This Coaster Is One of the Highest-rated U.S. Theme Park Experiences — With Stunning Nature Views and a Mountain Backdrop

"The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, ranked No. 3 on the list of highest-rated theme park experiences, with 80.74 percent of reviews rating it five stars. It scored an average Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 and 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor. The mountain coaster was the first ever built in the thriving tourism destination. It has the second-longest downhill track in the United States at over one mile. Unlike a traditional roller coaster, individual carts, carrying one to two passengers, are pulled via cable to the top of the mountain track. Once released, the thrill level for the 7- to 8-minute ride is entirely up to the lead rider, who controls the speed via a hand brake. (Vehicles are able to travel up to 27 mph.) As thrill seekers twist and turn down the adrenaline-pumping, steep track through the mountains, riders are treated to picturesque nature views. Night rides are a favorite, as the track is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights. The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is open year-round — rain, snow, or sunshine — and tickets are priced at $18 per adult and $14 for children (ages seven to 12). Riders must meet the minimum height requirement of 56 inches to ride alone, or 38 inches to ride with another guest." - Carly Caramanna Carly Caramanna Carly Caramanna is a theme park and travel journalist who has spent her professional career in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Yaho