Like the article says, this post is all about the Smoky Mountain rollercoasters we have in the area that you and the kids can enjoy! We’ll skip a protracted intro and go right to the list, which includes rollercoasters at Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, Anakeesta and the independent ones in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Wears Valley.
Let’s go!
Dollywood – Blazing Fury
“An out-of-control fire is just minutes away from engulfing this 1880s town, and chaos ensues as the town’s residents, a cast of characters ranging from firefighters to gunslingers and damsels in distress, hurry to escape the blaze. Riders scream through town on this indoor roller coaster, taking each hill and curve with great speed as they try to outrun the fire.
Dollywood – Daredevil Falls
“Only a real daredevil will venture into an abandoned logging camp for a one-of-a-kind boat expedition. If you’re up to the challenge, let our adventurous guides help you navigate your way through some close calls with the bears and the old left-behind lumber machinery. But, just when you catch your breath, your boat careens over a waterfall down a 60-foot drop at a heart-racing 50 mph!
Dollywood – FireChaser Express ®
“They say where there’s smoke, there’s fire. In the Smoky Mountains that’s more than just a saying. Fortunately, it seems like with every big blaze, there have always been a few brave souls willing to answer the call – heroes able to tame nature’s fury and preserve the Smokies for generations to come! Now comes your turn to celebrate that heroic spirit in a new coaster sure to test your mettle, and leave you screaming for more! It’s FireChaser Express – the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster – blasting riders forward and backward!
Dollywood – Lightning Rod ®
Themed after a tricked-out 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod ® launches riders from zero to 45 mph more than 20 stories up its lift hill to one of the ride’s first airtime moments. At the crest of the hill, riders face twin summit airtime hills before tackling the daring first drop. Lightning Rod races down the 165-foot drop and propels guests along its 3,800-foot track to a top speed of 73 mph. There is no surprise why USA Today readers have consistently named Lightning Rod ® one of the top-10 best roller coasters in the country.
Dollywood – Mystery Mine ®
What if there is no light at the end of the tunnel? Find out on Dollywood’s Mystery Mine® steel coaster where a 1,811-foot track travels through an abandoned coal mine. Uncertain encounters and amazing maneuvers await, including a hair-raising 95-degree, 85-foot vertical drop that plunges into darkness!
Dollywood – Tennessee Tornado
What happens when a mighty twister sweeps through an old Tennessee Mining Company? Locals say the swirling winds twisted ore into what we now call the Tennessee Tornado. A force of nature all its own, this triple spiral-looping coaster makes you feel like you’ve landed inside a funnel cloud as you zoom down a 128-foot drop through an actual mountain at speeds nearing 70 mph. It’s enough to make local weather forecasters issue a “Tennessee Tornado Warning!”
Dollywood – Thunderhead ®
An old sawmill once moved lumber out of the mountains at Thunderhead Gap. Wood is still the focus, but now the operation known as the Thunderhead is the wildest ride in the woods! Carefully situated between two mountains, this massive wooden coaster stands tall among the mighty trees and takes advantage of the area’s rough and tumble terrain to create a daring ride featuring a 100-foot drop and a top speed of 55 mph.
Dollywood – Whistle Punk Chaser®
Whistle Punk Chaser, a junior coaster, throws thrilling twists and turns at Dollywood’s younger loggers, helping prepare them for the day they can join their parents aboard the award-winning Thunderhead wooden coaster.
Dollywood – Wild Eagle ®
America’s first wing coaster, the first ride of its kind in the U.S., is perched 21 stories above Dollywood and takes riders on a unique experience that feels as if they are actually soaring high above the Smoky Mountains. Instead of having the train on the track, Wild Eagle® seats riders on either side so there is nothing but air above and below the rider!
See these rides at https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/rides/.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the longest downhill ride in the United States,with over 1 mile of track! So if you are looking for an unforgettable experience in your vacation here in the” Great Smoky Mountains”, this is a must do!
The vehicles are designed to carry two visitors in comfort but can be handled easily by one alone. The riders are in control of the velocity (up to about 30 mph) and this gives them a unique hands-on experience! Rain, snow or sunshine no problem – the excellent braking effect is unchanged so you can ride year-round!
