When it comes to mountain and alpine coasters, Tennessee has some of the best on offer in the USA.
This state happens to have the highest concentration of mountain and alpine coasters in the US, even more than Colorado.
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.
These mountain and alpine coasters, located close to the Smoky Mountains, provide visitors with a thrilling ride year-round and are the ideal outdoor activity for you and your family.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Tennessee’s alpine and mountain coasters then you have come to the right place!
Tennessee Mountain and Alpine Coasters
- Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
- Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster (SkyLand Ranch)
- Goats on the Roof Coaster
- Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
- Moonshine Mountain Coaster
- Ski Mountain Coaster (Ober Gatlinburg)
- Rail Runner (Anakeesta)
- Hellbender Mountain Coaster
Map of Tennesse Mountain Coasters
Before you dive into each mountain we thought it might be useful to know where the Tennessee mountain and alpine coasters are located.
The following map shows the location of every mountain and alpine coaster mentioned in this article:
Now that you know where they’re located, let’s take a closer look at the mountain and alpine coasters you can ride.
1. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Location: Pigeon Forge
Cost: $18 for an adult single-ride ticket
Ride time: Total ride time of 7 – 8 minutes
The first coaster on our list is the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster which is located in Pigeon Forge.
This was the first mountain coaster in Tennessee and set the stage for what was to become a hub of mountain and alpine coasters.
The ride opened in 2013 and continues to be voted one of the best alpine coasters in the area.
If you only have the time for one mountain or alpine coaster in the Smoky Mountains then the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the one most people would recommend.
The track length of about 1 mile (1,646 meters) makes it the longest alpine coaster in Pigeon Forge and one of the longest in the United States.
You can find more information about this ride by checking our comprehensive guide to the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster.
2. Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Location: Pigeon Forge
Cost: $18 for a single-ride adult ticket
Ride time: 9 minutes
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, which is also located in Pigeon Forge and has been operating since 2018, is a favourite amongst visitors to the area.
What makes this ride different to almost all the other mountain coasters in the area is that it has four uphill and downhill sections.
Something to be aware of if you’re considering riding this mountain coaster is that because of these four separate sections, it’s easy to get backed up behind other riders who are going slowly.
This is largely out of your control as you never know who is going to be in front of you.
Overall, this ride has a reputation for being one of the best in the area but if you’re looking to go as fast as possible you’re better off trying another ride (or go in the off-peak times).
If you want further information on this mountain coaster then head over to our guide to the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.
3. Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster (SkyLand Ranch)
Location: SkyLand Ranch Sevierville
Cost: $9 – $19 for a single ride
Ride time: Total ride time of about 8 – 9 minutes
We mentioned in our introduction that there seems to be a new mountain coaster added to the area every few years and the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster at the SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville is the latest one to open in 2023.
Even though it has only been open for a short period of time, this ride is getting some excellent feedback, with some people even rating it as their favorite mountain coaster.
We guess that is something you’ll have to decide for yourself, so if you get the chance then head over and try out the ride along with the many other activities on offer at the SkyLand Ranch.
You can find more information about this ride by checking out our guide to the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster.
4. Goats on the Roof Coaster
Location: Goats on the Roof (Pigeon Forge)
Cost: $12 per person plus tax
Ride time: Total ride time of about 5 – 7 minutes
The Goats on the Roof Mountain Coaster is one of the most popular rides in the Pigeon Forge area.
This mountain coaster has been operating since 2015 so it’s one of the older mountain coasters in Tennessee but don’t let that put you off.
At 4,875 feet (1,486m) in length and a 90-second downhill ride time this mountain coaster is a local favorite and you will not be disappointed with this ride.
It is also really well priced at only $12 (plus tax).
You can find more information about this ride by checking out our guide to the Goats on the Roof Coaster
5. Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
Location: Ripley’s Mountain Coaster (Gatlinburg)
Cost: $24.99 for two adult mountain coaster rides
Ride time: Total ride time of about 5 minutes
This one-of-a-kind mountain coaster promises an unforgettable experience for all ages and is just one of many activities that Ripley’s offers in the Gatlinburg area.
Originally known as the Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster, ownership of the mountain coaster changed hands in 2022 and it was then renamed the Ripley’s Mountain Coaster.
If you’re looking for a different experience we recommend you do this ride at night. LED lights have been placed along the track making this a pretty incredible experience.
This mountain coaster is just one of the many Ripley’s activities you can do in the Gatlinburg area.
The most popular option for visitors is to purchase a combo ticket which includes the Ripley’s Aquarium Day Pass and a ride on the Ripley’s Mountain Coaster.
You can find more information about this ride by checking out our guide to the Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
6. Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Location: Moonshine Mountain Coaster (Gatlinburg)
Cost: $5 – $17 for a single ride
Ride time: Total ride time of 4 – 5 minutes
Originally known as the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, the first in Gatlinburg, this coaster was sold in September 2021.
The new owners decided to rebrand and upgrade – the coaster is now known as the Moonshine Mountain Coaster.
Reaching a speed of up to 30mp/h (48km/h), the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is 3,280 feet (1,000m) long and offers riders an exhilarating ride with multiple 360-degree loops, twists and turns as it winds its way down the mountain.
In 2021, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster was voted the Best Mountain Coaster by the Best in Pigeon Forge.
The ride is open year-round and offers night rides as well.
You can find more information about this ride by checking out our guide to the Moonshine Mountain Coaster.
7. Ski Mountain Coaster (Ober Gatlinburg)
Location: Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area (Gatlinburg)
Cost: $39 – $49 (includes unlimited rides plus access to other activities)
Ride time: Total ride time of approximately 5 minutes
Located at the Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area, the Ski Mountain Coaster is 3,750 feet (1,143m) long and has a total ride time of about 5 minutes.
“The ride begins with a 1000 ft tree-covered and relaxing ride to the top. At this point, the rider simply enjoys the view, as it is a comfortable tow to the top of the mountainside. Once at the top, riders are now in control of their own speed for the next 2750 ft of turns, dips, zig-zags, corkscrews and G-force adventures.”
You can find more information about this ride by checking out our guide to the Ski Mountain Coaster (Ober Gatlinburg)
8. Rail Runner (Anakeesta)
Location: Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park (Gatlinburg)
Cost: $14.99 – $18.99 for a single ride
Ride time: Total ride time 5 minutes (downhill section about 50 seconds)
This ride is unique because the Anakeesta Rail Runner is the only single-rail alpine coaster in North America.
Unlike your typical dual-rail mountain coasters, Anakeesta Rail Runner features a monorail which is built close to the ground and simulates the thrill of downhill mountain biking.
The monorail track is the most popular style used for Canadian Mountain Coasters.
Riders experience 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.
This Anakeesta Rail Runner is reasonably priced but it is worth noting that you need to purchase a separate gondola lift ticket to access the ride which is located at the top of the mountain.
As soon as the Hellbender Mountain Coaster is open (see below) you’ll have access to two different styles of alpine and mountain coasters when you visit Anakeesta.
You can find more information about this ride by checking out our guide to the Rail Runner (Anakeesta)
9. Hellbender Mountain Coaster
Location: Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park (Gatlinburg)
Cost: N/a
Ride time: N/a
The final mountain coaster on our list is the Hellbender Mountain Coaster located at Anakeesta.
This is another new mountain coaster that will open in 2023. In fact, at the time of writing this mountain coaster was still not yet open.
This ride will now mean that Anakeesta has two rides for you to choose from with each ride providing a completely different experience.
What makes this ride different from the Rail Runner above, is that it uses the more popular dual-track system that you find on almost all mountain and alpine coasters throughout the US.
The dual-track system will provide a much smoother ride experience and because of the modern braking system, it is also able to run in the rain.
As soon as the ride is up and running we’ll be sure to add new information here.
Tennesse Mountain and Alpine Coaster Tips
If you’re inspired to ride one of these mountain or alpine coasters this season then we’ve got a few tips for you below:
1. We always recommend you check the opening times and weather before you go, especially during the winter months.
The mountainous weather can be temperamental and whilst most of the mountain and alpine coasters can operate in the rain, for safety reasons they do close in adverse weather conditions.
2. If you’re going to ride a mountain or alpine coaster during winter then make sure you dress warmly.
The low temperatures and wind chill can make for a very unpleasant ride if you aren’t wearing the right clothing.
3. Although mountain and alpine coasters have a number of safety features, you’ll still need to sign a waiver form before you can ride.
In most cases, you can save yourself time by doing this online in advance of your arrival.
4. Prices vary based on the location of the ride but you can expect to pay between $10-$30 for the rides.
Some rides offer discounts if you purchase tickets online so we recommend doing that rather than waiting to buy at the venue.
Buying online also guarantees you’ll be able to a ticket. During peak times, some of the more popular rides sell out.
5. Finally, due to their limited capacity (maximum of two people) and spacing between carts (for riders’ safety), alpine and mountain coasters can have very long wait times during peak times.
If you don’t like waiting in long queues and you want to avoid them then our advice is to always go during off-peak times (early morning or at night).
Final Thoughts
Tennessee really is spoilt for choice when it comes to mountain coasters, with nine currently in operation.
The Smoky Mountains are perfect for these rides as they provide the natural elevation, beautiful surroundings and sweeping views that make these rides so unique.
If you live in the Smoky Mountain Area, or you’re heading there for a vacation, then make sure you add one of these mountain or alpine coasters to your to-do list!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the mountain coaster in Tennessee?
Costs to ride the mountain and alpine coasters in Tennessee vary but based on our research, you can expect to pay $12 – $20 for a single mountain coaster ride.
At most venues, there are discounts for multiple rides and you can often combine the mountain coaster ride with other activities on offer.
What is the best mountain roller coaster in Tennessee?
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster has been consistently voted the best mountain roller coaster ride in Tennessee.
Each ride however offers a completely unique experience so we recommend you try as as many as you can a decided which one you enjoy the most!
What are the longest mountain coasters in Tennessee?
With a track length of approximately 1 mile (1,646 meters), the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the longest mountain coaster in Tennessee.
What is the fastest mountain coaster in Tennessee?
Reaching a speed of up to 30mp/h (48km/h), the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is the fastest mountain coaster in Tennessee.
How many alpine coasters are in Tennessee?
There are currently nine mountain and alpine coasters in Tennessee. The nine mountain and alpine coasters are:
- Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
- Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster (SkyLand Ranch)
- Goats on the Roof Coaster
- Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
- Moonshine Mountain Coaster
- Ski Mountain Coaster (Ober Gatlinburg)
- Rail Runner (Anakeesta)
- Hellbender Mountain Coaster
What is the longest alpine coaster in Tennessee?
The longest alpine coaster in Tennessee is the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster with a total track length of about 1 mile (1,646 meters).
The total ride time on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is about 7 – 8 minutes.
