North Carolina’s 3 mountain coasters provide scenic thrills & more
We’ve compiled a list of western North Carolina’s best mountain coasters for a new way to explore Appalachia.
Summer is amusement park season, and while that may conjure up any number of different images depending on how you like to patronize your local park — water slides, funnel cakes, etc. For most, the first image that comes to mind is roller coasters.
For those seeking out the best roller coasters in the Carolinas, Carowinds is the obvious choice. Straddling the border of North Carolina and South Carolina — with half of the park in Charlotte and the other half in Fort Mill — Carowinds is home to Fury 325, the largest and fastest roller coaster in the entire world. In fact, at 325 feet, it’s actually considered a giga coaster.
But enough of that, because we’re not here to talk about giga coasters. We’re here to talk about a whole different type of roller coaster altogether: alpine coasters.
What are alpine/mountain coasters?
Also known as a mountain coaster or even a summer toboggan, an alpine coaster is a type of roller coaster that uses gravity and the natural elevation of a mountain to take riders down a track in a cart that often resembles a bobsled.
These coasters are different from your average roller coaster because riders often have manual control of the brakes, allowing them to control their speed as they come around the corners. They’re also open year-round, unaffected by ice or snow (though some parks do close them down due to inclement weather).
And another big selling point: the views. A giga coaster might go more than 300 feet in the air but if you’re just looking at a parking lot, where’s the fun in that?
While the Tennessee mountains are known for being home to a number of alpine coasters, North Carolina is making a name for itself after the state’s first alpine coaster, Wilderness Run, opened in 2020.
There are now three operating in western North Carolina, providing a way to zip around and explore the Appalachian Mountains that’s unlike any experience you can hope for on a hiking trail. Let’s check them out.
Wilderness Run
3265 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk
Cost: $5-$35
Located next to the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, the state’s first alpine coaster was scheduled to open in January 2020 but hit a few snags, not the least of which being the major pandemic that shut down businesses across the state and country.
This family-owned-and-operated business opened in May 2020, as soon as Phase 1 of the state’s reopening took effect, as reported by High Country Press. The 3,160-foot track includes three circular loops (not upside-down loops), a series of waves, and several twists and turns. Fun for all ages, the coaster reaches up to 27 mph, with the rider in control of the braking system if they’d like to slow things down some.
You’ll need to register your check-in time before arrival, which guarantees you a parking spot and a spot in line. You’ll buy your tickets upon arrival. You only need to register one check-in time regardless of how many people are in your group or how many times you plan to ride.
Scaly Mountain Screamer
7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain
Cost: $7-$40
At more than 3,800 feet of gravity-powered thrills, the Scaly Mountain Screamer is North Carolina’s longest alpine coaster. Located inside Highlands Outpost, the coaster boasts 360-degree turns and gorgeous views for you to enjoy at your own speed.
There are no reservations required to ride the Screamer. Just come as you are, and while you’re at Highlands Outpost, you may want to make a day out of it. The location offers extreme tubing in the summer, a gem mine with over a dozen types of gems waiting to be discovered, and a trout pond that’s ready and waiting for fishermen and fisherwomen of all experience levels.
The venue provides all your equipment and asks that you follow one rule: no throwbacks, keep what you catch.
Blue Ridge Mountain Coaster
182 Jellystone Parkway, Bostic
Cost: $14-$19
Like Wilderness Run, Blue Ridge Mountain Coaster boasts speeds of up to 27 mph, though it’s all up to you if you want to go that fast. The 3,226-foot track usually takes around 6 minutes to traverse, with wonderful views of the Golden Valley at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.
The coaster is open to anyone 3 years old and up, though there are some other restrictions to keep in mind. Riders must be at least 38” to ride and must be at least 9 years old and a minimum of 54” to drive or ride alone.
Jellystone Park remains open year-round and offers a range of activities — some of which are seasonal — including an interactive water playground, a water zipline, lake activities, laser tag, mini golf, jumping pillows, a gem mine, and more.
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