See this ride at http://www.smokymountainalpinecoaster.com/.
Rocky Top Coaster
Welcome to Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, the longest coaster in East Tennessee! Join us for over 9 minutes of twists, turns, tunnels, and maybe even some unexpected surprises along the way! Whether you have a need for speed, or enjoy a slower coaster experience, RTMC has something for everyone. Bring your entire family for an unforgettable experience.
See this ride at https://www.rockytopcoaster.com/.
Rowdy Bear Mountain
Ski Lift Shootout Coaster
Rowdy Bear Ridge is home to North America’s first Alpine Flyer. This is a 2 seater suspended coaster that swings, dips, and soars through the Ridge of Rowdy Bear. This coaster is suitable for riders 40” tall and up. Coaster operates day and night and can be combined with our incredible Tubing Hill by purchasing a combo ticket.
Avalanche Snow Coaster
Strap in for an awesome ride on our Avalanche Snow Coaster and zip through the Ridge at whatever speed you want! That’s right, you control the speed on this coaster! Whether you’re looking for a calm ride or you want to go full throttle, the choice is yours! Simply push the handle forward to speed up or backwards to slow down!
See these rides at www.rowdybearmountain.com/.
Goats On The Roof
The Coaster at Goats on the Roof is an exciting journey through the hills of Tennessee at speeds just under 30mph and with a view that can’t be seen anywhere else in town. Whether you enjoy riding alone or pairing up – it doesn’t matter since the carts are designed to comfortably carry one or two people. Each cart is equipped with hand brakes so you can go slow if you are a little nervous, or let it rip if you are a speed demon. This hands-on ride is fun for the whole family, from children to grandparents. All are guaranteed to have a fantastic and memorable time!
See this ride at https://goatsontheroofofthesmokies.com/goat-coaster.php.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Ride the best mountain coaster attraction in Gatlinburg!
The single or double rider coaster cars coast down the mountain on a specially-designed silent track. Use indvidual brake handles to control your speed and enjoy the ride, any way you like. Gatlinburg’s FIRST and NEWEST mountain coaster is a safe, unique, family-friendly thrill ride that puts you in the driver’s seat, literally! The single or double rider cars coast down the beautiful Smoky Mountains where you can enjoy the beautiful views at speeds up to 30 mph. You may even see a bear or two! Check out our gift shop, and purchase your ride photo and other great merchandise! Groups are welcome!
We’re open year-round, so bring the family (some age and height restrictions apply)… no special skills required. We have an uphill lift that takes you to the top. Then get ready for an exciting coaster ride down the mountain. The Moonshine Mountain Roller Coaster lets you enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains in a whole new way!
See this ride at www.moonshinemountaincoaster.com/.
Ober Gatlinburg – Ski Mountain Coaster
The Ski Mountain Coaster departs near the Snow Tubing Park. The ride begins with a 1000 ft tree-covered and relaxing ride to the top. At this point, the rider simply enjoys the view, as it is a comfortable tow to the top of mountainside. Once at the top, riders are now in control of their own speed for the next 2750 ft of turns, dips, zig-zags, corkscrews and G-force adventures. Although the mountain coaster can be exhilarating, it is the ultimate family experience any age can enjoy. Riders may choose to leisurely cruise the coaster track or reach speeds up to 25 MPH, while hugging turns and dips down the mountain. Designed for comfort, the unique ADG Mountain Coaster carts provide a secure and comfortable ride with room for two riders. Their higher backrests and shorter brake levers allow for easier handling and control.
See this ride at www.obergatlinburg.com/ski-mountain-coaster/.
Anakeesta – Rain Runner
Anakeesta’s single-rail mountain coaster is the first of its kind in the United States! Fly down the mountain on this single rail track with 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns at speeds up to 25 mph! Race through the trees at your own speed with a 400 ft elevation change! This exhilarating ride offers a thrill at every turn before enjoying a scenic uphill ride to the top of Anakeesta Mountain. Our Rail Runner carts feature back and headrests for a comfortable and safe ride! We offer solo and tandem rides for guests with small children.
See this ride at https://anakeesta.com/rail-runner/.
