The Smoky Mountain Roller Coaster in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a must-visit attraction for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. This single-rail coaster offers a unique and exhilarating experience, with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains as the backdrop.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster: The Flagship Attraction

The Moonshine Mountain Coaster is the flagship attraction of the Smoky Mountain Roller Coaster experience. Located at 306 Parkway in Gatlinburg, this coaster boasts several impressive features:
- Tickets: Prices range from $5 for kids (3-7) to $17 for adults (13+), with discounts available for purchasing two or more tickets.
- Ride Details: Riders can choose to ride solo or in pairs, with individual brake handles to control their speed. The coaster features a silent track and an uphill lift, providing a thrilling descent down the mountain.
- Hours: The Moonshine Mountain Coaster is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the day of the week. Visitors can enjoy the ride from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 11 pm on weekends.
- Awards: This coaster has been recognized as the Best Mountain Coaster in 2021 and the Most Thrilling Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg.
Rail Runner Mountain Coaster at Anakeesta
Another exciting option for Smoky Mountain roller coaster enthusiasts is the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster at Anakeesta. This coaster is located within the Anakeesta outdoor adventure park and offers a unique single-rail experience:
- Tickets: The Coaster Pass, which includes access to both the Rail Runner and Hellbender coasters, is priced at $16.99.
- Ride Details: The Rail Runner coaster features a 1,600-foot downhill track with twists and turns, reaching speeds up to 25 mph. Riders will also enjoy a scenic uphill ride to the top of Anakeesta Mountain.
- Restrictions: The Rail Runner coaster is weather-dependent and has specific rider requirements and restrictions.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster: The Longest in the U.S.
For those seeking an even more thrilling experience, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge is the longest in the United States. This coaster offers a unique ride experience:
- Location: The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is located at 867 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
- Ride Details: Spanning over a mile in length, this coaster allows riders to control their own speed as they descend down the mountain.
- Hours: The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster operates with varying hours, typically from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 11 pm on weekends.
- Contact: For more information or to purchase tickets, visitors can contact the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster at (865) 365-5000.
These three mountain coasters in the Smoky Mountain region offer a diverse range of experiences, catering to thrill-seekers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a single-rail coaster, a scenic uphill ride, or the longest Alpine Coaster in the United States, the Smoky Mountain area has something to satisfy your craving for adventure.
Conclusion
The Smoky Mountain Roller Coaster in Gatlinburg is a must-visit attraction for anyone seeking an exhilarating and scenic experience in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. With its unique features, award-winning recognition, and variety of options, this coaster is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. So, plan your trip to Gatlinburg and get ready to embark on an unforgettable ride through the stunning Smoky Mountain landscape.
References:
– Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. (n.d.). Rocky Top Mountain Coaster | Pigeon Forge. Retrieved from https://www.rockytopcoaster.com
– Anakeesta. (n.d.). Rail Runner – Mountain Coaster – Gatlinburg – Anakeesta. Retrieved from https://anakeesta.com/rail-runner/
– My Pigeon Forge. (n.d.). Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster – Pigeon Forge, TN. Retrieved from https://www.mypigeonforge.com/business/smoky-mountain-alpine-coaster/
– Moonshine Mountain Coaster. (n.d.). Moonshine Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Retrieved from https://www.moonshinemountaincoaster.com
– Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. (n.d.). SMOKY MOUNTAIN ALPINE COASTER – Home. Retrieved from http://www.smokymountainalpinecoaster.com.