top of page

SkyBridge vs Anakeesta vs Ober Mountain
3 Most Popular Chairlift Attractions

I Compare Them & Help You Decide 
Attraction Discounts Here

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~

​

Walk to Downtown from These Beautiful Gatlinburg Condos 

See Fireworks from These Places

Hidden Gem Places to Eat

New, Unique & Unusual in the Smoky Mountains

Cabins with Indoor Swimming Pools

​

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. Also includes 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!

​

​

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 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 and more coming 2023-24.

​

​

​

Ober Mountain (Formerly Ober Gatlinburg)

is the only option with winter sports, snow and ice (seasonal).  With the name and ownership change in 2022, Ober is expected to evolve in ways yet to be determined. The first change was the addition of mountain biking trails and bike rentals, which is very unique to Gatlinburg.

 

Ober is great for energetic kids and adults, with the most activities.  A 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 firefly village media kit.png

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

  • Mountain Coaster (extra)

  • 2nd Mountain Coaster Coming late 2023 -24

  • Dueling Ziplines (extra)

  • Gem Mining

  • Splash Pad 

  • New BirdVenture Slides and life sized birdhouses coming 2023-24

  • 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

All 3 attractions can run from $30-$50 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.

 

IMG_3911_full.jpg

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

​

COST

All 3 attractions can run from $30-$50 per person, depending on which activities 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

Skylift 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 at this one.

 

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 fall.png

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 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 Wall

  • Mini Golf

  • Ice Skating

  • Ice Bumper Cars

  • Kiddie Rides

  • Chair Swings

  • Scenic Chair Lift up Mt. Harrison takes you even higher

  • Amaze 'N Maze

  • Ski Mountain Coaster

  • Carousel

  • Snow Ski & Snow Board with kids area too

  • Shopping

  • Mountain Biking Trails & Rentals

​

COST

All 3 attractions can run from $30-$50 per person, depending on which activities you choose, one can become more than the other.  So I'd say they are "similar" in cost.

Price can vary by season.

​

  • Season Passes Available

  • Group rates available

​

Location & Parking

There are several paid parking options right near Ober Gatlinburg entrance within walking distance

​

Kids or Adults

Both kids and adults will love Ober. Kids and teens will especially enjoy it. 

 

Food

  • Seasons of Ober Restaurant (steaks, etc)

  • Sidewalk Café (Burgers, Pizza etc)

  • Fudge Shop (homemade treats)

  • The Loft Lounge (variety of adult beverages)

​

Wheelchair Accessibility

The tram can easily accomodate  wheelchairs. Some areas of Ober are not accessible, but many parts of the park are.

​

Time

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

​

Cabins Near Anakeesta & Downtown Gatlinburg

​

Cool Cabins with Unique Features

​

Luxury Cabins

​

skypark vs ober mountain vs anakeesta chart comparison
bottom of page