Scaly Mountain Screamer (2023 Guide)


If you’re looking for your next outdoor adventure then we can’t think of a more exciting family-friendly ride than the Scaly Mountain Screamer.

This mountain coaster, located at Highlands Outpost, opened in 2021 and is just one of the many activities on offer for you to try out.

If you’re looking for more information on the Scaly Mountain Screamer then you have come to the right place!

In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to experience this one-of-a-kind attraction so keep reading to find out more.

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Scaly Mountain Screamer, Highlands Outpost, North Carolina

Scaly Mountain Screamer – Highlands Outpost

The Scaly Mountain Screamer is a recent addition to the USA mountain coaster circuit and adds to the growing list of North Carolina mountain coasters.

The Scaly Mountain Coaster adds to the already extensive list of activities available at Highlands Outpost which include Extreme Tube Sliding, a Gem Mine and Trout Fishing.

With a total track length of 3,800 feet (1,158 meters), 360-degree turns and gorgeous views this really is a family-friendly activity not to be missed the next time you visit Highlands Outpost.

How Long is the Scaly Mountain Screamer?

The Scaly Mountain Screamer is 3,800 feet long (1,158 meters), making it the longest mountain coaster in North Carolina.

You can expect a total ride time of about 8 to 9 minutes, depending on your speed (mountain coasters have a manual brake so you’re able to control this).

Note that the total ride time includes both the cable-pulled ascent to the top and the downhill section.

How Fast is the Scaly Mountain Screamer?

The Scaly Mountain Screamer can reach a maximum speed of 25 mp/h (40 km/h).

As a safety feature, this mountain coaster has a speed restrictor that prevents the carts from going over the maximum speed.

It also has a manual brake that lets riders control the speed of their descent.

If 25 mp/h (40 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.

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 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 great activity that the whole family can enjoy. However, given the nature of this ride, there are some age and height restrictions that apply.

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.

And finally, no prior experience or training is necessary. You can just jump in and enjoy the ride.

Scaly Mountain Screamer 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 Scaly Mountain Screamer.

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!

How Much Does the Scaly Mountain Screamer Cost?

At the time of writing the cost to ride the Scaly Mountain Screamer was as follows:

TicketOne RideThree Rides
Adults (16+ years old)$18$40
Youth (7 – 15 years old)$14$30
Child (3 – 6 years old) $7$15

Tickets cannot be purchased online in advance so you will need to get them at the venue.

Operating Hours

Operating hours for the Scaly Mountain Coaster vary depending on the season and are subject to change in adverse weather conditions.

We recommend you check out the Highlands Outpost website for the latest operating hour information.

Rider Requirements

As with any ride of this nature, there are some rider and passenger requirements that are in place for your safety:

  • Riders must be 9 years or older and a minimum of 54″ tall to ride alone.
  • Rider must be 3 years or older and a minimum of 38″ to go on the ride.
  • Maximum of 2 riders per cart.
  • If there are two people in the cart, the driver must be 16 years or older.
  • The total combined weight of the cart must not exceed 350 lbs in dry conditions and 300 lbs in wet conditions.

Location and How To Get There

The Scaly Mountain Screamer is located at Highlands Outpost in North Carolina.

Address: 7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28755

Directions to the Scaly Mountain Screamer can also be found on the map below:

Before You Go..

If you’re looking for an alternative mountain coaster ride in North Carolina then we highly recommend you check out the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster – North Carolina’s first mountain coaster.

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