If you’re planning a Smoky Mountain getaway and craving some adrenaline, Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s mountain coasters are a must-try. A mountain coaster is a downhill roller coaster where you ride in a sled-like cart and control your own speed with a hand brake. These gravity-propelled coasters wind through the woods and hillsides, offering gorgeous views and the excitement of a roller coaster – all at your pace.
Families love them because even young kids (with an adult’s help) can enjoy the ride, and thrill-seekers can push the throttle for a heart-pounding rush. Gatlinburg is home to several of these coasters, each with its own unique twist. Below, we cover all of them – what to expect, where to find them, how much they cost, and tips to make the most of your visit.
Image: Gravity propels mountain coaster sleds downhill and are controlled with handbrakes.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster (Formerly Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster)
Image via Moonshine Mountain Coaster website
Gatlinburg’s first mountain coaster, opened in 2014, is now known as the Moonshine Mountain Coaster. This coaster offers a smooth, silent ride down a mountainside on a specially designed track, letting you soak in the Smokies scenery or zip down with the wind in your hair – it’s your choice. Riders can reach speeds of around 30–35 mph at top throttle, but you can also go slower to enjoy the views. The track is about three-quarters of a mile long with plenty of twists and turns. One highlight is riding after dark: the coaster is lined with colorful lights, creating a magical nighttime experience as you fly down under Gatlinburg’s twinkling skyline. It’s fun in any season – the coaster runs year-round, rain or shine (except extreme weather), so you can even try it with a misty winter backdrop or gentle snow falling.
- Location: 306 Parkway (Traffic Light #2) in downtown Gatlinburg. There is free on-site parking – a rare perk in downtown, so it’s easy to pull in and ride.
- Hours: Open daily, typically from around 10:00 AM until 10:00 or 11:00 PM (extended hours on weekends) during the main tourist season. Hours can be shorter (e.g. closing by early evening) on weekdays or in winter, so check ahead.
- Tickets: About $15–$18 per adult for a single ride (ages 13+ fall in adult category). Kids around 8–12 are often a few dollars cheaper, and ages 3–7 can ride as a passenger with an adult for a small fee (around $5). Many mountain coasters, including this one, offer second rides at a big discount – for example, you can ride a second time the same day for about $8. If you’re really hooked, Moonshine Mountain Coaster also offers an all-day wristband for roughly $30 that lets you ride unlimited times – a great value for thrill seekers who want to go again and again.
- Who Can Ride: Solo drivers must be at least 56″ tall (about 4’8″) and usually age 9 or 10+ depending on the rules. Younger kids (ages 3–7, minimum 38″ tall) can ride tandem with a responsible person age 16+ in the back seat. The cart capacity is about 375 lbs combined (330 lbs if the track is wet) for safety. Helmets aren’t required; just buckle the seatbelt, hold the brake handles, and you’re good to go.
Tip: Ride once in daylight and once at night. You’ll get two totally different experiences – scenery during the day, and a neon-lit thrill ride after dark. Taking a second ride at half-price makes this easy on the budget. Also, secure any loose items (phones, hats, etc.) or leave them in the car – you don’t want them flying off when you hit the high-speed curves!
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster (Formerly Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster)
image via Ripley’s Mountain Coaster Website
Located at 386 Parkway in Gatlinburg, this coaster was originally the “Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster” and was taken over by Ripley’s in 2022. Now part of the Ripley’s family of attractions (like the Aquarium), the Ripley’s Mountain Coaster delivers a fast and exciting ride through the woods. In fact, it’s one of the fastest mountain coasters in town – carts can hit up to 35 mph on the downhill if you don’t use the brake. The track is over 3,000 feet long, packed with turns, dips, and zippy straightaways. Like other coasters, you control the speed, so it’s as wild or mild as you want. This coaster does have an automatic braking distance system for safety, but since it’s a newer model you’ll find it smooth and secure. Riders consistently praise it as a fun, family-friendly adventure that still provides plenty of thrill. At night, the Ripley’s coaster lights up in multi-color LEDs, adding an extra “wow” factor to your ride.
