Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a mountain coaster located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.[1] It opened on August 3, 2013, and was the first mountain coaster to be built in the Smoky Mountains. The coaster is the longest mountain coaster in the United States.

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Coordinates35.7934°N 83.5965°W / 35.7934; -83.5965
StatusOperating
Opening dateAugust 3, 2013 (2013-08-03)
General statistics
TypeSteel – Mountain coaster
ManufacturerWiegand
ModelMountain coaster
Lift/launch systemCable lift hill
Height3,937 ft (1,200 m)
Speed27 mph (43 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration7-8 minutes
Height restriction56 in (142 cm)
Trainsa single car. Riders are arranged 1 across in 2 rows for a total of 2 riders per train.
Websitehttp://www.smokymountainalpinecoaster.com/
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster at RCDB
Pictures of Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster at RCDB

History

The owners began looking to open a mountain coaster in the U.S. in 2010, with the area being pinpointed in 2011. Construction began on the coaster in January 2013, with its opening in August of that year.[2] [3]

Description

One to two riders sit in individual carts, which are pulled to the top of a mountain by the means of a cable. Once released at the top, the cart navigates twists and turns down the mountain on a secured rail. Unlike a conventional roller coaster, the cars are equipped with hand brakes, which allow the riders to control their speed. Additionally, the carts themselves have a magnetic braking system to prevent the cart from going too fast.[4] The ride also has LED lighting for night rides, with over 300,000 lights.[5]

References
  1. "Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster". Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  2. Williams, Michael (25 May 2015), Mountain coasters in national park offer the newest fun in Tennessee, retrieved 9 March 2017
  3. Marden, Duane. "Alpine Coaster  (Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  4. Williams, Michael (25 May 2015), Mountain coasters in national park offer the newest fun in Tennessee, retrieved 9 March 2017
  5. Leshock, Marcus (17 March 2017), Coastin' the Country: Pigeon Forge Alpine Coasters, retrieved 30 March 2017
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