by height. 

As a result, I had to purchase a wristband for myself so my four-year-old could do the activities, but I ended up having a super fun time doing many of the attractions myself!

Must Know Information

Lines can get very long for the activities which limits how many you can do. Arrive early to beat the crowds and prioritize your must-do activities first thing in the morning.

Expert Tip

If you purchase your Ober Mountain wristband during the last three hours of the day, you can return the following day for free! If you choose this option, be sure to arrive early the next day to avoid long lines for the Aerial Tramway and the activities.

Anakeesta Prices

Admission prices for Anakeesta vary slightly depending on the day and how far in advance you purchase your tickets.

  • Children 3 and under: Free
  • Ages 4-11: Prices start at $24.99
  • Ages 12-59: Prices start at $36.99
  • Seniors 60 and above: Prices start at $29.99

These prices include access to all play areas and challenge courses at Anakeesta, the AnaVista Observation Tower, Treetop Skywalk, Vista Gardens and unlimited rides up and down the mountain via the Chondola and/or Ridge Rambler vehicle.

Ober Mountain and Anakeesta Attractions and Activities

Both Ober Mountain and Anakeesta offer a wide range of attractions and activities suitable for nearly all ages. 

Ober Mountain Attractions

With a wristband purchase, the following activities are included at Ober Mountain:

ActivityDescriptionRestrictions
Aerial TramwayCable car with a capacity of 120 people that travels over 2.1 miles from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Mountain. none
Ice SkatingSocks are required and available for purchase.
Ice skates are included with wristband
all ages welcome
6 and under must have paid adult
Ice Bumper CarsRound colorful tubes with wheels and a motor allow you to drive around the ice and bump into others or simply spinmust be 3 years and older and 36″ tall
ages 3-6 must ride with adult
CarouselRide the ponies or sit in a cup-shaped chair while you enjoy the pretty lights of the carouselmust be 36″ to ride alone
Tennessee Flyer
Mountain Coaster
3,750 feet coaster that takes about 5 and a half minutes to ride.

May ride double if the person in the rear seat controlling the break is 18 or older
must be 3 years old to ride
ages 3-8 must have an adult with them
must be 9 years old and 52″ to ride alone
Scenic Chair Lift779 foot rise in elevation at 3019 feet in lengthages 6 and under must be with an adult
Rock Wall36 ft rock wall
Test your ability to make it to the top and then rappel down
min weight 22 lbs
max weight 309 lbs
Jump PillowMassive jumping pillow perfect for bounces and giggles for the youngest children48″ and under only
Summer TubingUse the magic carpet to get you and your tube to the top of the tubing hill.

Then slide down one of the 250 feet lanes

If between 4-6, you will take two tubes down with child in one and adult in the other with the adult holding the rope
must be 4 years old
ages 4-6 with adult
min height 36″
max height 78″
Chair SwingsEnjoy spinning and feelings of flying as you are lifted up to 5 feet in the air.must be over 42″
Alpine SledSled-like carts have a push/pull lever to control your speedages 3-6 must ride with paid adult
Spider JumpSoar, bounce, and flip over 20 ft in the air during your 4 minute jumping sessionmin weight 30 lbs
max weight 175 lbs
Wildlife Habitatsee black bears, river otters, bobcats, fox, a variety of birds plus nocturnal creatures including raccoons, skunks, snakes, and batsages 6 and under must be with an adult

Additional activities available for an extra fee include ziplining and downhill mountain biking. 

My favorite activities: Summer tubing and ice bumper cars were my personal favorites.  

Unfortunately the bobsled was closed during our visit, which was a bit of a disappointment.

We also wanted to try the mountain coaster, but with a wait time of over 2 hours, we decided to spend our time on other activities.

