High adventure awaits at the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk. North Carolina’s only alpine or mountain coaster opened in 2020 amid pandemic conditions that seriously limited the number of rides available each day. But this summer getting tickets has been much easier. So load up the car and take a little road trip over to beautiful Banner Elk and take a ride through North Carolina on this fun alpine coaster!
The 2,390-foot-long track is placed on a rather steep hill and doles out a thrilling ride as it twists and turns through the natural flora on the mountain as riders make their way down the hill.
TripAdvisor/management
The top speed is 27 miles per hour as you hang on for dear life to the handle grips on the side of your car.
Google/Danitza DeVaughn
But don’t worry. There are countless safety measures in place to ensure no one gets injured. It’s just good, safe fun here.
Facebook/Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Welcome to the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, the newest attraction to hit the scene in Banner Elk, the town sitting at the base of two ski areas in the Highlands (Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain).
TripAdvisor/Brad W
Open year-round with occasional closures due to inclement weather, Wilderness Run has quickly become the most popular activity in the area.
TripAdvisor/Brad W
Folks line up for their turn at taking the slow ride up the steep mountain track to get into position at the starting line.
Google/Derek Assaf
When it’s time go, the car breaks free and then, WHEEEE… it’s down the mountain you go, reaching top speeds as you whirl and twirl through the figure eights in the track all the way down the mountain.
Google/Anne Wicke
Ever been on a mountain or alpine coaster before?
Google/Lilly Dudley
North Carolina’s ONLY alpine coaster is one that shouldn’t be missed. The best way to get on the schedule for a ride is to go online and register for a check-in time. Arrive at your check-in time and purchase tickets on-site upon arrival. See current pricing for ticket packages by visiting the official website for Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster. The coaster is usually open rain or shine. Sometimes, however, weather calls for temporary closures. It’s best to call ahead if you’re traveling a long distance.
TripAdvisor/management
Google/Danitza DeVaughn
Facebook/Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
TripAdvisor/Brad W
Google/Derek Assaf
Google/Anne Wicke
Google/Lilly Dudley
For more reasons to visit Banner Elk, North Carolina, keep reading here!
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Address: Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, 3265 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
