My Blog Post Title
Hi Everyone,
Sevier County, Tennessee is home to more than a dozen unique mountain coasters, one of the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains, and one of the highest concentrations of mountain coasters anywhere on the PLANET! While well-known Dollywood is famous for its roller coasters, these mountain coasters offer a unique experience that can only be found in Sevier County.
I've created a list of all of the current operating mountain coasters in Sevier County, Tennessee, along with some additional information to help you choose the right one for you. Some of the coasters require separate admission, while others are included in a wristband that gives you access to multiple attractions. I'll break down the information for you below the link to my spreadsheet.
To See The List Of Mountain Coasters, CLICK HERE! Updated May 28, 2024.
🔵There are two main types of mountain coaster tickets:
- Single tickets: These tickets allow you to ride one or two coasters. They are typically the most affordable option.
- Wristbands: These tickets give you access to multiple coasters and other attractions. They can be a good option if you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions.
🔵Wristbands can be either:
- Timed: These wristbands are valid for a certain period of time, such as 2 hours or 4 hours. After the time expires, you will need to purchase another wristband or single ticket to ride the coasters.
- Unlimited: These wristbands give you unlimited access to the coasters and other attractions for the entire day. They are typically the most expensive option, but they can be a good value if you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions.
🔵The best type of ticket for you will depend on your budget and your plans for the day. If you are only planning on riding one or two coasters, then a single ticket may be the best option. If you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions, then a wristband may be a better value.
🟢How are the coasters different from one another, or are they all the same?
Answer: Different! Read on to learn more.
Most of these rides share one common feature: the brake. Each ride has one or two handles that you push forward to move forward or coast, and pull back or release to brake and slow down.
Weigands are more sophisticated than other rides in that each cart is "aware" of where the next cart is. If you get too close to another cart, it will automatically brake to avoid a collision. Weigands also have "brake zones" at the end of the course and before the next lift hill (if applicable), where the carts will automatically brake.
🚨If your lift hill happens to stop, remain seated and calm. It will start up again momentarily. DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE CART.
INTENSITY/THRILL LEVELS
I often see remarks on social media about some of the coasters with 2,3,4 lift hills, that they are 'not thrilling' and brake a lot, as compared to the coasters with one or two lifts. It would leave some people who were seeking Higher Thrills disappointed. That is true, that the multi-lift coasters brake more. They're usually more spread out horizontally, as they do not have the vertical real estate that's needed to create one big lift hill. If you're looking for the higher thrill mountain coasters, then seek out the ones with one big lift hill vs. many smaller hills. If you're looking for milder thrills, then seek out the ones with multiple lift hills. There's a column in my spreadsheet for Number of Lift Hills.
Makes and Models of Coasters
The Smokies are home to several Weigand mountain coasters, which come in two generations: Generation 1 and Generation 2. Both generations are visually similar and offer a similar ride experience.
🔷Here's a Weigand Gen 1, below.
 |
| You'll find these Gen 1's at Rocky Top Mtn Coaster, Smoky Mtn coaster, Goats & Moonshine Mtn. |
🔷Here's Gen 2
 |
| You'll find Gen 2 at Skyland Ranch, Lost Mine, and at Anakeesta |
🔷Anakeesta has a single rail coaster and they've recently opened a dual rail....a Generation 2.
 |
| Single Rail Mountain Coaster at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. |
What other types are there??
🔷The Powered Coaster at Rowdy Bear
 |
| Hill not required. This one is powered the whole trip around the course. |
🔷The Suspended Coaster with Shooting Targets, also at Rowdy Bear
 |
| Ready, aim, fire! Compete against your buddy for high score. |
🔷At Ober, two more styles are waiting for you!
🔹This is the ADG's version...similar to the Weigand model.
🔹This is the OG Alpine Slide of the Smokies - sliding since 1976. |
You ride a chair-lift to the top of the course, disembark, and slide from there. No lift hill like the others. You can race here, unlike all the others.
|
🔷This is the Mountain Glider, located in Gatlinburg at Ripley's Mountain Coaster
🔷This is what you will find at the Wilderness at the Smokies resort. Now Open as of 10/31/2023.
 |
| courtesy of Wilderness at the Smokies |
 |
Rendering of the Cloud Coaster at Wilderness at the Smokies
|
 |
| Here's an another Cloud Coaster somewhere in the world. There are only Eight of these in existence. It must be pretty amazing; it bends your arms backwards! |
As you can see, there are many different options available, each with its own unique features. And with the Smoky Mountains being home to the highest concentration of mountain coasters on the planet, this is the perfect place to experience them all!
Are there restrictions on height, weight and age? Yes. These are pretty consistent across all of the coasters in this area.
- Minimum height to ride alone is 56 inches, or 1.42 meters
- Minimum height to ride with someone who is 56 inches, is 36 inches, or .914 meters.
- Maximum weight is 375 pounds in dry conditions, less in wet. Best to double check with each coaster.
- Minimum age to ride alone is 16 years.
Let me know what you think about these in the comments! Good Luck!!
Posts
.png)
