Pigeon Forge is a place in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee full of beautiful nature and thrilling activities. This charming town, known for its stunning scenery, is a paradise for adventure seekers. The lush, green mountain landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for many outdoor activities, but especially for one in particular: mountain coasters.
The mountain coasters in Pigeon Forge are exciting rides that stoke your need for speed. These coasters, winding through the scenic terrain, glide along the tracks on the mountains. It’s like a roller coaster but set in nature, following the natural ups and downs of the hills. Jump aboard for an unforgettable ride that will leave you breathless with excitement and wonder at the splendor of the Smokies. Here are our recommendations of Pigeon Forge’s best mountain coasters:
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The Picturesque Allure of Mountain Coasters
Mountain coasters offer a distinctive thrill, different from their amusement park counterparts. Their allure lies in their seamless integration with the natural landscape. Because they use the natural slopes of the land, the mountain decides how the coaster twists, turns, and drops. This makes the ride feel real, like you’re part of the mountain. You get to experience the mountain’s shape at fast speeds. These recommended mountain coasters give you an adrenaline rush while immersed in the beauty of nature.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster: A Nature-Lover’s Dream
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge is a dream come true for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Get ready for an amazing 9-minute ride on the longest mountain coaster in the region. It stretches over 3,888 feet! Riders weave through four distinct lifts and drops, each providing a new perspective of the stunning landscape. The adventure continues at night when the sun sets and the coaster becomes a magical night ride. The track lights up with beautiful lights, creating an enchanting experience under the stars.
The Scenic Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster offers a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Smokies. It is the second largest mountain coaster in North America at over 3,900 feet long. The ride begins with a tranquil 5-minute ascent, allowing you to absorb the beauty of your surroundings. At the peak, prepare for a thrilling descent that combines exhilarating speeds with panoramic views of the lush landscape. No matter the weather, this coaster lets you see the beautiful Smoky Mountains up close.
Family-Friendly and Budget-Friendly Options
The nearby town of Gatlinburg also offers many mountain coasters catering to families and budget-conscious travelers. If you are a parent of young children, Ripley’s Mountain Coaster might interest you. It offers a safe and exciting experience that is perfect for little adventurers. Another more budget-friendly choice is the Moonshine Mountain Coaster. These coasters strike a perfect balance, ensuring that the fun of a mountain coaster ride is accessible to everyone. These coasters also offer great deals and packages, showing Gatlinburg’s commitment to affordable family entertainment.
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster: Fun for the Whole Family
Safe and fun for all ages, Ripley’s Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg is a great adventure for the whole family. The designers have made this coaster an ideal choice for families looking to introduce their little ones to the joy of mountain coasters. Young thrill-seekers will find it to be gentle enough but still exciting. The pricing is affordable, with special packages for kids aged 3 to 9, allowing families to have fun without worrying about the cost.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster: Thrills Without the Bills
The Moonshine Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg is another affordable option for thrill-seekers. It also offers special discounts for locals, service members, and kids, as well as combo deals to make it more accessible to groups. This approach to pricing allows more visitors to enjoy the thrill of the ride, making it a popular choice if you’re seeking adventure on a budget.
Unique Coaster Experiences in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge has a few other amazing coaster experiences. One of these is “Goats On the Roof.” You can ride a high-speed coaster and play with friendly goats afterward nearby. Another great experience is Rowdy Bear’s Avalanche Snow Coaster, located near other attractions right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. These unique experiences make visiting Pigeon Forge’s mountain coasters even more exciting and special.
Goats On the Roof: A Unique Twist
“Goats On the Roof” in Pigeon Forge offers a unique mountain coaster experience that goes beyond the thrill of the ride. There are friendly goats that live on the roof of the gift shop, hence the name. In this fun and unique experience, you can ride on a roller coaster for 7 minutes. The roller coaster track is 4,875 feet long and features lots of twists and turns. After the ride, you can visit the petting zoo and feed and play with the goats. It’s a great combination of exciting rides and cute animals.
Rowdy Bear’s Avalanche Snow Coaster: Location and Variety
Rowdy Bear’s Avalanche Snow Coaster sits in downtown Pigeon Forge, close to other popular tourist spots. With its central location it’s a convenient addition to any itinerary. Besides the snow coaster, Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park is full of other kid-friendly attractions. These include the Skylift Shootout Coaster and Outdoor Axe Throwing. Choose from a variety of experiences to match your thrill level. Rowdy Bear’s is a standout choice for anyone looking for an adrenaline-filled day in Pigeon Forge.
Conclusion
The Smokies’ mountain coasters are exciting, to say the least. The longest and most immersive ride is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. However, the picturesque Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is also a great choice. Families can have a safe and fun introduction to thrill rides at Ripley’s Mountain Coaster. Meanwhile, budget-friendly adventures are available at Moonshine Mountain Coaster. The quirky charm of Goats On the Roof and the central convenience of Rowdy Bear’s Avalanche Snow Coaster add further diversity to the mix. The thrilling mountain coasters of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg combine adventure and stunning mountain landscapes into a budget-friendly ride that all ages will enjoy.