Anakeesta Attractions

The following activities are included with general admission at Anakeesta:

AttractionDescription
Chondola ChairliftOpen Chairlift to get up to Anakeesta or back down-legs will be dangling; fits four people; keep small kids close to you
Enclosed GondolaEnclosed gondola to take you up to Anakeesta or back down; fewer of these are available so the wait it long; fits 6 people; can put your stroller on it
Ridge Rambler VehicleLarge military type truck that drives you up to Anakeesta or back down; holds 45 people; can fold up your stroller on it
AnaVista Smoky Mountain Observation TowerObservation tower to walk up; has 86 steps
BirdVentureBrand new play area with larger than life birdhouses you can go in; bridges, trampoline net, and slides
Treetop SkywalkWalk amongst the trees on numerous swinging bridges; benches are scattered throughout to rest
Treehouse Adventure Play AreaFun area for the kids to play and explore various tree houses
TreeVenture Challenge CourseChallenge course with ropes, bridges, and other swinging obstacles, climbing nets, and slides
Vista GardensGorgeous gardens with amazing scenery
BearVenture Challenge CourseSmaller challenge course with logs and other wooden obstacles

Additional activities at Anakeesta that require an extra cost include:

  • Two mountain coasters– Hellbender and Rail Runner
  • Ziplining
  • Gem mining
  • Astra Lumina nighttime walk. 

My favorite activities: At Anakeesta, I particularly enjoyed the Treetop Skywalk, visiting the top of the AnaVista Observation Tower, and taking a picture with the Willow statue. My boys love BirdVenture and the TreeVenture Challenge Course the best. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANAKEESTA: Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta: The Ultimate Guide for Your Visit

Dining Options at Ober Mountain and Anakeesta

Ober Mountain Dining

Ober Mountain offers a wide variety of kid-friendly quick-service snack and meal options.

From pizza, burgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, walking tacos, chips, and more, they have something for every craving.

You can dine indoors overlooking the ice skating rink or outdoors near the various activities. 

While there are numerous dining options both indoors and outdoors, one thing that frustrated me was the lack of available drinking fountains. 

Although we brought our own water bottles, we couldn’t refill them. 

Hopefully, this is a temporary issue, and free water will be available to future visitors.

Anakeesta Dining

Anakeesta features a mix of restaurant-style and quick service dining options.

Although I haven’t dined at Anakeesta’s sit-down restaurants, I know they offer amazing views!

Reservations are not accepted, so plan ahead and put your name on the waitlist before you’re ready to eat to avoid long waits while hungry.

Anakeesta also has a few bars as well as an ice cream shop, bakery, snack shop, and a pizza cafe.

My honest opinion: For large families, dining at Anakeesta can be expensive and time-consuming. I recommend packing a few snacks and bringing your own water bottles. Enjoying a snack at one of the picnic tables with a gorgeous view allows more time for everyone to play and explore!

Family Friendly Amenities at Ober Mountain and Anakeesta

Ober Mountain Family Friendly Amenities

Wildlife Habitat Area: Perfect for toddlers and young kids to explore and spot various animals. 

Jump Pillow: Designed for children under 48 inches, making it ideal for toddlers.

Carousel: A classic ride suitable for children of all ages.

Dining Options: Multiple quick-service dining options that are great for families with small children. Families can easily choose to sit indoors or outdoors, whichever is most convenient.

Benches: Seating areas for relaxation and tables available both inside and out.

Anakeesta Family Friendly Amenities

Family-Friendly Transportation Options: Multiple ways for families with young kids and strollers to reach the top of the mountain, including an enclosed gondola that fits 6 people and your folded up stroller, as well as the Ridge Rambler Vehicle. 

Benches: Numerous benches, Adirondack chairs, and tables for families to sit and relax when needed.

Play Areas for Younger Children: While kids and adults of all ages will enjoy Anakeesta, there are some enjoyable things for toddlers as well, such as the enclosed Chondola ride, Treetop Skywalk, taking pictures with Willow, exploring the Treehouse Adventure Play Area, and enjoying ice cream at Mimi’s Creamery

Overall, I find Anakeesta to be more toddler-friendly. My almost 3-year-old was frustrated at Ober Mountain because the only activities he could participate in were the Jumping Pillow and Carousel.

At Anakeesta, he could try most all of the activities with my assistance.

Anakeesta also offers more paths and walkways to explore, making it better for toddlers, along with various areas to spend time.

For all other kids, both Anakeesta and Ober Mountain are super fun. The only downside at Ober Mountain is the longer lines for activities, whereas at Anakeesta’s play areas generally don’t have long lines.

