Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Coordinates	35°47′36″N 83°35′47″W / 35.7934°N 83.5965°W / 35.7934; -83.5965Coordinates: 35°47′36″N 83°35′47″W / 35.7934°N 83.5965°W / 35.7934; -83.5965
Status	Operating
Opening date	August 3, 2013 (2013-08-03)
General statistics
Type	Steel –
Manufacturer	Wiegand
Model	Mountain coaster
Lift/launch system	Cable lift hill
Height	3,937 ft (1,200 m)
Speed	27 mph (43 km/h)
Inversions	0
Duration	7-8 minutes
Height restriction	56 in (142 cm)
Trains	a single car. Riders are arranged 1 across in 2 rows for a total of 2 riders per train.
Website	http://www.smokymountainalpinecoaster.com/
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster at RCDB Pictures of Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster at RCDB

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.^{[citation needed]}

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[]