Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster sends you down more than a mile of track on a sled you control yourself. It sits on Wears Valley Road just outside the bustle of the Parkway, and it's one of the longest rides in Pigeon Forge.

The coaster bills itself as the longest downhill track in the United States, and one trip around the circuit takes about seven to eight minutes. You decide how fast to take each curve, so it works for cautious first-timers and speed-seekers alike. It's also easy to reach: just a little over a mile off the Parkway, on the road toward Wears Valley and Townsend.

How the alpine coaster works

An alpine coaster, sometimes called a mountain coaster, is a single-rail ride where you sit in your own sled instead of a train of cars. The track follows the shape of the hillside, so you wind through curves and dips as you head back down.

On the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, the rider in control of the sled sets the speed. The sleds can reach a maximum of about 27 mph, but you can ease off whenever you want. Each sled holds one or two riders, so a parent and child can ride together.

Seat belts are required on every ride, and every rider must be able to buckle up.

Who can ride

The coaster posts clear rules for who can ride and how:

• Riding alone: You must be at least 56 inches tall.
• Riding as a passenger: Passengers must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall, and must ride with a companion who's at least 16 years old.
• Controlling the sled: The person driving a double sled must be at least 16 and 56 inches tall.
• Maximum height: 84 inches (7 feet).
• Weight: Each sled can carry up to 375 pounds combined in dry conditions, or 330 pounds in wet conditions.

Guests who are pregnant, or who have a heart condition or a back or neck injury, should not ride. Riders need upper and lower body control and must be able to sit upright with their head against the seat back. The coaster's own rule of thumb: if in doubt, don't ride.

Rules of the track

Because every sled controls its own speed, a few rules keep the ride safe and fun for everyone:

• Keep moving. Never stop on the track or go too slowly. There may be riders behind you.
• Watch the sled ahead. If you catch up to the rider in front of you, slow down. Bumping into another sled isn't allowed.
• Nothing loose. Loose items and headgear aren't permitted on the ride.
• No snacks. Food, drinks, gum and candy aren't allowed while you ride.
• Buckle up. Seat belts must be worn the whole way.

Rain, snow and night rides

A little weather doesn't stop the coaster. It can run in rain and even snow, though it closes during thunderstorms and heavy rain for safety. On wet days, remember that the sled weight limit drops to 330 pounds.

The coaster also stays open into the evening, so you can ride after dinner or end your day with a run after dark. Hours are subject to change, so check the official website before you go.

Tips for your ride

• Leave hats and loose items behind. Since headgear and loose items aren't allowed, leave them in the car or with a non-rider.
• Plan your pairs. Kids between 38 and 56 inches need a companion 16 or older. Sort out who rides with whom before you reach the loading area.
• Take the first ride easy. With more than a mile of track, there's plenty of ride. Learn the curves the first time, then pick up speed.
• Check the sky. Light rain is fine, but storms close the ride. If the forecast looks rough, have a backup plan.
• Combine it with Wears Valley. The coaster is on the way to Wears Valley, so it pairs well with a scenic drive or a day exploring that side of the mountains.

Getting there

The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is at 867 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge. From the Parkway, turn onto Wears Valley Road (U.S. 321) at traffic light #3, heading toward Cades Cove and Townsend. The coaster is on your left, a little over a mile from the Parkway.

Being just off the main strip makes it an easy stop between Pigeon Forge and Wears Valley. For more ideas on that side of the mountains, see our guide to things to do in Wears Valley.

More mountain coasters nearby

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have plenty of coasters to compare. Over on Veterans Boulevard, the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster has four uplifts and lit night rides. You can also try Lost Mine Mountain Coaster & Mini Golf or the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, or head to Gatlinburg for Moonshine Mountain Coaster.

See how they stack up in our guide to the best mountain coasters in the Smoky Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster?

It's at 867 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge, a little over a mile off the Parkway. Turn onto Wears Valley Road at traffic light #3.

How long is the ride?

The circuit is more than a mile long and takes about seven to eight minutes.

How fast does the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster go?

The sleds reach a maximum of about 27 mph, and the rider controls the speed.

How tall do you have to be?

You must be 56 inches tall to ride alone. Passengers must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall, riding with a companion 16 or older.

Does it run in the rain?

Yes. It can run in rain and snow, but it closes during thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Plan your visit

After your ride, keep the mountain scenery going with our cabins with mountain views or our family cabins.

Stay close to the coaster with our Pigeon Forge cabins, head down the road to our Wears Valley cabins, or browse all of our Smoky Mountain cabins. Book direct and get the Stay & Play Pass with free attraction tickets for every paid night.