You’ll ride through smoky forests on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge, steering your own sled through curves and uplifts. Feel the rush as night falls and glowing lights guide your way, with laughter echoing behind you. Free parking and WiFi keep things easy so you can just focus on holding tight—and maybe going for one more round.
“You sure you wanna go first?” That’s what I asked my cousin as we stood at the start of the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge. The air smelled like wet pine — it had rained earlier, so everything felt sharper somehow. The staff joked with us about “holding on tight” (I laughed, but honestly, my palms were already sweaty). We climbed into our sleds and got a quick rundown — turns out you control your own speed, which I didn’t expect. It’s weirdly comforting, knowing you can slow down if your nerves get the best of you.
The first uplift was longer than I thought — you just sort of float up through these dark green tunnels of trees, hearing nothing but the chain clacking and someone’s kid giggling ahead. Then the drop comes and it’s all wind and flashes of light if you do this at night (which we did). Those glowing lights along the track make everything feel kind of surreal, like a carnival snuck into the woods. My cousin kept yelling “faster!” but I was too busy grinning like an idiot and trying to spot the Smoky Mountains between hairpin turns. Nine minutes goes by fast when your heart’s pounding in your ears.
There are four uplifts and four drops — each one feels different. Sometimes you catch a whiff of damp leaves or see a deer flash past (maybe? Or maybe my brain made that up). The coaster covers over 20 acres, which sounds huge until you’re zipping around corners thinking about nothing except not letting go. One of the staff waved as we rolled back to the finish; he asked if we’d try it again after dark because “that’s when it really gets wild.” He wasn’t wrong — those lights stick with me even now.
The ride lasts over 9 minutes from start to finish.
Yes, free parking is included for all guests.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; check specific age requirements onsite.
Yes, the attraction is wheelchair accessible.
Yes, night rides are available with illuminated tracks for a unique experience.
The coaster is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health; weight limit per sled is 375 lbs.
Your ticket includes admission to Rocky Top Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge with access to all four uplifts and drops—plus free WiFi throughout the site, all fees and taxes covered, and free parking right outside so you don’t have to worry about anything except showing up ready to ride.
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