Ready to play at both adventure and sightseeing at the center of the Smoky Mountains? Here at Moonshine Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg, they offer the thrill of a lifetime.
Riding through the woods at breakneck speeds with a special viewing platform to experience all of the beauty that nature has to offer.
This alpine coaster is unlike the regular amusement park ride because, where the ride is zippy on a twisting track following the curves of the mountain, there is an unusual combination of excitement and peace.
In particular, Moonshine Mountain Coaster is very enthralling, especially at night when it is already filled with multi-colored LEDs that light the track and lively music that adds enjoyment to the ride.
In addition, it is also one of the few coasters in the area that features a 360-degree loop and speed that is controlled independently to alter each ride to be customizable.
It is conveniently placed and located within an hour’s drive of the Elk Hollow Resort, making it another easily accessible but thrilling enhancer of any Smoky Mountain stay.
Are you ready to design your trip? So, here is the gist of what you need to know.
At a Glance
| Highlight | A thrilling, self-paced alpine coaster through the Smoky Mountain forest with LED night rides, family-friendly fun, and stunning scenic views. |
| Ticket | $18 |
| Opening Hours | Every day from 10 am to 11 pm |
| Time Taken | 5 to 7 minutes |
| Max Speed | Up to 30 mph |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning, when the attraction opens |
| Location | 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Google map |
| Phone | +1 865-430-5577 |
1. What Makes Moonshine Mountain Coaster Unique
Moonshine Mountain Coaster is not a rough and typical roller coaster. This mountaineering alpine coaster is a gravity-fueled kind that is guided by cable.
It is pulled moving slowly up the mountain, allowing riders to enjoy the breathtaking views in the beautiful wooded sides of Gatlinburg.
It is the gravity that will take control after you make it to the top, and the fun starts in a real sense. Here are some key features.
Immersive Design
This is contrary to traditional roller coasters, which are run by chain lifts and quick turns, as Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a gravity-driven alpine course.
- The individual or two-person sled-like carts have a manually operated braking system, as well as seats for riders.
- This implies that you are the pace maker-either you want a soothing drive through the woods or a speedy, blood-pumping experience in the mountains.
- Riders start by being lifted up the hill by cables, which slowly take them to the top and allow them a good moment to enjoy the surrounding trees, natural sounds, and air.
- When you reach the top, gravity takes over, and you have a 3,000+ foot descent angle that is laden with twists, turns, and lots of scenic swings to make your trip memorable.
Night Rides
Riding at night is one of the best experiences. People are also running with multicolored LED lights on the track and energized music; this makes it a glowing adventure that is turned into a party in the woods.
- To add more thrill, sounds of fun and cheerful music are played by Bluetooth sound systems fitted on board to enhance excitement during the drive.
- You can select the playlists that have been curated, or you can even sync your tracks via phone.
- It is a glow-in-the-dark party on rails that comes with lights, music, and motion to make it unlike anything you will ever experience in the Smokies.
Family-Friendly Thrills
This rollercoaster is meant to be thrilling and friendly. At just 38 inches to its minimum height, it would be ideal for families that bring younger children.
- There are no such serious drops and flipping loops, and one just feels excited, but not overwhelmed.
- It can be ridden by couples, families, single adventurers, and even senior citizens in their own style, either taking an easy ride with coasting or an out-and-out speed run.
Smoky Mountain Setting
The ride takes whims through a quiet forested mountainside, and the mountain ranges provide a panoramic outlook of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- It is not just traveling through some metal scaffoldings, but rather, moving through trees and passing around natural rock formations, and experiencing a feeling of being inside the mountains.
- It is so beautiful during the autumn, as the trees become a bright red, orange, and gold, and in the winter, when it snows and the trail looks like a frosty fairytale.
Longer Ride Time
Moonshine Mountain Coaster has one of the longest ride times of 5 to 7 minutes, making it one of the longest alpine coasters in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge region.
- Most of these kinds of rides are only 2-3 minutes long, but here, you can enjoy the whole ride, particularly when you take your second ride later at half price.
Comparison to the Best
Although several alpine coasters are located in Gatlinburg, it is said that Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a smooth ride.
- It has a longer operation period, and you can ride at night with exciting lighting and sound.
- It is a local attraction and a highly rated attraction on websites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp.
2. Planning Your Visit: Moonshine Mountain Coaster Tickets, Hours & Pricing
It is vital to make some preparations before you get on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster so that you can enjoy it. So, let us help you plan your visit.
Tickets
Moonshine Mountain Coaster sells spacious tickets, designed to satisfy any visitor of any kind:
Advance online tickets are sold at $18 for adults and teens aged 8 to 12 at $14, and kids tickets at $5.
