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Put yourself in the driver’s seat on Gatlinburg’s first mountain coaster. Short, family-friendly, and driver-controlled, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster delivers a compact Smoky Mountains thrill with easy accessibility.
Put yourself in the driver’s seat on Gatlinburg’s first mountain coaster. Short, family-friendly, and driver-controlled, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster delivers a compact Smoky Mountains thrill with easy accessibility.
You step onto a platform that looks out over a notch of the Smokies; the air smells faintly of pine and kettle corn, and a ribbon of tubular rail disappears into the trees. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster puts you in the driver’s seat for a short, sharp connection to Gatlinburg’s mountain slope — a ride that climbs about three minutes and then lets gravity and your brake hand craft the descent.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Moonshine Mountain Coaster · Gatlinburg, Tennessee
You step onto a platform that looks out over a notch of the Smokies; the air smells faintly of pine and kettle corn, and a ribbon of tubular rail disappears into the trees. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster puts you in the driver’s seat for a short, sharp connection to Gatlinburg’s mountain slope — a ride that climbs about three minutes and then lets gravity and your brake hand craft the descent.
Opened in December 2014 as Gatlinburg’s first mountain coaster, the attraction sits on Parkway near the edge of downtown, where town tourism and Great Smoky Mountains geology meet. The ridge here is part of the ancient Appalachian chain; rock and forest compel a compact, winding run rather than high vertical drops. The ride’s name nods to Appalachian moonshine lore and the region’s mountain-culture past, while the modern tubular rails and individual brake system put safety and control first.
Practically, expect a roughly five-minute ride time on the track itself and 15–60 minutes total including lines. The coaster is family-friendly and wheelchair/stroller accessible at the facility, but not recommended for pregnant riders or people with spinal or serious heart conditions. Bring secure pockets for loose items, wear closed-toe shoes for boarding, and time your visit early morning or later afternoon to avoid peak summer crowds.
If you want a quick thrill with a strong sense of place — the smell of hardwoods, the shout of passing riders, and short views of the ridgeline — this coaster delivers a tidy, driver-controlled mountain experience without the commitment of a long hike.
easy.
15–60 minutes.
Minimal fitness required; suitable for most ages and mobility levels though getting in/out of cars or boarding may require basic mobility.
The track experience is about five minutes total — roughly three minutes uphill and two minutes downhill; allow extra time for check-in and queues.
Yes — it’s family-friendly and stroller-accessible at the facility, but children must meet the operator’s height and safety requirements and infants should sit on an adult's lap as required.
Yes — each car has a hand brake that allows riders to slow their descent; operators provide a brief safety overview before boarding.
The facility offers free parking and is listed as wheelchair accessible; check the operator for specific boarding assistance or mobility needs.
The coaster opened in December 2014 as Gatlinburg’s first mountain coaster; Gatlinburg itself grew as a gateway town to the Great Smoky Mountains, rooted in Appalachian mountain culture.
This coaster sits near the Great Smoky Mountains; visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid feeding wildlife, and support local businesses that prioritize sustainable practices.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step onto a platform that looks out over a notch of the Smokies; the air smells faintly of pine and kettle corn, and a ribbon of tubular rail disappears into the trees. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster puts you in the driver’s seat for a short, sharp connection to Gatlinburg’s mountain slope — a ride that climbs about three minutes and then lets gravity and your brake hand craft the descent.
You step onto a platform that looks out over a notch of the Smokies; the air smells faintly of pine and kettle corn, and a ribbon of tubular rail disappears into the trees. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster puts you in the driver’s seat for a short, sharp connection to Gatlinburg’s mountain slope — a ride that climbs about three minutes and then lets gravity and your brake hand craft the descent.
Opened in December 2014 as Gatlinburg’s first mountain coaster, the attraction sits on Parkway near the edge of downtown, where town tourism and Great Smoky Mountains geology meet. The ridge here is part of the ancient Appalachian chain; rock and forest compel a compact, winding run rather than high vertical drops. The ride’s name nods to Appalachian moonshine lore and the region’s mountain-culture past, while the modern tubular rails and individual brake system put safety and control first.
Practically, expect a roughly five-minute ride time on the track itself and 15–60 minutes total including lines. The coaster is family-friendly and wheelchair/stroller accessible at the facility, but not recommended for pregnant riders or people with spinal or serious heart conditions. Bring secure pockets for loose items, wear closed-toe shoes for boarding, and time your visit early morning or later afternoon to avoid peak summer crowds.
If you want a quick thrill with a strong sense of place — the smell of hardwoods, the shout of passing riders, and short views of the ridgeline — this coaster delivers a tidy, driver-controlled mountain experience without the commitment of a long hike.