If you have already done mountain-top activities on other vacations, I would recommend visiting Anakeesta over Ober Mountain as it is something different and more unique.

General Atmosphere at Ober Mountain and Anakeesta

Ober Mountain – What to Expect

Ober Mountain’s facilities have a more dated feel compared to Anakeesta. 

Indoor Area: The inside area at the top of the mountain features a few different gift shops and food counters, as well as the ice skating rink, ice bumper cars, and carousel.

Outdoor Area: Outside, there is a large green carpet-like turf area with picnic tables and food truck-style places to purchase food. This area also includes a huge projector screen, which was playing Scooby-Doo during our visit. Additionally, there are cornhole games and a band playing.

Activities: The outdoor area is also where you’ll find the jumping pillow, scenic chair lift, rock climbing, tubing, and other activities.

Overall, while Ober Mountain offers a variety of activities and amenities, it lacks the manicured landscaping, stunning views, and updated facilities found at Anakeesta.

Anakeesta – What to Expect

Indoor Area: Anakeesta has limited indoor spaces, primarily consisting of its restaurants and shops.

Outdoor Area: Anakeesta’s outdoor area is simply stunning. It features well-maintained pathways, beautiful gardens, unique statues, and a welcoming atmosphere. There are numerous places to sit and relax, whether you are listening to a band or enjoying the view.

Immersive and Interactive Experience: Anakeesta is designed to be an interactive experience. For instance, the Treetop Skywalk allows you to walk among the trees. Also, the Vista Gardens are a sensory delight with pathways that wind through beautifully landscaped areas featuring waterfalls, sculptures, and whimsical touches.

General Tips for Families

1. Purchase Tickets in Advance: of time to save potential time and money.

2. Arrive Early: Arriving early will ensure you find a parking spot and limit your wait to get up to either Anakeesta or Ober Mountain.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Both Anakeesta and Ober Mountain involve a lot of walking and outdoor activities, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

4. Bring Snacks and Water: Although both locations have dining options, bringing your own snacks and water can save money and keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day.

5. Plan Your Activities: Make a list of must-do activities and prioritize them to make the most of your visit. This is especially important if you have limited time.

Ober Mountain swings

Ober Mountain-Specific Tips

1. Consider Driving to the Top: While the aerial tramway is a fun experience, driving to the top can save time, especially if there are long lines for the tram.

2. Buy the Wristband: If you want to do the activities at Ober Mountain, purchasing the wristband is a must and it includes the tram ride.

3. Time Your Visit: Lines for popular activities like the Mountain Coaster can get very long. Try to do these activities early in the day or plan to visit during off-peak times.

4. Take Advantage of the Return Visit Offer: If you purchase your wristband during the last three hours of the day, you can return the following day for free. This can be a great way to extend your visit and enjoy more activities without the crowds.

Anakeesta’s BirdVenture area

Anakeesta-Specific Tips

1. Utilize the Ridge Rambler: The Ridge Rambler vehicle may have a shorter wait time compared to the Chondola ride. Ride it to the top and take the Chondola back down for the complete experience.

2. Bring a Camera: The scenic overlooks, artistic installations, and gorgeous gardens provide excellent photo opportunities, so make sure to bring a camera or have your phone charged.

3. Take Advantage of the Play Areas: If you’re visiting with kids, let them enjoy the Treehouse Adventure Play Area, BirdVenture, and other kid-friendly activities.

4. Allow Ample Time for Exploration: Anakeesta offers a wide range of attractions and experiences. Ensure that you have enough time to explore all the areas, appreciate the natural beauty, and enjoy the whimsical elements throughout the park. Plus, don’t miss Willow!

Ober Mountain or Anakeesta

When deciding between Ober Mountain and Anakeesta, consider your family’s interests and preferences.

If you are looking for a mix of thrilling rides and classic attractions, Ober Mountain might be your go-to.

However, if you appreciate a vibrant environment with beautifully landscaped areas and unique experiences, Anakeesta is the perfect choice.

Ultimately both attractions offer something special to visitors. By planning ahead and following the tips provided, you can ensure a fantastic experience at either destination.

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May you LOVE your adventure! KW

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