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adult Ticket (13+) | $18 |
| Youth Ticket (8-12) | $14 |
| Kid Ticket (3-7) | $5 |
Coupons also have seasonal discounts, combo deals with other amusements, and group deals (15+ people). Special offers that include military discounts or several other specials may also occur, but again, check the website first or in advance by phone.
Buy 2 Rides & Save
It is a package that will offer you 2 rides to the same person on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster.
- The second ride does not necessarily have to be used on the same day.
- To take in the night show, we advise riding once during the day and then again at night.
- At the ticket booth, additional tickets can be bought at a discounted price.
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adult Ticket (13+) | $26 |
| Youth Ticket (8-12) | $22 |
| Kid Ticket (3-7) | $10 |
Service Member Discounts
You work as an EMS, firefighter, police officer, or member of the military. These people are subject to the Service Member Discount.
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adult Ticket (13+) | $14 |
| Youth Ticket (8-12) | $10 |
| Kid Ticket (3-7) | $5 |
Should identify or provide an ID or proof of employment. The discount will apply to the individual and one other person or the individual and his immediate family (spouse and children).
Opening Hours
The coaster is available throughout the year, and operating hours vary according to the season and/or daylight.
The Mountain Coaster is open all year round.
Timing
| Day | Time |
| Monday to Sunday | 10 am to 11 pm |
Rides at night are just after sunset, and they are the highlight of the experience: colorful LED lighting is involved, and there is music.
The coaster can rain-check when there is harsh weather like thunderstorms, heavy downpour, or ice. Look at their website to get live weather-related updates.
Location
If you are visiting the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, it is only a 5-minute walk away Ripley Aquarium of Smokies.
- It is right at the center of other tourist attraction sites, restaurants, and plain shops- an ideal place to visit for a walk.
- Seek out the colorful lights and coaster tracks that you can see on the street!
Coming from Elk Hollow Resort (1 hour 20 minutes)
- Get on Everett Street (US-19) and go north. Enter US-441 North to Cherokee/Gatlinburg.
- Carry on through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with scenic pull-offs such as Newfound Gap.
- In Gatlinburg, Moonshine Mountain Coaster is located right next to the main Parkway (US-441), spot the coaster signs just before the middle of town.
Address: Moonshine Mountain Coaster, 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Google map
Parking Information
There is free on-site parking, and a roomy parking lot is right in front of the entrance.
- RVs, vans, and big vehicles are welcome here.
- In case the main lot is full, there is usually overflow parking around, mostly with a shuttle on busy days.
Tip: High traffic moves in during the weekends and holidays, particularly during summertime, it is advisable to arrive early before parking lots get crowded.
3. Travel Tips for Visiting Moonshine Mountain Coaster Parkway Gatlinburg TN
To make your trip to the Moonshine Mountain Coaster pleasant, harmless, and memorable, it comes in handy to have a couple of tips in mind.
Best Time to Visit
Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a famous attraction site in Gatlinburg, and in case you do not want to spend the whole day wasting your time, then it is time to be there.
- Morning: Go to one of the first rides as soon as the coaster is opened (usually about 10:00 AM). You will avoid crowds and have a quiet ride through the forest.
- Late Evening: Night rides start late in the afternoon or at the time of sunset and are a crowd favorite. Get there 30-60 minutes in advance so that you get a parking space. The coaster remains running until 9 PM or even more, depending on the season.
- Skip the rush periods (12 PM-4 PM): This is the period most likely to be busy, especially during weekends, holidays, and school holidays.
- Weekday Visits: Ride on a Tuesday or Wednesday when it is not the weekend, and there will be less traffic; you will find it easier to find parking spaces.
Tip: Recommend that they see what the weather is. Operations can be hampered by rain, and rides can shut down momentarily because of lightning or storms.
What to Wear
A few preparations can go a long way toward having a comfortable and photo-worthy ride.
- Wear casual, comfortable clothes. Shorts, leggings, t-shirts, and light jackets are good depending on the season.
- Wear closed-toe (e.g., sneakers or hiking shoes). Stay away from flip-flops or anything that may fly off in the course of the ride.
What to Bring
During fall or in winter, a hoodie or windbreaker is recommended, even more so during a night ride, when it will be colder.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen are also advised during the daytime or summer.
- It would be safer to leave loose items (hats, scarves, sunglasses) at home or fasten them; at high speeds, they are likely to fly off!
Riding Guidelines
There are some guidelines one must follow to ride the coaster.
- The driver should have a height of 56” or above if you are an adult driving alone.
- The maximum weight should not be more than 375 pounds when dry or 330 pounds when wet conditions.
- The Coaster lasts approximately 5 minutes. This incorporates about 3 3-minute climb up the hill and 2 minutes down the hill.
- Children using the bikes have to be at least 38 inches and 3 years old and above.
