The Great Smoky Mountains have long been a popular destination for adventure seekers. With a wonderful collection of zip line courses, white water rafting companies, and, of course, the Dollywood theme park, the Smokies are the perfect place to get a taste of adrenaline. Visitors to the area can even enjoy a different kind of thrill ride in Gatlinburg: the Gravity Coaster at Rowdy Bear Mountain!
This exciting mountain coaster has been attracting a ton of positive buzz since it opened in 2017. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Chalet Village has put together a guide to everything you need to know about the Gravity Coaster in Gatlinburg.
A Beautiful Ride Through the Mountains
Unlike a traditional roller coaster, the Gravity Coaster at Rowdy Bear Mountain is built right into the foothills of the Smokies. Passengers on the coaster will take in spectacular views of wooded scenery, downtown Gatlinburg, and the mountains. Although it feels like a secluded forest, Rowdy Bear Mountain is located at 386 Parkway, just a short walk from all of the fun on The Strip.
To see what it’s like to ride the Gravity Coaster, check out the video below from Coaster Universe. The downhill section of the ride begins around 2 minutes into the video:
Control Your Own Speed
In addition to its gorgeous forested location, the Gravity Coaster in Gatlinburg is also unique for allowing passengers to control their own speed. Each cart in this self-propelled coaster is equipped with a lever that lets passengers speed up or slow down their ride. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy a 30 mph race to the finish line, while more laid-back passengers can take a slower, scenic ride through the beautiful woodlands. A trip down the Gravity Coaster usually takes 5 – 7 minutes.
Thrills by Day and by Night
If you want to see the area’s breathtaking natural beauty during your ride, be sure to visit the Gravity Coaster during the day. For an even more thrilling experience, however, we recommend riding the coaster after dark. At night, the coaster is illuminated with thousands of technicolor lights that make you feel like you’re going even faster than 30 mph! Rowdy Bear Mountain is open from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Great for the Whole Family
The Gravity Coaster can be enjoyed by anyone over the age of 3 who is at least 38” tall. The coaster’s carts can sit one or two guests, so children can ride with their parents. Passengers must be at least 10 years old and 56” tall to ride in their own cart.
More Fun at Rowdy Bear Mountain
Rowdy Bear Mountain is also home to another unique thrill ride. The Mountain Glider is a one-of-a-kind adventure that lets guests fly through the forest canopy like an eagle. Passengers on the Mountain Glider will be able to race each other through the trees, since the ride features dual Glider tracks.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
When you stay at Chalet Village, you will be minutes away from the Gravity Coaster in Gatlinburg. Our cabin community is 10 – 15 minutes from all of the attractions, shops, and restaurants in the downtown area. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 8 bedroom cabins, we are guaranteed to have the perfect accommodations for your vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg!
