Is Anakeesta Fat Friendly? A Plus-size Guide to Weight Limits

July 31, 2024

Worrying about weight limits and ride restrictions can be a bit of a buzzkill when it comes to vacation planning. For instance, it’s never a great feeling to spend your hard-earned cash on an attraction only to find out you can't participate when you get there. Therefore, having a plan is key. And that brings us to Anakeesta – the mountaintop park in Gatlinburg, Tenn. We are often asked, "Is Anakeesta fat friendly?" so we decided to create this guide to give you an idea of what to expect before you arrive.

A plus-size guide to Anakeesta, do they have a weight limit?

We will start with the good news – Anakeesta, in large part, is a mostly walkable (and mostly wheelchair-accessible) attraction. While Anakeesta is often referred to as a "theme park" ... it's not a theme park like Dollywood. Anakeesta is a mountaintop park that offers a variety of interactive exhibits for kids and jaw-dropping views for adults. Anakeesta is primarily a place to unwind. But there are three main adult "rides" available for those who wish to will themselves out of the cozy rocking chair-flanked fire pits and up the adventure ante a bit. Details on each of those attractions can be found below.

Anakeesta's chondala — Anakeesta's Chondala features two rider options: an enclosed gondola or an open air bench (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

1. Anakeesta's Chondola chairlift

There are two main ways to make your way up the mountain to get to Anakeesta: The Chondala chair lift or the Ridge Rambler (a military truck). The Ridge Rambler is a great option for guests with a fear of heights, but then again, if you have a severe fear of heights, Anakeesta might not be a go-to destination anyway. Both the Chondala and the Ridge Rambler are included with general admission to the park.

But by far and beyond, the Chondala is the fan-favorite way to arrive in style. And while many plus-size guests see the Chondala as potentially restrictive and cause for alarm, there is currently no weight limit for either the open-air four-person chair or the red six-person enclosed Chondala cabins.

Anakeesta's Rail Runner attraction is a single-rail mountain coaster featuring a 1,600 foot track, a 400 ft elevation and speeds of up to 25 mph. — Anakeesta's Rail Runner attraction is a single-rail mountain coaster featuring a 1,600-foot track and speeds of up to 25 mph (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

2. Anakeesta's Rail Runner and Hellbender Coasters

There are, however, weight limits for Anakeesta's mountain coasters. Anakeesta's single-rail mountain coaster transports guests down 1,600 feet of twists and turns with speeds of up to 25 mph. Rail Runner carts have comfortable backs and headrests. The Hellbender is described as having gravity-defying drops, heart-pounding twists and fantastic views. For specific weight limit requirements, check the website and click on rider requirements. At the time of this writing, the coaster pass to ride both is $16.99.

3. Anakeesta's Dueling Zipline Adventure

There are also weight limit restrictions on Anakeesta's dueling zipline attraction. Participants must be at least seven years old and 70-270 lbs to participate. Guests under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Guests are not required to "hand brake". Anakeesta's carefully designed brake system and staff take care of riders from start to finish. Closed-toe shoes are required. Guests who wish to use the zipline should purchase an upgraded general admission plus zipline ticket online before they go. Reservations are not required, but they are strongly recommended. Zipline tickets are $59.99 in addition to admission.