Coasters Archives - Page 7 of 7

The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is spoilt for choice when it comes to alpine coasters. One of our favorite rides, and the only single-rail alpine coaster in North America, is the Anakeesta Rail Runner. If you're interested in finding out more about this ride then you've come to the right place. We provide everything you need to know, including insider tips and advice, so keep reading to find out more! Anakeesta Rail Runner - Gatlinburg How Long Is the Anakeesta Rail Runner? Reaching speeds of up to 25mp/h (40km/h), the Anakeesta Rail Runner is approximately 1,600 feet (487m) in length and offers riders an exhilarating ride with multiple 360-degree loops, twists and turns as it winds its way through the trees and down the mountain. The total ride time (including a cable-pulled ascent at the end) is approximately 5 minutes. The downhill section lasts about 50 seconds. Mountain and alpine coasters are fitted with a manual brake which allows you to control your speed. This means that your downhill time can vary depending on how fast you descend. The Ride Experience The entire ride experience is made up of two parts. Riders depart the loading station and immediately descend down the mountain experiencing a 400 ft (121m) elevation change in only 1,600 ft (487m) of rail. This makes for a short but extremely fast and exhilarating ride, especially if you don't apply the brake. The single rail also adds to the feeling of speed and adds a bit more thrill compared to the standard two-rail alpine coasters. At the bottom, the cart and riders are taken back to the starting point via a cable-pulled ascent. If you're planning on riding the Anakeesta Rail Runner we highly recommend going early in the day as the popularity of the ride combined with the low capacity could mean long waiting times. What Are Mountain Coasters? If you’re unfamiliar with mountain coasters (also known as alpine coasters), check out the post we wrote. Mountain or alpine coasters are essentially gravity-powered roller coasters that use the natural contours of a mountain to provide riders with a thrilling downhill ride experience. Mountain coasters are a fantastic activity that the whole family can enjoy. However, given the nature of this ride, there are age and height restrictions that apply, these have been detailed below. A great feature of mountain coasters is that they offer the option of two seats. This is great for parents with children that are too young to go on the ride alone. In addition, mountain coasters are equipped with a manual brake which enables riders to adjust the speed of their descent. This unique feature of mountain coasters allows riders to have greater control of their experience. If things get a bit too fast for your liking you can apply the brake, if you’re more of the daredevil type then you can leave the brake untouched for maximum speed. Another great feature of mountain coasters is that no prior experience or training is necessary. You can just jump in and enjoy the ride. Anakeesta Rail Runner Video One of the great things about mountain coasters is that many people have filmed their experiences. These videos give you an opportunity to "experience" the ride before you go on it. The video below gives you a first-person view of what you can expect from start to finish on the Anakeesta Rail Runner. One thing to be aware of though is that point-of-view videos can be a bit misleading. The wide-angled lens makes the drops shallower and the ride seems way slower than it is in real life. They provide a good idea of what the ride looks like but only real-world experience tells you how they feel. So get out there and try it for yourself. These rides really are the perfect combination of an adrenaline rush and nature. If you happen to be in the area then this is an activity to add to your "to-do list". https://youtu.be/S1foDlufnFU?t=7 https://youtu.be/7dQM0AH2k7M?t=42 How Much Is the Alpine Coaster at Anakeesta? The Anakeesta Rain Runner has well-priced options for both single and tandem riders. Additional rides are offered at a 50% discount. Tickets can only be purchased onsite. RiderPriceSingle rider$14.99Tandem rider$18.99 It is worth noting that you'll still need to pay for a $25 lift ticket in order to get up the mountain. This ticket includes the scenic Chondola ride, Gatlinburg’s most scenic views and a number of other activities. The prices to ride the Rail Runner are in addition to the lift ticket. Height, Age and Other Requirements The key height and age restrictions to ride the Anakeesta Rail Runner are listed below: The minimum age for single riders is 7 years old and the rider must be at least 48" (122cm) tall. Children between the ages of 3 and 7 ride as a passenger and must be a minimum of 38" (96cm) tall. Passengers can be no taller than the driver's shoulders. The maximum weight per cart is 230 lbs (104 kg). This ride is not suitable for pregnant women. Additional information on riding requirements can be found on the Anakeesta website here. Contact Information and Website Phone: (865) 217-2164 Website: To access the Anakeesta Rail Runner website click here. Operating hours: Operating hours vary depending on the time of the year. Our suggestion would be to visit the Anakeesta website here to find out when they are open. Map: To get to the Anakeesta Rail Runner take a look at the map below.