The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, promises an unforgettable ride through the Smoky Mountains—and claims to be the longest mountain coaster in East Tennessee. But is it really worth the drive, the wait, and the ticket price? While staying in Middlesboro, Kentucky, my family made the 90-minute trek to find out. Here’s everything you need to know before you go—and whether we think the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster lives up to the hype.
What Is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster?
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster isn’t just the longest mountain coaster in East Tennessee—it also holds the distinction of being the first in the world to feature four separate uphill sections. Set across more than 20 scenic acres, this ride winds through stunning Smoky Mountain views, with exciting 360-degree turns, multiple tunnels, and a layout that keeps things interesting from start to finish.
Each individual cart can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, but what makes it extra fun is that you control the pace. Whether you want to cruise slowly and soak in the scenery or zoom through the curves, the choice is yours. The entire ride lasts over nine minutes—longer than most coasters—and it’s designed to be fun for just about everyone, from little ones as young as three to adventurous riders well into their nineties.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Prices: What You’ll Pay in 2025
One of the biggest things to take into account before you choose to ride the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is the price of tickets. Like everything in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area, a ride on the mountain coaster will cost your family a small fortune.
Fortunately, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster offers numerous deals to make it more affordable for your family. For example, if you are active military, a veteran, nurse, or first responder, they do currently offer $9 off your ticket price. During our visit we went with my parents, and since my dad is a veteran, the $9 discount worked for all seven of our tickets since we paid for all of us in one transaction. It’s important to note, that you must ask about this discount before paying, or you won’t get it.
Obviously, this discount can change at anytime, so be sure to call ahead to make sure they are still offering it. For those who do not qualify for the discounts, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster’s prices are a bit expensive for a 9-minute ride. As of 2025, the prices are currently:
- Adults – 13 & older: $18
- Youth – 7-12: $14
- Kids – 3-6: $5
- $9 for your second ride!
Check the official Rocky Top Mountain Coaster site for current hours and deals.
Where Is the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Located?
The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just minutes from the main Parkway and a short drive from Gatlinburg. Its address is:
📍 2940 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
It’s nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, making it an easy stop if you’re visiting other attractions like Dollywood, The Island in Pigeon Forge, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you’re using Google Maps or GPS, just type in “Rocky Top Mountain Coaster” and it will lead you directly to the parking area. The entrance is clearly marked with signs and flags, and there’s plenty of free parking available.
This coaster is especially easy to reach from nearby towns:
- About 5 minutes from the Pigeon Forge Parkway
- About 20 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg
- About 90 minutes from Middlesboro, Kentucky, if you’re traveling from that direction like we were
The location is great if you’re planning a full day of Smoky Mountain adventures—it’s close enough to other attractions to bundle your visit with shopping, dining, or a hike in the park.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Review: Is It the Best Ride in Pigeon Forge?
This was our very first time trying out a mountain coaster, and honestly—I had no idea what to expect. I’ve always been a bit anxious about roller coasters, and the thought of riding alone on a cart, winding down a mountain, was more than a little intimidating. But I kept reminding myself: if kids as young as three can do this, how scary could it really be?
To my surprise, the whole experience started off incredibly easy. From the moment we checked in, we practically walked right onto the ride—no waiting at all. At first, my daughter and I were going to ride in the coaster together, but after seeing how small and awkward the cart was for two people, we decided to go in our own carts. And, honestly, if you’re going on the mountain coaster and your kids are old enough, I would recommend getting your own cart. You can control more, and the experience can be a bit more fun. There were times throughout the ride where I could yell over to my kids, and I practically followed my daughter the whole ride.
While you would expect the mountain coasters to be complicated to use, they were actually really simple. Each cart had two levers on both sides that you used to break, and go forward. On hills, the carts moved automatically, but during the curves and turns, the carts were mostly operated by the rider.
Unfortunately, the excitement of the ride faded almost as soon as the first hill was over. The coaster took you around a few turns and then almost immediately slowed you down and made you stop. Throughout the ride, there were constant slowdowns and stop-and-go movements. If someone ahead of you tapped on their brakes or hesitated, you were forced to slow down too—sometimes even coming to a complete stop—just to avoid bumping into them. And since you’re not allowed to stop completely and wait for space (a safety rule to avoid getting rear-ended), you end up riding right behind someone the entire way down.
It honestly felt like the ride was designed to keep you stacked up behind the next person without the option to pick up speed or enjoy the full experience. What should have been a thrilling mountain descent ended up being a cautious crawl for much of the ride. The whole thing lasted only about 9 minutes, and was a bit disappointing.
When you get to the end, riders do have the opportunity to purchase pictures from the ride, but honestly don’t expect screaming photos or funny ones because this is simply not that kind of coaster.
If you’re looking for a true adrenaline rush or a fast-paced mountain coaster experience, this one might leave you a little disappointed. But if you’re just in it for a scenic glide and don’t mind taking it slow, it’s still a fun, family-friendly option. It’s also a great ride for younger children and older seniors who want a thrill but can no longer ride amusement park roller coasters.
While my family of five and parents were a bit disappointed in the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, we can now say we rode a mountain coaster and check that feat off our bucket list.
Have you tried the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster? Let us know in the comments—or share your favorite Pigeon Forge ride!
Last Updated on 1 year ago by Crystal Carder