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Pigeon Forge is spoilt for choice when it comes to mountain coasters.
In this post, we take a look at the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, the longest coaster in East Tennessee!
A gravity-powered mountain coaster that has been operating since 2018, this is one of the top attractions in Pigeon Forge and a wonderful activity for the whole family.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this ride, then you have come to the right place!
This guide features everything you need to know about the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, including insider tips and advice, so keep reading to find out more.
Contents
- How Long is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
- How Fast is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
- What is a Mountain Coaster?
- Video
- Cost
- Operating Hours
- Rider Requirements
- Location and Directions
- Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
Reaching a maximum speed of up to 30mp/h (48km/h), the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is 3,888 feet (1,185m) in length and offers riders an exhilarating ride with multiple 360-degree loops, twists and turns as it winds its way down the mountain.
A unique feature of the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is that it offers four hill lifts and four downhill sections, making it unlike any mountain coaster in the world.
The entire experience (including the cable-pulled ascent) lasts about 9 minutes.
This makes it one of the longest mountain coasters around!
How Fast Is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster can reach a maximum speed of 30 mp/h (48 km/h).
As a safety feature, mountain coasters are fitted with an automatic braking system that prevents the carts from going over the maximum.
In addition, this mountain coaster is fitted with a manual brake that lets riders control the speed of their descent.
If 30 mp/h (48 km/h) is too fast for you, you can slow the ride down to a speed that feels more comfortable.
The brake levers are located on either side of the cart. You pull them back to engage the brakes and push them forward to release them.
It doesn’t take long to get the hang of it and before you know it you’ll be cruising down the mountain.
What is a Mountain Coaster?
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, enabling riders to adjust their descent speed. This unique feature 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 alpine coasters is that no prior experience or training is necessary. You can just jump in and enjoy the ride.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Video
One of the great things about mountain coasters is that a lot of 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 Mieders Alpine Coaster.
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”.
It is worth noting that this mountain coaster also runs at night.
The entire course has led lights installed along the track which makes the nighttime ride a very unique experience.
Take a look at the full-ride experience at night below.
How Much Does the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Cost?
There are a number of ticket options for you to choose from, we have listed these below.
| Rider | Price (1st ride) | Price (2nd ride) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (ages 13+) | $18.00 | $9.00 |
| Youth 7-12 (must be at least 56″to ride alone) | $14.00 | $9.00 |
Second rides are available at a discounted price of $9.00 per ride.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
This is something we highly recommend!
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is a popular activity so buying online in advance ensures you have a guaranteed spot.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Operating Hours
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is open 7 days a week in both summer and winter.
Operating hours are as follows:
| Day | Opening Time |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Friday & Saturday | 10:00 am – 11:00 pm |
This mountain coaster operates day and night in rain, snow and sunshine. For safety reasons, it is closed during thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Rider Requirements
As with any ride of this nature, there are height, age and other restrictions that have been put in place for your safety:
- Children must be at least 3 years old and 38″ (96cm) tall.
- The minimum height for single riders is 56″ (142cm).
- Children (3-6 years old) must ride with someone 16 years or older.
- If there are two people riding together, the minimum height for the passenger is 38″ (96cm) and the driver must be at least 56″ (142cm) and 16 years or older.
- The maximum height for riders is 84″(213cm).
- The maximum weight per cart is 375 lbs (170kg) in dry conditions and 330 lbs (150kg) in wet conditions.
Where is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is located in the Great Smoky Mountain Area of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee.
Address: 2940 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
If you’re looking for directions to the mountain coaster then take a look at the map below:
Contact Details and Other Information
Phone: 1-(865) 453-0033
Website:
To access the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster website click here.
The website has all the latest information on operating hours and you’re also able to purchase your tickets online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is 3,888 feet (1,185m) long and offers riders an exhilarating ride with multiple 360-degree loops, twists and turns.
The total ride time is about 9 minutes.
Is there a weight limit on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
Yes – the maximum weight per cart is 375 lbs (170kg) in dry conditions and 330 lbs (150kg) in wet conditions.
The weight referred to above is the combined weight of the cart so this includes both the rider and the passenger.
How old do you have to be to ride the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
While the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is a fun ride that the entire family can enjoy, there are a few age restrictions that you should be aware of.
- The minimum age to ride the mountain coaster is 3 years old.
- Children (3-6 years old) must ride with someone 16 years or older.
- You must be at least 16 years old to ride the mountain coaster alone.
What is the top speed of the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster can reach a top speed of 30 mp/h (48 km/h).
Mountain coasters are fitted with manual brakes, located on either side of the cart, which means that your speed is completely under your control.
As a safety feature, mountain coasters are fitted with an automatic braking system which stops the carts from going over the top speed of 30 mp/h (48 km/h).
Before You Go
When it comes to mountain and alpine coasters, Tennessee has some of the best on offer in the USA.
With a total of nine mountain and alpine coasters (and there seems to be a new one added every few years) on offer, you really are spoilt for choice.
So if you live in the area or are planning a visit then make sure you check out our guide to Tennessee’s Alpine and Mountain Coasters.
