There’s been some peculiar new attractions popping up in Pigeon Forge, and they’re drawing quite a crowd.
Mountain coasters, as they’re known, blend in perfectly with the Great Smoky Mountain setting. The winding hills and valleys of the landscape was a no-brainer when it came to building a rail system featuring high speeds and soaring drops.
Go for a ride on a Pigeon Forge mountain coaster. There are four locations to choose from:
Smoky Mountain Alpine CoasterThe first of the three alpine coasters to open in the Smokies, this Pigeon Forge attraction is owned by husband and wife team from Germany. The terrain of the area reminded them of their native land and seemed ideal for building a mountain coaster.
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The coaster’s track is a winding stainless steel rail that twists and turns up a mountain to an elevation of 2,000 feet. Once at the top, the bobsled-style car (which can hold 1-2 people) is released. This is where the fun really starts! Propelling down the mountain side, expect a hair-raising ride with speeds up to 30mph.
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Don’t worry, though, there is a safety system in place to prevent riders reaching excessive speeds. At a mile long, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the longest downhill coaster in the United States, and provides quite a unique way to see the scenery only the Smoky Mountains can provide.
photo credit: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster via Facebook
Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
The next mountain coaster has German roots, too, as it is designed by a German engineering firm. With a track extending ¾ of a mile and with speeds up to 30mph, it’s similar to the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster but offers different vantage points and thrills due it’s distinct location. The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is popular with visitors as it doesn’t have any big, sudden drops and can be ridden year-round.
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The Coaster at Goats on a RoofAnd the winner for the most original name goes to…Goats on the Roof Mountain Coaster. The minds behind this mountain coaster put a memorable spin on it as not only are goats in the name, there also actually at the attraction. After riding on the coaster, you can get your hands dirty and feed the goats, try your luck with gem mining and taste the sweetness of homemade ice-cream and fudge. The main attraction, though, is the coaster. Zip around the woods at almost 30 miles per hour on a mile long track. Because you are in control of the speed, it is fun for young, old, and everyone in between.
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Ober Gatlinburg’s Ski Mountain Coaster
The newest mountain coaster also has the distinction of being the highest mountain coaster in Tennessee. The ride, which climbs to 3,000 feet, lasts approximately 5 ½ minutes and covers approximately 3750 feet. Nestled just below the peak of Mt. Harrison, it’s a gorgeous setting for soaring down a mountain.
These are the newest mountain coasters on the Pigeon Forge attraction scene. Add tickets to one on your next vacation for an incredible Smoky Mountain adventure!