One unique feature at this location is that it also offers the Mountain Glider – a one-of-a-kind suspended single-rail ride that feels like a mix of hang-gliding and ziplining. You’re strapped in a harness below the rail and “fly” through the treetops. If your family is up for an extra thrill (and everyone meets the height/weight requirements), consider giving the glider a try while you’re here – it’s the only ride of its kind in the world!
- Location: 386 Parkway, Gatlinburg. It’s right off the main strip, a bit closer to the national park end of town. Free parking is available in front of the coaster station (or you can easily walk from many downtown hotels).
- Hours: Usually open 365 days a year, rain, snow, or shine (they may only pause for truly severe weather). Standard hours are around 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM most days. In peak summer, they might stay open a bit later on weekends. Always check the latest schedule – for example, maintenance can occasionally close it for a day or two (the official Ripley’s site posts any planned closures).
- Tickets: This coaster often sells rides in multi-ride packages. For instance, a common deal is 2 rides for about $24.99 (one adult) or 3 rides for ~$29.99. They sometimes have a single-ride price around $15–$18 like others, but the combo tickets give you more runs for your money. Online booking is available on the Ripley’s website (and recommended on busy days). Money-saving tip: Because Ripley’s operates multiple attractions in Gatlinburg, you can buy combo passes (e.g. Aquarium + Coaster, or multiple Ripley attractions) at a discount. If you’re planning to visit other Ripley’s attractions, ask about combo tickets – you could save 25% or more.
- Who Can Ride: Drivers must be at least 10 years old and 54″ tall to control a cart by themselves. As with other coasters, kids 3–9 (minimum ~38″ tall) can ride as a passenger with someone 16 or older driving. The max combined weight per cart is about 375 lbs (330 lbs in wet conditions). Note: Secure any loose items; the staff will remind you. They do have seat belts and backrests for comfort and safety.
Extras: Don’t forget to check out the Mountain Glider if your group is adventurous – it’s a separate ticket, but often offered in a combo deal with coaster rides. Many riders say the coaster + glider combo at this site was their favorite experience. And because this coaster is run by Ripley’s, the staff may point you to online coupons or deals (sometimes you’ll find BOGO offers in the off-season). It never hurts to look for a Ripley’s coupon booklet around town or online.
Anakeesta’s Rail Runner & Hellbender Mountain Coasters
Anakeesta is a popular outdoor adventure park in Gatlinburg, perched on a mountaintop that you reach by chairlift or gondola. In addition to gardens, zip-lines, and great views, Anakeesta now boasts two distinct mountain coasters:
Image: Rail Runner Mountain Coaster via Anakeesta’s Website
- Rail Runner: a single-rail mountain coaster (the first of its kind in the USA). Instead of the typical two-rail sled, this coaster has a mono-rail track that gives a unique free-flying feel. The Rail Runner starts near the top of Anakeesta Mountain and immediately drops you down 1,600 feet of track with twists and turns, covering a 400-foot elevation change. It’s steep and thrilling – riders often say it feels more intense because you sit lower and the single rail zooms you close to the ground. Speeds top out around 25 mph, and there are even a few sections where you’re advised to brake due to the steepness! After the downhill rush, a pulley system calmly tows you back up to the start. You can ride solo or tandem (tandem is great if you have a small child riding with you).
Image: Hellbender Mountain Coaster via Anakeesta’s Website
- Hellbender: the newest coaster at Anakeesta (opened late 2023) is a more traditional double-rail mountain coaster, but built for big thrills. The Hellbender’s track is 3,350 feet long – more than twice as long as the Rail Runner – with 7 major turns and a total drop of 240 feet elevation. It also reaches about 25 mph at top speed, if you let it rip. The ride features tandem or solo carts, so two can ride together. It’s named after the Hellbender salamander (a Smokies critter) and, like its namesake, this coaster slithers down the mountain with lots of curves. It provides a slightly less steep but longer ride than the Rail Runner, so it’s a perfect complement – Rail Runner is shorter and a bit more “dropping”, while Hellbender is longer with more sweeping turns. Both are excellent and give you two different coaster experiences on one mountain.
