Anakeesta’s New All-Glass Gondola Is Now Open in Gatlinburg

A new Smokies-area attraction is officially carrying visitors above downtown Gatlinburg.

Anakeesta’s Crystal Express is now open, giving guests a new all-glass gondola ride from the Parkway to the mountaintop adventure park. The ride features enclosed cabins with glass walls and floors, creating wide-open views of Gatlinburg, the forest canopy, and the Great Smoky Mountains during the trip up the mountain. Anakeesta says the ride takes about four minutes and is included with general admission.

For families, one of the biggest upgrades is convenience. The cabins are fully enclosed and designed for easy loading, allowing families to roll strollers directly into the gondola. That makes the Crystal Express a more comfortable option for parents, grandparents, and visitors who want the mountain views without a more exposed ride experience.

The new lift is also built to move more people. Anakeesta says the Crystal Express has 56 panoramic cabins and offers three times the capacity of the previous lift, which should help reduce wait times during busy periods. WVLT reported the system can move more than 2,000 people per hour, with cabins that hold up to six guests each.

The opening is part of Anakeesta’s larger “Making More Magic” expansion, a major investment in the Gatlinburg attraction’s guest experience. PEOPLE covered the launch as the world’s first all-glass gondola ride, highlighting its transparent walls and floors, panoramic mountain views, and inclusion with Anakeesta admission.

Once guests reach the top, general admission includes access to several Anakeesta features, including the AnaVista Observation Tower, Vista Gardens, TreeVenture Challenge Course, Treehouse Adventure Play Area, BirdVenture, and unlimited Crystal Express and Ridge Rambler rides, according to Anakeesta’s ticket page. Adult advance tickets start at $39.99, with separate pricing for children and seniors.

For East Tennessee families and summer visitors, the Crystal Express adds another easy day-trip option in Gatlinburg — especially for anyone looking for a scenic Smokies experience that starts before they even reach the summit.