- Children under 56 inches should have a riding partner who must be 16 years or older and 56 inches tall.
4. Moonshine Mountain Coaster Gatlinburg Nearby Attractions to Explore
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2 miles)
Whenever you go to Gatlinburg, you cannot leave without visiting the most visited national park in the U.S. There is everything a nature enthusiast can imagine, including jaw-dropping mountain panoramas and serene forest paths.
Ober Mountain Adventure Park and Ski Area (1.2 miles)
Take a combination of year-round fun by riding the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway down into the city of downtown and up the top of the mountain. During the winter, it is a skiing center; during the summer, an alpine pleasure park.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (4 miles)
This is one of the best-rated aquariums in the U.S. Discover the magic of the sea as you gaze at thousands of amazing fish, touch a jelly, or swim with the rays in one of the largest aquariums in the world! An enormous prize-winning aquarium with more than 10,000 exotic sea animals.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park (0.3 miles)
Board the Sky Lift chair and ride to the top of Crockett Mountain, then take the long pedestrian suspension bridge, the longest in North America. In a rower, there is the SkyBridge that is 680 feet long, with a transparent floor part in the middle!
5. Why Choose Elk Hollow Resort for Your Stay
If you want to rest after a busy day, Elk Hollow Resort welcomes you to Bryson City.
This charming spot sits hidden in the forested hills of Western North Carolina and is an ideal spot for seeing both Soco Falls and Gatlinburg since it’s easily accessible by car.
What makes Elk Hollow Resort a good choice?
- If you choose a private cabin, you’ll get a cozy place full of comfort and an easygoing style.
- Sleep with birds around you and listen to crickets when you wake up.
- No matter if you go with a partner, your family, or all by yourself, you’ll find a place that suits you.
An ideal getaway to take a break and admire the fierce beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
Conclusion | Moonshine Mountain Coaster
How about this? You wake up with an adventure at Elk Hollow Resort by driving in the mountains.
You swing by Moonshine Mountain Coaster, where you can have an adrenaline-packed ride in the forest. Then, you can cover the Gatlinburg highlights, including aquariums, SkyLifts, local food, cuisine, as well as secret paths.
When the sun goes down, you head back to your comfortable cabin or tent and start the fire pit going, and drink the hot cocoa, looking at the night sky.
That is a dream day in the Smoky Mountains.
Enough procrastinating then! The Moonshine Mountain Coaster alone or in combination with the Elk Hollow Resort provides the best vacation, whether you are a thrill seeker, a nature lover, or a family traveler.
Don’t forget to drop your photos with your friends on Instagram and also tag @elk_hollow_resort. We would love to see how you enjoyed it!
FAQs | Moonshine Mountain Coaster
1. What is the Moonshine Mountain Coaster?
The Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a gravity-driven alpine coaster in Gatlinburg, TN. Riders control their own speed as they descend through forested mountainsides, with thrilling twists, scenic views, and colorful LED night rides.
2. How long does the Moonshine Mountain Coaster ride last?
Each ride lasts about 5 to 7 minutes, making it one of the longest alpine coaster experiences in the Smoky Mountains region.
3. Can I ride the Moonshine Mountain Coaster at night?
Yes! The coaster is famous for its LED-lit night rides with onboard music, creating a magical, glow-in-the-dark experience through the Smoky Mountains.
4. What are the Moonshine Mountain Coaster ticket prices?
Ticket prices start at $18 for adults, $14 for youth (8–12), and $5 for kids (3–7). Discounts and combo offers are available for service members, groups, and second rides.
5. Is the Moonshine Mountain Coaster safe for kids?
Absolutely. Kids as young as 3 years old and 38 inches tall can ride with an adult. The coaster is designed to be safe and fun for families.
6. Where is the Moonshine Mountain Coaster located?
You’ll find it at 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, just a short walk from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the Gatlinburg Parkway.
7. What should I wear to ride the Moonshine Mountain Coaster?
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Avoid hats or loose items that could fly off during the ride.
8. Is parking available at the Moonshine Mountain Coaster?
Yes, free on-site parking is available, including space for larger vehicles. Overflow lots are nearby on busy days.
9. What’s the best time to visit the Moonshine Mountain Coaster?
For fewer crowds, go early in the morning (10 AM) or later in the evening for night rides. Weekdays are less busy than weekends and holidays.
10. Can I ride more than once in a day?
Yes! In fact, a second ride is available at a discounted rate, and it doesn’t have to be on the same day. Ride once in daylight and again at night for two different experiences.
11. How far is Moonshine Mountain Coaster from Elk Hollow Resort?
It’s about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City, making it a perfect day trip for adventure-seeking guests.
12. What other attractions are near the Moonshine Mountain Coaster?
Nearby attractions include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and Ober Mountain Adventure Park.
