Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
Experience the thrill of a mountain coaster in Gatlinburg, TN! Control your speed as you zip through forests, with magical night rides.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical lights
Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical lights

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of a mountain coaster in Gatlinburg, TN! Control your speed as you zip through forests, with magical night rides.
"This was an amazingly thrilling, fast coaster you're on alone, or with a younger person in front of you!"
🎯 Ride at Night!
Many find night rides magical with lights. ✨
💰 Look for Deals
Groupon can offer significant savings on tickets. 💸
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Night Ride Magic
Various Coasters
Experience the thrill under a canopy of lights, transforming the mountain coaster ride into a dazzling spectacle.

Individual Speed Control
All Mountain Coasters
Take the reins and dictate your own pace, from breakneck speeds to a more leisurely scenic journey.

Single Rail Thrills
Anakeesta's Rail Runner
America's first and only single rail mountain coaster offers a unique, thrilling perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Control Your Thrill
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride at Night!
Many find night rides magical with lights. ✨
💰 Look for Deals
Groupon can offer significant savings on tickets. 💸
🚦 Control Your Speed
You control the brakes! Go as fast or slow as you like. 🏎️
👨👩👧👦 Accommodating Staff
Staff are friendly and can adjust for nervous riders. 😊
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride at Night!
Many find night rides magical with lights. ✨
💰 Look for Deals
Groupon can offer significant savings on tickets. 💸
🚦 Control Your Speed
You control the brakes! Go as fast or slow as you like. 🏎️
👨👩👧👦 Accommodating Staff
Staff are friendly and can adjust for nervous riders. 😊
📸 Photo Ops
Professional photos are often available after your ride. 📸
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster for its thrilling ride and the ability to control speed. The night rides, illuminated by colorful lights, are a particular highlight. While the ride itself is short, the overall experience is highly enjoyable, with friendly staff enhancing the visit. Some guests note that wait times can be long, impacting the overall value for money.
"Did this coaster at night and it was very fun. I was able to get tickets on Groupon for just under $13, which helped. The overall ride is about 3 minutes up and 2 minutes down if you're going full throttle.
The coasters and track look to be very well maintained and the staff is friendly and helpful."
Ryan Snyder
"This was an amazingly thrilling, fast coaster you're on alone, or with a younger person in front of you! You buckle up, and sit back as you get pulled up a couple of hills then it tells you to push the handle forward, and you go speeding at a breakneck speed around curves with signs saying 80 ft drop!! Excellent fun!!! Don't brake, you're not flying into the forest anytime soon!! Everyone is really friendly and helpful, and there are pictures after!! Have fun!!!"
S S
"I was a bit nervous about riding. The manager was walking by and noticed my fear. He was amazing talking to me. He explained the ride and all its features. He even told the guy who loaded me to leave more room behind me cause I will prolly go slow.
I was hooked after the 1st ride. I rode 2 more times. Its max speed went 29mph. You control it. You can stop it. Would definitely recommend. At night they have colorful lights to ride through."
Christy Goff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is conveniently located at 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those exploring the Gatlinburg area. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby.Yes, parking is typically available at the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. However, during peak seasons or times, it can fill up quickly. Consider arriving early or exploring nearby parking options if the main lot is full.
If you are staying in downtown Gatlinburg, you may be able to walk to the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, as it's located on the Parkway. Check your accommodation's proximity to plan your walk.
Yes, Gatlinburg and the surrounding Pigeon Forge area have several mountain coasters. Popular options include Anakeesta's Rail Runner, Moonshine Mountain Coaster, and Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.
Many visitors use their own vehicles to get between different attractions. Some areas are walkable, but a car offers the most flexibility for visiting multiple mountain coasters in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but many visitors report paying around $13 on Groupon.
Standard ticket prices are generally higher. It's always a good idea to check their official website or look for deals before you go.While you can buy tickets in advance, some reviews suggest it's not always necessary and you might still face long lines. Waiting to purchase on-site can sometimes be just as efficient, especially if you're flexible with your timing.
Yes, discounts are often available through sites like Groupon.
Some locations also offer discounted re-ride tickets if you fall in love with the experience and want to go again!Operating hours can vary seasonally. Many mountain coasters in Gatlinburg are open both during the day and into the night, with night rides being a popular choice for the illuminated experience.
Yes, most mountain coaster carts are designed to accommodate two people, allowing riders to share the experience. Some are single-rider carts, like Anakeesta's Rail Runner.
🎫 🎢 Onsite Experience
The actual ride time for most mountain coasters is around 2-3 minutes for the downhill portion, with a longer ascent. The total experience, including boarding and disembarking, can take longer due to wait times.
Absolutely! You have control over your speed using a braking system. You can choose to go full throttle or slow down as much as you like, making it suitable for all thrill levels.
It can be thrilling! Speeds can reach up to 25-29 mph,
with drops and curves. However, you control the speed, and staff are very helpful if you're feeling nervous.Mountain coasters are typically built into the natural terrain, allowing riders to control their speed. Traditional roller coasters have fixed tracks and predetermined speeds and movements.
While specific restrictions vary by coaster, generally, there are minimum height requirements for solo riders and sometimes for children riding with an adult. Weight limits also apply for safety. Check with the specific operator.
📸 📸 Photography
Many riders do take photos and videos, but be extremely careful as you control your speed and the cart can move quickly.
Ensure your phone or camera is securely held. Some coasters may have restrictions, so check signage.Most mountain coasters offer professional photo packages that capture you during the ride. These are usually available for purchase after your experience.
Riding at night offers a unique photographic opportunity with the illuminated tracks and surrounding lights.
Daytime rides provide clear views of the Smoky Mountains scenery.The ride itself offers stunning views. For photos of the coaster in action, look for vantage points along the track or from designated viewing areas, if available.
Professional photos typically capture you during a thrilling moment of the ride, often at high speed or on a scenic curve, showcasing your reaction and the coaster's environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Thrill-Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster Adventure
When selecting a coaster, consider what you're looking for. Some, like the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, are known for their length. Many offer the option to ride at night, which transforms the experience with colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Remember that while the core experience of controlling your speed is common across most, the track layout, length, and unique features like single-rail designs can differentiate them.
Key factors to consider when choosing include: the type of track (single vs. dual rail), the length of the ride, whether night rides are available and illuminated, and the overall intensity. Reading recent reviews and watching TikToks or Instagram Reels can give you a great sense of the vibe and thrill level of each specific coaster before you commit.
Mastering the Mountain Coaster Ride
Many riders recommend not braking excessively to fully enjoy the thrill and speed. However, if you're feeling nervous, the staff are generally very accommodating and understanding. They can ensure there's ample space behind you, allowing you to go at your own pace without feeling rushed. This personalized approach ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
For those looking for an extra thrill, consider riding at night. The mountain coasters often feature illuminated tracks, creating a spectacular visual experience as you zip through the forest. This adds a magical dimension to the ride, making it a memorable part of your Gatlinburg visit. Remember to secure your phone or camera if you plan to capture the experience, as the speeds can be exhilarating!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit