Ripley’s Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg is a self-operated, gravity-propelled mountain coaster that offers a ride down the mountainside on a rail-mounted coaster cart, with a speed you can control. This was formerly the Rowdy Bear coaster, taken under Ripley’s management in 2022. Kids as young as three love riding the gravity-powered roller coaster that winds through gorgeous trees by day and colored lights at night.
There’s a second ride too, the Mountain Glider, which feels like a combination of hang gliding and free falling. Have you ever wanted to fly through the treetops? The Mountain Glider may be the next best thing. It’s the first ride of its kind in the world. You glide through the trees suspended from a rail. Like the coaster, the glider is both exciting and safe. Staff members here get high marks for being helpful and nice.
Images courtesy of Gatlinburg.com
The advantage with ticketing is the large number of other Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg – including the famous Aquarium of course – so it makes sense to “combo up” with tickets and save money on multiple attractions.
Propelled by gravity, the Rowdy Bear coaster can reach speeds up to 35 mph. How fast you go is up to you. Each coaster comes with a brake that you control. Some people who go on multiple rides start off slow, then go a little faster on their next ride, and then build up the courage to go at top speed. At night, multi-colored lights surround the whole track, creating an experience that feels magical.
The coaster operation also offers the innovative glider, a monorail experience that combines hang-gliding with ziplining, with the additional coaster feel of the curves and spiral courses.Nighttime is very different, and very special on any mountains coaster, and Ripley’s coaster has a dazzling array of sparkling lights along the track for an enchanting evening ride – a great date-night excursion, lots of fun.
On balance this works out well for everyone,with Ripley’s adding the Gatlinburg coaster to its efficient management and happy staff, and its expansive menu of attractions, and Rowdy Bear playing in the snow, where its heart seems to be (and we like the results).
Useful Information
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
386 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 430-7800
Web: Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
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