Interested in unique, hair-raising rides that also give you breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and parks? Mountain coasters and rail bikes might be exactly what you need in your life! These coasters have recently become more and more popular in the US more more and more popping up on the East Coast all the time.
If you’re a thrill seeker looking for something to do outside of the usual theme park, we’ve gathered a list of these amazing rides just drive away – some near, some far – that you have GOT to check out! And if you’re thinking this is a kids-only activity, think again – it’s truly an all-ages experience!
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
Western New York
1. Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster at Sky High Adventure Park
6773 Holiday Valley Rd, Ellicottville, NY 14731/ holidayvalley.com/skyhigh
Season: May-October
Distance from Buffalo: 1 hour
The mountain coaster closest to Buffalo is Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster at Holiday Valley’s Sky High Adventure Park. The ride is 4,805 ft long, going uphill then downhill experiencing a variety of twists, turns, jumps and spirals that will surely have you excited to go on a second and third time!
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Beyond WNY
2. Mountain Coaster at Greek Peak Mountain Resort
2000 NY-392, Cortland, NY 13045/ greekpeak.net
Season: Year-Round
Distance from Buffalo: 3 hours
This beautiful year-round mountain coaster on Greek Peak Mountain reaches top speeds of 30mph!
3. Adirondack Scenic Rail Bike Adventures
2568 NY-28, Thendara, NY 13472 / adirondackscenicrailbikes.com
Season: May-October
Distance from Buffalo: 3.5 hours
Take an incredible rail bike ride as you pedal leisurely through the scenic areas of the Adirondack mountains! The rail bike can hold up to 4 people and takes around 2 hours to get through the 6 mile route.
4. Mountain Coaster at Jiminy Peak Mountain Adventure Park
37 Corey Rd, Hancock, MA 01237 / https://www.jiminypeak.com
Season: Year-Round
Distance from Buffalo: 5 hours
Jimmy Peak’s mountain coaster was the first of its kind on the East Coast! You control the speed so it’s up to you if you want to reach thrilling speeds up to 23mph or take a leisurely stroll through the winding woods and beautiful views of the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.
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5. Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort
296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541 / wispresort.com
Season: Year-Round
Distance from Buffalo: 5 hours
At the beginning of this ride, a pulley will take you uphill so you can see the breathtaking Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County from above. The mountain coaster will then go through many fun wisps and turns and even reach downhill speeds up to 28mph!
6. Mountain Coaster at Camelback Resort
243 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372 / camelbackresort.com
Season: Year-Round
Distance from Buffalo: 5 hours
Camelback Resort’s steel-track mountain coaster is the only mountain coaster in Pennsylvania. Guests can reach up to 25mph, zooming through trees and down steep slopes in the Poconos.
7. Cliffside Coaster at Lake Placid Olympic Sites
2634 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946 / lakeplacidolympicsites.com
Season: June 25 – September 6
Distance from Buffalo: 6 hours
This mountain coaster is the longest in North America and is placed alongside the bobsledding track previously used for the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic games! At a length of 1.4 miles long, this coaster is a fun-filled ride with surreal views of Mt. Van Hoevenberg!
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8. Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster at Berkshire East Mountain Resort
66D Thunder Mountain Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339 / berkshireeast.com
Season: June-October
Distance from Buffalo: 6 hours
Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster starts by taking you 1,580 feet uphill through beautiful forest, then down 3,870 feet of rolling drops, 360° turns, and banked corners!