Important: To ride these, you must enter Anakeesta (a ticketed park). General admission to Anakeesta is about $35 for adults (ages 12+) and ~$23 for kids 4–11 – that includes the chairlift/gondola ride up and access to the park attractions (views, gardens, play areas, etc.) but does not include the coaster rides. Once inside, you need to purchase a Coaster Pass add-on. The Coaster Pass is about $16.99 per person and covers two rides on the mountain coasters in any combination. In other words, one Coaster Pass lets you do two rides – you can do one on Rail Runner and one on Hellbender, or ride the same coaster twice, your choice. If you have a big group, each rider (or tandem pair) needs their own coaster ticket. Because of these logistics and costs, plan to spend at least a half-day at Anakeesta to make it worthwhile – enjoy the coasters and the other attractions in the park.
- Location: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg. This is the base station for Anakeesta (right in downtown). You’ll ride the Chondola (chairlift/gondola) from there up to the park. Note: There’s no separate road to drive up – you must take Anakeesta’s lift to reach the coasters. Parking can be found in nearby public lots or garages in downtown Gatlinburg (Anakeesta itself doesn’t have on-site public parking at the base).
- Hours: Anakeesta’s hours vary by season, generally morning through early evening. In summer, they often open around 9 or 10 AM and stay open until 8 or 9 PM, but in off-season it could be 10 AM–6 PM. The coasters follow the park hours (they won’t run when the park is closed). Check Anakeesta’s website for the exact “Event Calendar & Hours” on your visit date. They do operate in rain (the coasters are weather-dependent but a little rain is usually okay; very high winds or lightning would close them). A nice perk: if you enter after 6 PM, Anakeesta sometimes offers discounted admission, and you could catch a night ride on the coasters when crowds thin out.
- Tickets: As mentioned, you need two tickets: Anakeesta admission + the Coaster Pass. Buying online in advance is smart, especially in peak season, to avoid ticket lines. Anakeesta often has packages (for example, a season pass if you plan to visit multiple times, or combo deals with other attractions). But if you’re just there for a day, expect to pay roughly $35 + $17 = $52 per adult for park + coasters (less for kids). Children under 4 are free for park entry, but remember only ages 3+ can ride the coasters (with an adult).
- Who Can Ride: The Rail Runner has a lower weight limit (due to that single rail): combined weight 230 lbs max per cart. Single riders must be at least 7 years old and 48″ tall; tandem riders allowed only if the front passenger is age 3–7 and 38–47″ tall (and combined weight under 230). They will have you sign a waiver (you can even do it online ahead of time to save time). For the Hellbender, the cart limit is higher at 330 lbs, and generally if you meet the standard mountain coaster requirements (age 16+ to drive with a smaller rider, or >=56″ tall to drive alone) you’ll be fine. Always double-check posted signs – the staff at Anakeesta will ensure everyone meets the safety guidelines before riding.
Tip: Plan your rides strategically. Mornings can be a good time to ride with minimal wait. If lines are long midday, enjoy other activities and note that coaster lines often die down in late afternoon or evening once families start to leave. Also, since you get two rides with the Coaster Pass, try one on each coaster to decide which you like best! For many, Rail Runner feels more “intense” while Hellbender feels “more speed & scenery” – but it’s personal preference. Finally, secure loose items (Anakeesta has free small lockers/cubbies near the coaster area). You can mount a GoPro or take a camera at your own risk – the uphill return is slow enough for pictures, but hold tight to your device.
Ober Mountain’s Tennessee Flyer (Ski Mountain Coaster)
Image: Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster via Ober Mountain’s Website
Head up to Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort) for the Tennessee Flyer – a mountain coaster set at the highest elevation of any coaster in the eastern U.S. Getting to this coaster is an adventure in itself: you can ride the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg up to Ober’s mountaintop park, or drive Ski Mountain Road to the top. Once at Ober, you’ll find the Tennessee Flyer coaster near the tubing park area.
The Tennessee Flyer (which opened in 2015 as the “Ski Mountain Coaster”) offers a scenic and exciting ride through the woods on Ober Mountain. First, you’ll sit back for a 1,000-foot tow up the hillside, surrounded by trees and glimpses of mountain vistas. At the top, gravity takes over and you’ll descend about 2,750 feet of track filled with turns, dips, zig-zags, and even a few corkscrew-like spirals. Top speed is about 25 mph, which feels plenty fast as you hug the curves down the mountain! The ride lasts roughly 5–6 minutes from start to finish. It’s designed to be comfortable: the carts have higher backrests and smooth braking, making it a very family-friendly experience even though it’s quite the thrill. Kids as young as 3 can ride with an adult, and many grandparents have enjoyed this one too – it’s a coaster for all ages (as Ober likes to say). The surrounding is beautiful, especially in fall when leaves are changing, or in winter if there’s a dusting of snow on the ground.
- Location: Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area – 1339 Ski Mountain Road. You can either take the tram from downtown (tram tickets are separate, about $25 round-trip for adults, with kids discounts) or drive up and park at Ober (parking fee around $10 in peak season). Once at Ober, find the coaster near the outdoor activities area. (Ober is an amusement area with ice skating, wildlife exhibits, etc., so it’s more than just the coaster.)
- Hours: Ober’s activities operate seasonally. In summer, the coaster typically runs from mid-morning (~10 AM) to evening (8 or 9 PM). In winter, hours might be shorter or dependent on daylight (since Ober also has skiing). As of the latest schedule, the coaster was open daily except occasional maintenance closures. Pro tip: If you arrive early in the day, do the coaster first before crowds from the tram arrive. Alternatively, late afternoon and evenings can be quieter, especially outside of holidays. Ober publishes operating hours on their site – check “Hours of Operation” for the current info before you go.
- Tickets: You can purchase a single ride on the Tennessee Flyer for $20 per person (kids 3–4 are free if riding with a paying adult). Ober also offers an “Adventure Pass” (formerly known as wristbands) that includes unlimited coaster rides plus other attractions. For example, a popular option is a 2-day pass for around $89 that includes unlimited coaster, ice skating, chairlift, etc. If you plan to spend a full day at Ober doing multiple activities, the pass can be cost-effective. Tram fare is separate unless you buy a bundle. You can get tickets at Ober’s booth or online. Keep in mind ticket sales for the coaster end about 30 minutes before closing time.
- Who Can Ride: Ages 3 and up can ride (3- and 4-year-olds free with adult, as noted). To drive the coaster alone, you typically need to be 9+ years old and around 52″ tall (Ober’s rules say 9 years/36″ min to operate, which seems low – usually by 9 years old kids meet the 52–56″ height anyway). For tandem, the driver must be 18+ years (if the passenger is a small child), and the combined weight can’t exceed 300 lbs per cart. The staff will measure little ones to ensure they meet height requirements. One note: Ober’s coaster does not run in heavy rain or storms, so on a stormy day it might temporarily close – plan accordingly.
Experience Tip: The Tennessee Flyer is all about the mountain atmosphere. Consider taking the Ober Aerial Tram up from Gatlinburg – it’s a fun scenic ride and saves you a white-knuckle mountain drive. The tram drops you right at the park. At the coaster, you’ll get a beautiful forested ride bordering the National Park. In fall, the foliage around the track is breathtaking; in winter, you might get views of snow-covered peaks. Because this coaster is at a ski area, you could combine it with seasonal activities (like riding the coaster, then tubing or skiing in winter, or wildlife viewing in summer). Lastly, as with all coasters, keep those cameras/phones secure – Ober’s carts are a bit roomier, but you don’t want your phone sliding out on a turn. Ober does take souvenir photos on the coaster, so you can always grab a photo of your ride from them.
