Top 3 Mountain Coaster Rides for an Awesome Adventure in the Smokies
You’ve probably enjoyed a roller coaster ride at least once, but have you ever tried riding a mountain coaster? Also known as “alpine coasters,” mountain coasters are similar to roller coasters, except that the mountain coasts are set atop a mountain and follow its natural terrain. Additionally, they are powered by gravity and, unlike traditional roller coasters, they have manual brakes, allowing you to control their speed during descent. If you’re a thrill-seeker wondering what outdoor activities to try in the Smokies, this is one experience you’d want to have first on your list! Check out these top three Smoky Mountain coaster rides that will satisfy every adrenaline junkie.
1. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Speeding through its track that measures more than a mile, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is America’s longest downhill ride. Hop in on one of their sleds and enjoy a seven- to eight-minute exhilarating tour! Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster’s vehicles can carry up to two guests per ride. Each sled can hold a maximum weight of 375 lbs in dry conditions and 330 lbs in wet weather conditions. Your height must not be less than 56 inches if you’re going to ride solo. Passengers as young as three years old and whose height is at least 38 inches may ride with a supervising companion. Note that the person controlling the sled has to be at least 56 inches tall and not younger than 16 years old. Unfortunately, guests taller than 84 inches are not allowed to ride.
Besides their regular tickets available for $6 to $18 per person, Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster also offers discounted group rates priced at $12 per guest for ages seven and above.
Before heading out on your mountain coaster adventure, be sure you are dressed in compliance with their dress code policy. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster requires passengers to wear a t-shirt for the ride and recommends wearing a pair of closed-toe shoes. Caps and other headgear are not allowed.
Visiting the Smokies in the winter? No problem! Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster operates during winter months and even operates during rain and snow (but not during heavy downpours and thunderstorms)! So you can almost always count on having the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure!
Pricing:
| Age | Cost/Person |
|---|---|
| Adult | $18 |
| Adult with Military ID | $16 |
| Children (aged 7 to 12) | $14 |
| Children (aged 3 to 6) | $6 |
| Discounted Group Rates (15 tickets or more) | $12 for ages 7 and up |
Source: http://www.smokymountainalpinecoaster.com
Ratings:
| Source | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Advisor | 4.5 | 5,307 |
| 4.8 | 11,572 | |
| Yelp | 4.5 | 399 |
2. Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
With 360-degree turns along a track that spans over 20 acres of property, you’re in for a wild ride with the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster! It’s the longest in East Tennessee and the world’s first mountain coaster with four uplifts. The ride, which lasts for up to nine minutes, can go at a speed of up to 30 mph. Everyone from ages 3 to 100 are welcome to board the sleds for $5 to $18 per person, depending on the age group.
You can purchase your tickets online via Rocky Top Mountain Coaster’s website. When you check in for your ride, be sure to show your valid ID at the ticket window to confirm your slot. Also, make sure you’re not wearing baggy clothing or bringing loose items such as hats, purses, and phones during the ride as it might be impossible to find these items if you lose them during your ride! In case you need to cancel, try to do so at least two days before your scheduled ride. If not, you will be charged 100% of the booking fee.
Previous guests loved this mountain coaster ride because of its beautiful views during the day and magnificent lights at night. Some who aren’t even fond of roller coasters found themselves having a blast with this Smoky Mountain coaster ride. With all of these rave reviews, it’s definitely worth checking out during your getaway to the Smokies.
Pricing:
| Age | Cost/Person |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 to 100 years old) | 1st ride: $18 2+ rides: $9 |
| Youth (7 to 12 years old) | 1st ride: $14 2+ rides: $9 |
| Kids (3 to 6 years old) | 1+ rides: $5 |
Source: https://www.rockytopcoaster.com
Ratings:
| Source | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Advisor | 5 | 962 |
| 4.8 | 3,519 | |
| Yelp | 4.5 | 112 |
3. Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Get your adrenaline pumping with Moonshine Mountain Coaster, voted the best mountain coaster by the Best of Pigeon Forge in 2021. Moonshine Mountain Coaster offers relatively short rides for $5 to $17 per person. Kids as young as three years old and at least 38 inches tall may ride the coaster as long as they’re accompanied by a guardian who’s at least 16 years old and 56 inches in height. For safety reasons, Moonshine Mountain Coaster follows a maximum combined or single weight limit of 330 lbs per sled.
Formerly known as “Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster,” which opened in 2014, Moonshine was the first mountain coaster in the city. Later, in 2021, the new management rebranded it and decided to invest in more advanced safety technology. So, if you’re one who worries about the safety of mountain coaster rides, you can rest assured that Moonshine performs regular weekly and monthly inspections, while the annual inspection is done by the manufacturer itself. Additionally, Moonshine’s crew thoroughly checks all safety devices along the track daily to make sure that you can rest assured when enjoying the thrilling experience.
Aside from Moonshine’s regular rates, they also offer discounts for residents of Tennessee counties. If you’re a local, you may purchase your tickets in person at their booth. Just bring a valid ID with proof of your local address for a discount. Moonshine also offers discounts for US service members, specifically those in the military and police, fire, and EMS personnel. All you need to do is present your ID or proof of employment when buying your tickets. Note that this US service member discount will only apply to the service member and one additional guest, like an immediate member of the family.
Pricing:
| Age | Cost/Person |
|---|---|
| Kids (3 to 7 years old) | 1+ rides: $5 |
| Youth (8 to 12 years old) | 1st ride: $13 2+ rides: $8 |
| Adult (13+ years old) | 1st ride: $17 2+ rides: $8 |
| Group (20+ people) | Call for reservation and pricing. |
Source: https://www.moonshinemountaincoaster.com
Ratings:
| Source | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Advisor | 4.5 | 1,228 |
| 4.5 | 3,173 | |
| 4.2 | 469 |
Got questions about Smoky Mountain coaster rides? Shoot us an email at hello@mightyvacay.com.
If you’re looking for other activities you can enjoy during your visit, check out our other articles on things you can do on your Smokies getaway.
Haven’t booked your Great Smokies vacation home yet? Check out our charming rustic cabins in Tennessee: Mighty Sunrise, Mighty Sunset, Mighty Big Bear, Mighty Birdsong, Mighty Chickadee, and Mighty Duckster.
NOTE: While this article has been written for your general enjoyment and personal informational use, it should not be relied upon because we cannot warranty the accuracy of information. Please be sure to contact each business directly to verify rates and terms of service.
