Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
Experience thrilling snow tubing and an exhilarating alpine coaster amidst the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Fun for the whole family!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more rides!
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more rides!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling snow tubing and an exhilarating alpine coaster amidst the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Fun for the whole family!
"We had an absolute blast! Myself, my husband and my 5 year old did the combo pass for 4 hours unlimited tube sliding and Alpine coaster."
🎯 Combo Pass Value
Get the 4-hour unlimited combo pass for tubing & coaster. Best bang for your buck! :ticket:
⏰ Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open, especially on Fridays. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snow Tubing Thrills
Experience exhilarating snow tubing runs with friendly staff ready to assist. Perfect for all ages, offering endless fun down the mountain.
Alpine Mountain Coaster
Ride the thrilling alpine coaster through scenic mountain terrain. Many visitors found the course longer than expected and incredibly enjoyable.
Winter Wonderland Activities
Enjoy ice skating, a dedicated snow pit for snowball fights, and cozy fire pits for warming up. A true winter escape for the whole family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for More Fun
Combo Pass is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combo Pass Value
Get the 4-hour unlimited combo pass for tubing & coaster. Best bang for your buck! :ticket:
⏰ Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open, especially on Fridays. :clock1:
☕ Warm Up by the Fire
Cozy fire pits are available to warm up after tubing. Great for relaxing! :fire:
🍔 Delicious Food Options
The on-site restaurant serves yummy food, with great guacamole and queso. :hamburger:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combo Pass Value
Get the 4-hour unlimited combo pass for tubing & coaster. Best bang for your buck! :ticket:
⏰ Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open, especially on Fridays. :clock1:
☕ Warm Up by the Fire
Cozy fire pits are available to warm up after tubing. Great for relaxing! :fire:
🍔 Delicious Food Options
The on-site restaurant serves yummy food, with great guacamole and queso. :hamburger:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Perfect for families with young children, offering snow play and rides. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center, particularly praising the snow tubing and alpine coaster for providing hours of family fun. The combo pass is highly recommended for its value, and the friendly staff contribute to a positive experience. While the food is generally enjoyed, some wished the coaster was longer. Overall, it's considered a must-visit for a fun-filled mountain adventure.
"We had an absolute blast! Myself, my husband and my 5 year old did the combo pass $55 for 4 hours unlimited tube sliding and Alpine coaster. We spent the whole 4 hours enjoying both. Our son would have stayed longer if we could. Friendly staff and beautiful grounds."
Lauren Niolet
"We visited during our fall break and had an absolute blast. The place was very well managed and clean. The coaster isn’t as long as I wished but it is fun! The best thing to do is do the combo deal for the tubing and coaster for 4 hours. The restaurant was really yummy! Great guacamole and the queso is the best! Definitely will be coming back!"
Ansley Tomlin
"Had the BEST time here with our 5 and 6 year old girls. We showed up right at opening on Friday 9/19, and basically had the place to ourselves all morning. I couldn’t believe our luck! We did the unlimited passes which were well worth it as my girls wanted to ride the roller coaster over and over. Staff went above and beyond with their kindness. Highly recommend Highlands Outpost if you are in the area!"
Ensley Gilchrist
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Atlanta, take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC. Then, take US-178 West towards Pickens and continue on US-64 West towards Highlands, NC. Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center is located off US-64. The drive is approximately 2.5-3 hours.
Yes, the center is accessible by car via US-64. The roads leading to the center are generally well-maintained mountain roads.
Public transportation options are very limited in this mountainous region. Driving your own vehicle or renting a car is the most practical way to reach Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center.
The closest major airports are Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in North Carolina, about a 1.5-hour drive, and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina, also about a 1.5-hour drive.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the outdoor center for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by activity. The 4-hour unlimited combo pass for snow tubing and the alpine coaster is a popular and well-valued option, costing around $55.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
The combo pass typically includes unlimited snow tubing and unlimited rides on the alpine mountain coaster for a set duration, usually 4 hours.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but purchasing the combo pass is considered a great value. Check their official website for any seasonal promotions.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The center offers snow tubing, an alpine mountain coaster, ice skating, and a snow play area for children. During warmer months, other outdoor activities may be available.