Tips for Planning Your Mountain Coaster Adventure
- Timing is Everything: Mountain coasters are popular, so try to ride early in the day or later at night to avoid the longest lines. Mid-afternoon, especially in summer, can be busy with wait times. If you can, hit a coaster right when it opens, or take advantage of late-night hours (some coasters run until 10 or 11 PM) when crowds have thinned out.
- Weather Considerations: Most Gatlinburg coasters run in rain and even snow, which can actually be a lot of fun – a light rain can make the track slicker (translate: a bit faster!) and a winter ride gives you a holiday sledding vibe. However, check the forecast. Heavy rain or lightning will shut down rides temporarily. Dress appropriately for the weather (coat and gloves in winter – it gets cold rushing down the mountain!). Many coasters have rain shields on carts or overhead covers, and operators will dry the seats quickly after a shower passes.
- Safety First: All the coasters have solid safety records and clear instructions. Always keep your seat belt buckled and don’t take your hands off the brake handles except to take a quick photo when stopped. If you’re nervous, start out slow – you can control the brake to go at a comfortable pace. Conversely, if you want full throttle, just remember to never stop mid-ride unless there’s an emergency. These coasters have spacing systems but no one wants a bumper-car situation on a mountain coaster (and on some like Moonshine, there’s no automatic distance brake). Follow the rules given in the briefing – they’re simple and for everyone’s safety.
- Pricing Hacks: Look for online coupons or combo deals. Many official websites (and local brochures) offer a few dollars off or second-ride discounts. If you plan to ride multiple coasters, note that some places (like Moonshine and Ripley’s) offer cheaper re-rides at the same coaster only. But others like the Smoky Mountain Navigator or travel sites might have bundle tickets. Ripley’s, as mentioned, has combo tickets for their attractions. Also, if you’re a local or frequent visitor, check for unlimited ride passes (Moonshine’s all-day wristband, or Ober’s multi-day pass, etc.) which can pay off after just 2-3 rides.
- Age & Height Notes: Generally, kids must be at least 3 or 4 years old to ride with an adult, and around 9 or 10 to ride solo (with minimum height ~54–56″). If you have a toddler under 3, they unfortunately won’t be able to ride the coasters yet for safety. And if anyone in your group is on the taller/heavier side, just be aware of the cart limits – 375 lbs is the common max (Ober is 300 lbs). The carts are fairly accommodating (even “plus-size friendly” according to some rider reviews), but it’s a good reason to pair up riders wisely and maybe split up adults if two larger adults together would exceed a limit.
- Enjoy the Ride (Twice!): Almost every coaster offers a different vibe day vs. night. Day rides let you admire mountain views and surroundings; night rides give you the thrill of speed in the dark with dazzling lights on the track. If time and budget permit, do both. Use that half-price second ride or multi-ride package to experience the coaster at a different time. You won’t regret it – many say a nighttime mountain coaster was the highlight of their trip! And since you’re in control, you can take one ride to get comfortable, and the next to really fly.
- Plan for Photos: Coaster rides make for great memories. Some coasters snap automatic action photos (check at the ticket booth – Moonshine and Ripley’s have been known to offer this). Otherwise, you can bring a GoPro or secure your phone to record – just use a wrist strap or chest mount to be safe. And don’t forget to smile and scream! The fun of a mountain coaster is equal parts the view, the speed, and the shared laughter as your family zooms down a Smoky Mountain slope.
Image: Moonshine Mountain Coaster at night with lighted track via website
Conclusion
Gatlinburg’s mountain coasters perfectly blend scenic beauty with thrilling fun. Whether you’re a family with young kids, a couple looking for a unique date night, or a roller coaster enthusiast ticking off new experiences, these coasters offer something special. From the original Moonshine Coaster’s silent twists to the high-tech thrills at Anakeesta, each ride is a chance to make memories in the Smokies. So buckle up, hold on tight, and get ready to “ride the hill and feel the thrill” – mountain coaster style.
Enjoy your adventure in Gatlinburg, come stay at on of Our Cabins during your visit, and happy coasting!