Duration
1-2 hours (longer if doing both coaster and glider or multiple rides)
Price
$19-25 per ride (kids $9-12 with adult, combo tickets available)
Best For
Thrill-seeking families with kids 8+ • Couples looking for a fun date night activity • Groups wanting an adrenaline rush in downtown Gatlinburg
Pro Tip
Book the night ride and ask about repeat ride discounts at the booth - they often offer second rides at a lower price that isn't advertised online.
About Ripley's Mountain Coaster
Ripley's Mountain Coaster stands out among the Smoky Mountains' numerous coaster attractions, consistently delivering impressive thrills. Riders control their own speed while winding through the trees - taking it slow reveals stunning mountain views, while keeping the brakes off maximizes the adrenaline rush.
The night rides offer the most spectacular experience. The entire track illuminates with colored LEDs, creating a magical atmosphere that sets this coaster apart from others in the area.
The Mountain Glider provides another unique adventure - combining the sensation of hang gliding with free fall on a suspended track. Families should budget accordingly, as both attractions can become expensive quickly, especially with children wanting multiple rides.
The downtown location offers excellent convenience, allowing easy access to other Ripley's attractions and nearby restaurants. Combo tickets provide significant savings for visitors planning to experience multiple attractions.
Operations continue year-round in nearly all weather conditions, which proves remarkably reliable for vacation planning. Visitors should dress appropriately for outdoor conditions, particularly during evening rides in cooler months when temperatures can drop significantly.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Self-Controlled Speed Mountain Coaster
The main attraction lets you control your speed with hand brakes as you wind through the forest. You can cruise slowly for the mountain views or go full throttle at up to 35 mph down the hillside.
LED-Lit Night Rides
The entire track lights up with colored LEDs after dark, creating a completely different experience. It's cooler, less crowded, and honestly more magical than the daytime rides.
Mountain Glider
This suspended monorail combines hang gliding sensations with free-fall drops at speeds up to 25 mph. It's billed as the first of its kind and definitely lives up to the hype.
Smoky Mountain Views
The climb to the top gives you genuine mountain and Gatlinburg valley views. On clear days, you can see for miles across the Smokies before your descent begins.
All-Weather Operation
They run 365 days a year in rain, snow, and sunshine. We've ridden in light snow and drizzle - it adds to the adventure and means shorter lines on questionable weather days.
Downtown Gatlinburg Location
Being right on the Parkway means you can easily walk to Ripley's Aquarium, restaurants, and shops. The combo ticket deals make it worth hitting multiple Ripley's attractions in one trip.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early or late to avoid peak afternoon crowds - mornings and evenings have shorter wait times
- Wear closed-toe shoes and secure clothing; bring layers for night rides as it gets chilly on the mountain
- You'll fill out waivers on-site, not online, so factor in a few extra minutes during busy times
- They operate in most weather conditions, so bring a light rain jacket if storms are forecast
- Free parking is available on-site, making it easy to access from downtown Gatlinburg
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsRipley's Mountain Coaster receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Ripley's Mountain Coaster Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Ripley's Mountain Coaster
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Ripley's Mountain Coaster?
They're open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 365 days a year. Hours can change due to weather, so we always recommend calling (865) 430-7800 to confirm before heading over.
How much does Ripley's Mountain Coaster cost?
Adult rides typically run $19-22 plus tax, while kids riding with adults pay around $9-12. The Mountain Glider costs slightly more, usually in the low-to-mid $20s. Combo tickets with other Ripley's attractions save you money.
Do I need reservations for Ripley's Mountain Coaster?
Reservations aren't required, but you can buy tickets online ahead of time. During busy seasons, we'd recommend getting tickets in advance to guarantee your spot and potentially save with combo deals.
How long should I spend at Ripley's Mountain Coaster?
Plan for 1-2 hours total. The actual ride is just a few minutes, but factor in check-in, waivers, waiting in line, and possibly riding multiple times. If you do both the coaster and glider, expect closer to 2 hours.
Is Ripley's Mountain Coaster good for kids?
Kids as young as 3 can ride with an adult in the double carts. Our experience is that kids 8 and up get the most out of it since they can control their own speed and really appreciate the thrill factor.
Is there parking at Ripley's Mountain Coaster?
Yes, they have free on-site parking in a fairly large lot. It's right off the Parkway at 386 Parkway, so it's super convenient and you don't have to worry about downtown parking hassles.
Does Ripley's Mountain Coaster operate in bad weather?
They run in rain, snow, and most weather conditions since it's a gravity-powered ride. Just dress appropriately - night rides in winter can be chilly, and rainy rides can be slippery but fun.
Can you control the speed on Ripley's Mountain Coaster?
Absolutely - each cart has hand brakes so you're in complete control. You can go slow to enjoy the mountain views or keep the brakes off to hit speeds up to 35 mph down the hillside.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Ripley's Mountain Coaster receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
386 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738
386 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738
Gatlinburg
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