SkyBridge vs Anakeesta vs Ober Mountain
3 Most Popular Chairlift Attractions

I Compare Them & Help You Decide
Attraction Discounts Here
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Anakeesta Willow Man, Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg SkyBridge at Night, and Ober Gatlinburg ice bumper cars

What's the difference between

Anakeesta, Ober Gatlinburg & SkyBridge?

~I've personally been to all 3, and I will tell you what is different about them~

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Quick Answer & Summary

(More Info Below)

SkyPark (Skybridge)

is great of you have limited time. Very unique. Great for adults and couples, but kids will also enjoy it if they aren't afraid of heights and will enjoy the SkyTrail. It doesn't have as many activities for kids as the other 2 attractions, but kids will surely love the SkyTrails at the top and climbing the stairs of the Tulip Observation Tower.

Some food is available at a hot snack bar and also has a craft beer bar. It is also the only pet friendly attraction of the 3. The Chairlift takes you up. The views and photo ops are unmatched!

Pet Friendly

Anakeesta

My Review of Anakeesta

is the only park with ziplining (for additional fee), and is a half-day or all day, unique, relaxed, forest fairytale style experience. Very family and kid friendly. If you do NOT zipline, the cost is mid-range. If you DO add ziplining, it becomes the most expensive of the 3. Biggest variety of restaurants, including BBQ, adult beverages and shops.

Chairlift, Chondola or Big truck can take you up.

Anakeesta continues to add and update, with Astra Lumina light show available at night (extra), a 2nd mountain coaster and Birdventure life sized birdhouses, an authentic European Village and more - now open/in the works.

Ober Mountain (Formerly Ober Gatlinburg)

See What's New at Ober Mountain

is the only option with winter sports, snow and ice (seasonal). With the name and ownership change in 2022, Ober is adding new things, and we are seeing big changes! The first change was the addition of mountain biking trails and bike rentals, which is very unique to Gatlinburg. Ziplines are also added in 2024!

Zipline Guide Here

Ober is great for energetic kids and adults, with the most activities. A good half-day or all-day experience. Has a variety of food options, including a restaurant, bar, café, shops and adult beverages.

Ober is the only choice for those prefer to skip the tram lift up and drive themselves up to the mountaintop. Take tram up or drive up.

More details below...

Anakeesta

This chairlift starts at 576 Parkway, downtown Gatlinburg, right across from Ripley's Aquarium. Anakeesta has 3 options to get to the top.

Chairlift
Chondola (enclosed)
Ridge Rambler (huge passenger truck)

ACTIVITIES

Things to do at Anakeesta include

Treetop SkyWalk
AnaVista Tower
2 Mountain Coasters (extra)
BirdVenture Play Area
Dueling Ziplines (extra)
Gem Mining
Splash Pad
European Village
TreeVenture Challenge Course
BearVenture
Treehouse Village Playground
Shopping
Relaxing vistas, several firepits with seating
Memorial Forest Walk
Vista Botanical Gardens with Willow Man & Twigloos
Astra Lumina Light Show at night (extra)

COST

This attraction can run from $40-$80 per person, depending on which activities you choose.

If you choose to zipline, the added cost will bump it up to the cost. Check Anakeesta.com for current prices. Price can vary by season.

Annual passes available
Military Discount
AAA Discount
Sevier County Discount

Location & Parking

There are several paid parking options right next to and nearby Anakeesta within walking distance.

Kids or Adults

Both kids and adults will love Anakeesta. Kids, teens and seniors will enjoy it.

Food

Places to eat include

Clifftop Restaurant (steaks, etc)
The Smokehouse (smoked pork, brisket & chicken)
Kephart Café (pizza, hot dogs, etc.)
Tap House (local craft beer)
The Bar at the Top of the World (liquor, cocktails, wine & beer)
Pearl's Pie in the Sky (sweets like ice cream, milkshakes, pies, etc)
Snack Shack (funnel cake fries)

Wheelchair Accessibility

The chondolas are wide enough for wheelchairs. Treetop Skywalk & AnaVista Tower is not accessible at this time, but most other parts of the park are.

Time

You will probably spend half a day to a full day here.

SkyPark

This chairlift starts at 765 Parkway, downtown Gatlinburg, diagonally across from Ripley's Believe It or Not! SkyLift Park has 1 option to get to the top.

Chairlift (yellow)

ACTIVITIES

Things to do at SkyLift Park include

Walk across the scenic, 680 foot long SkyBridge
Enjoy & relax on the SkyDeck, including seating and firepits
Explore and walk along the SkyTrail boardwalks, trails, and lookouts
Tulip Observation Tower
Visit the SkyCenter indoor area with gift shop, snacks and a scenic bar & lounge

COST

This attraction can run from $30-$40 per person, depending on what you choose.

Check GatlinburgSkyPark.com for current prices.

Price includes all day access.

Price can vary by season.

Pro tip - If you get thirsty at the end of Skybridge, a cold drink can cost you $5.00!

Military Discount
Senior Discount
Sevier County Discount
Ask about SkyPass Discount

Location & Parking

There are several paid parking options right near the SkyLift within walking distance.

Kids or Adults

SkyPark is, in my opinion, the most adult oriented park. Kids will still enjoy it. But unlike the other parks, there are not as many kids' kind of activities compared to the other ones.

Food

Places to eat include

Hot snack bar (pizza, wraps, salad, ice cream, etc)
Bar serving craft beer

Wheelchair Accessibility

Guest must be able to stand while loading onto chairs, and there are free wheelchairs to use at the top. There is no way to access the SkyLift chairs while using a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are not able to go onto the Skybridge itself.

Time

Skylift Park is the least time consuming, so if you have limited time, this may be for you. Figure about 2-4 hours.

Ober Mountain
(Formerly Ober Gatlinburg)

Now, known as Ober Mountain, this tram starts at 1001 Parkway, downtown Gatlinburg, not far from the GSMNP entrance. Ober in Gatlinburg has 2 option to get to the top.

Tram (enclosed)
Drive Up & Park

ACTIVITIES

Things to do at Ober Mountain include

Alpine Slide
Summer & Winter Tubing
Gigantic Jump Pillow
Wildlife Encounter
Rock Climbing Wall
Ice Skating
Ice Bumper Cars
Chair Swings
Scenic Chair Lift up Mt. Harrison takes you even higher
Ziplining coming 2024
Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster
Carousel
Snow Ski & Snow Board with kids area too
Shopping
Mountain Biking Trails & Rentals
Huge Outdoor Digital Wall TV and movie/seating area

COST

This attraction can run from $15-$49 per person, depending if you get the wristband. The wristband is an "all-included" deal, which is a the higher price. The lower price is for driving up only, and just walking around without doing anything.