Yes, the alpine coaster is suitable for children, and many families with young kids (ages 5-6) have reported having a fantastic time riding it repeatedly.
Dress in warm, waterproof layers, including a winter coat, snow pants, gloves, and a hat. Waterproof boots are also essential.
Yes, there are large fire pits and chairs available around them, providing a cozy place to warm up after enjoying the outdoor activities.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, especially for families looking for winter fun or outdoor adventure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a food stand on-site that offers various items. Visitors have praised the hot chocolate, guacamole, and queso.
The food options are typical of an outdoor recreation center, including snacks and light meals. The guacamole and queso have been specifically highlighted as delicious.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check the venue's policy on outside food. However, the on-site options are well-regarded.
Yes, the nearby town of Highlands, NC, offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for an attraction's on-site dining. The quality, like the queso, has received positive mentions.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning mountain vistas, especially from viewpoints like Little Terrapin overlooking Whiteside Mountain. The snow-covered landscapes in winter are also picturesque.
It's generally not recommended or safe to take photos while operating the alpine coaster. Focus on enjoying the ride and take photos from designated viewing areas before or after.
Yes, the surrounding Nantahala National Forest and the town of Highlands offer numerous scenic spots, including waterfalls and mountain overlooks like Whiteside Mountain.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the best light for landscape photography. However, winter snow scenes are beautiful at any time of day.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check with the management of Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center and be aware of any local regulations regarding drone operation in national forests.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the 4-hour unlimited combo pass for the best value and maximum fun. Arriving early, especially on a Friday, can help you avoid long lines and ensure the kids get plenty of rides in. The friendly staff are also a big plus, making the experience stress-free for parents.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend can sometimes lead to fewer crowds and potentially a more relaxed experience, though prices are generally consistent. The surrounding Nantahala National Forest offers free opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature, which can be a great addition to a budget-friendly trip.
💑 Couples
During winter, the fire pits provide a romantic setting to relax and enjoy the mountain air. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or on weekdays for a more relaxed atmosphere. The nearby town of Highlands also offers charming dining and shopping for a more sophisticated experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Alpine Coaster Experience
Families with young children, even as young as five or six, have reported having an absolute blast on the coaster, often riding it multiple times. The staff are generally praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. While safety is paramount, the ride is designed to be exhilarating yet manageable for a wide range of ages and comfort levels.
Pro-tip: Consider purchasing the combo pass that includes unlimited rides on the alpine coaster and snow tubing. This offers excellent value and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure without worrying about individual ride costs.
Winter Fun: Snow Tubing and More
Beyond tubing, the center offers other winter activities that contribute to a festive atmosphere. You can enjoy ice skating, perfect for a classic winter pastime, and there's a dedicated snow pit where children can engage in snowball fights or build snow angels. These additional activities make it a comprehensive destination for family winter fun.
To enhance the cozy winter experience, large fire pits are available throughout the area. These provide a perfect spot to warm up, relax, and enjoy the mountain air after a day of playing in the snow. The combination of thrilling rides and relaxing amenities makes Scaly Mountain a memorable winter getaway.
Scenic Surroundings and Nearby Attractions
Visitors often combine a trip to Scaly Mountain with explorations of the charming nearby town of Highlands, North Carolina. Highlands is known for its upscale shops, art galleries, and excellent dining options. It's also a gateway to numerous waterfalls like Cullasaja Falls and Dry Falls, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
The general area is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventures. From chasing waterfalls to hiking scenic trails and enjoying panoramic mountain views, the region around Scaly Mountain provides a rich tapestry of natural attractions that complement the activities offered at the center itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit