The Wisp Mountain Resort in Maryland is the venue of the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster, a gravity-powered mountain coaster that is a great outdoor activity for the whole family.
It should come as no surprise that we think mountain coasters are one of the best activities you can do.
These rides combine the thrill of a high-speed roller coaster with some of the most beautiful locations in the world.
Located near Deep Creek Lake, the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster is the first and only mountain coaster in Maryland.
A popular attraction in summer, this ride operates all year round providing riders with a unique experience depending on the season.
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 riding the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster, including insider tips and advice, so keep reading to find out more.
Contents
- How Long is the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster?
- How Fast is the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster?
- What is a Mountain Coaster?
- Video
- Cost
- Operating Hours
- Rider Requirements
- Location and How To Get There
- FAQs
How Long is the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster?
Reaching a speed of up to 28mp/h (45 km/h), the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster is 4,800 feet (1,463m) long and offers riders an exhilarating ride with 350 feet (106m) of vertical descent, multiple 360-degree loops, drops and turns.
The total ride time is between 4 and 5 minutes.
The ride starts with a 3-minute cable-pulled ascent to the top. It’s a slow journey but it is definitely worth the wait. Riders are able to relax and enjoy the view of Deep Creek Lake and Garret County below.
At the top, the cart turns to the left and the downhill section begins!
You can expect a total downhill ride time of about 1:30, depending on your speed!
How Fast Does the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster Go?
The Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster can reach a maximum speed of 28 mp/h (45 km/h).
As a safety feature, mountain coasters are fitted with an automatic braking system that stops the carts from going over the maximum.
In addition, the mountain coaster is fitted with a manual brake that enables riders to control the speed of their descent.
If 28 mp/h (45 km/h) is too fast for you, you can slow the ride down to a speed that feels more comfortable.
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 some age and height restrictions that apply.
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 mountain coasters is that no prior experience or training is necessary. You can just jump in and enjoy the ride.
Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster 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 Wisp Resort Mountain 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!
The video below is of the entire ride experience, including the 3-minute ascent to the starting point. If you only want to see the downhill section then skip to 3:15.
How Much Does the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster Cost?
At the time of writing the cost to ride the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster was as follows:
| Ticket | Price (one-ride) | Price (two-rides) |
|---|---|---|
| Single rider | $29 | $59 |
| Double rider | $34 | $74 |
Note that the prices above do not include the applicable tax.
Tickets can be purchased online and in advance on the official Wisp Resort website.
Operating Hours
The Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster operate in both summer and winter.
The opening times vary each month so we always recommend you check out the official Wisp Resort website for the latest information.
Rider Requirements
There are a few height, age and other restrictions to be aware of before going on this ride. We’ve summarised these below.
- To drive the mountain coaster, guests must be at least 8 years old and 54″ (137cm) tall.
- Riders must be at least 3 years old and 38″ (96cm) tall to ride as a passenger and they must be accompanied by someone who is 16+ years old.
- The maximum combined weight of the cart is 330 lbs (150kg).
- All riders must keep their feet inside the cart at all times.
- Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn. No bare feet allowed.
- Loose articles/clothing/hair are not permitted on the ride.
- It is recommended that pregnant women not ride this mountain coaster.
In addition, participants also need to complete this Mountain Coaster Release Form before they can go on the ride.
Location and How To Get There
The Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster is located on the eastern side of Wisp Mountain.
Address: Wisp Resort, 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD 21541
Directions to Wisp Resort can also be found on the map below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster open in winter?
The Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster is open in both summer and winter with each season providing a unique experience for riders.
Operating hours can vary depending on the season so we always recommend checking out the latest operating hours on the official website.
