Gatlinburg is home to a variety of incredible attractions, including a selection of breathtaking mountain coasters! These unique rides are similar to a roller coaster where gravity propels you to the bottom of the hill, but the difference is that you get to control the speed of your ride! You’ll board a sled that is securely attached to steel rails, then use a simple brake lever to go slow or full throttle! Here are 4 thrilling mountain coasters in Gatlinburg that you need to experience:
1. Rail Runner Mountain Coaster
The Rail Runner Mountain Coaster is located at Anakeesta, the popular mountaintop theme park that features a variety of fun shops, restaurants, and attractions! Two things make this particular mountain coaster especially unique – it not only begins with the downhill portion, but it features a singular rail track! As the first ride of its kind in the United States, Rail Runner features 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns with a 400 feet elevation change! Once you reach the bottom, take advantage of the slow lift back to Anakeesta to catch your breath! While you're at Anakeesta, be sure to try their second mountain coaster, Hellbender, which features heart-pounding twists, gravity-defying drops, and jaw-dropping views.
2. Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
Another one of the thrilling mountain coasters in Gatlinburg that you need to experience is Ripley’s Mountain Coaster, which is situated just a little bit further south along the Parkway! Enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountain views as your sled is slowly pulled to the top of the mountain, but then get ready to twist and turn your way back down to the bottom! While you can purchase individual tickets to Ripley’s Mountain Coaster, consider one of the money-saving combination packages that include other Ripley’s attractions throughout the Smokies!
3. Tennessee Flyer at Ober
The Tennessee Flyer at Ober Mountain is situated in a gorgeous setting where the only thing better than the scenery is the ride itself! This Gatlinburg coaster begins with a 1000 ft tree-covered and relaxing ride to the top. Then you are in full control as you experience the next 2,750 feet down the mountain! When you purchase an Ober Mountain activity wristband, you'll not only get access to the Tennessee Flyer, but you'll also be able to ride the Aerial Tramway, Alpine Slide, Scenic Chairlift, and more. Don't miss out on the other activities at Ober Mountain!
4. Moonshine Mountain Coaster
The Moonshine Mountain Coaster is situated directly on the Parkway and is less than a half mile south of our hotel, making it a convenient stop along your drive into downtown Gatlinburg! You can even enjoy this ride in the rain, as the sleds are equipped with rain shields to help keep you dry! Some folks familiar with the Smokies may remember this ride as the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, but it was purchased in September of 2021 and renamed the Moonshine Mountain Coaster. Along with this change, the coaster was upgraded to feature the newest safety technology!
Check out all of the rooms at our Gatlinburg hotel today to stay just minutes away from these thrilling mountain coasters in Gatlinburg! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smoky Mountains!
