Rail Runner — Attraction in Gatlinburg

Absolutely the most insane and intense alpine coaster in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. As other reviews have said it’s a bit short, but it has a massive elevation drop (about 400ft), it stays extremely close to the ground at maybe 3 to 4 feet max, and it’s extremely intense for its short length. It also feels much more out of control than any others in the area. There is a curve about 2/3 of the way down that seems to be mostly unbanked and tries to violently throw you from the ride if you ride at full speed. As an adrenaline junkie I loved it, but if you aren’t do be prepared for it because it will catch you off guard and is very intense.

There is a very strict weight limit which is enforced through scales at the ticket office and scales at the ride itself, the maximum rider weight is 230lbs and you will not be permitted to ride if you are even slightly over. The cars themselves are very small as well so the weight limit does make sense. At 5’8 and 150lbs I fit fine, but anyone taller may find it a bit uncomfortable.

As others have said this isn’t the smoothest alpine coaster either, it isn’t particularly rough but due to its design and its proximity to the ground through its layout it certainly has some very tight corners and strange transitions.

Overall in my opinion this is the absolute best alpine coaster in the area if you’re an adrenaline junkie or looking for something intense. However it may not be the best if riding with children or if you’re looking for a more relaxing or...

This coaster might have been enjoyable if the person working (his name was Quais) gave us the right information. I rode tandem with my 4-year old son, and he told me NOT to slow down during the ride. I asked him twice to clarify that he meant I should keep the lever on forward the whole time, and he said yes, repeating that I shouldn't slow down.

It was extremely fast, bumpy, shaky, uncomfortable, and my son was crying during and after about how terrible of an experience it was.

My husband who rode on the coaster after us, and my 32 year old nephew said the same thing. Quais told them the same thing and they hated the ride as a result.

Why would a worker give wrong, inaccurate, and bad advice about how to operate the coaster, especially with little children involved?

That is complete negligence. For anyone visiting, you should absolutely slow down and not feel obligated to go full speed. My guess is Quais told us not to slow down just to speed the process and maybe shorten the wait for those in line. Quality control needs to step in...

We visited on a Wednesday morning in early November 2024.

There is a 230lb weight limit and they follow it strictly. I saw someone get turned away. The Rail Runner is one of two mountain coasters at Anakeesta. This is by far the crazier one. There was no line when we arrived and we walked straight on. There are free lockers at the bottom before you get onto the ride.

My kids went the whole way without hitting the breaks at all. I on the other hand was way too scared and braked on the corners. At the end there is long lift hill that just takes you back up. Just relax as it's pulling you back up the hill.

They are equipped with cameras that record your ride. The ride attendant said sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. I watched a little bit of my replay but one of my kids said their wouldn't load. We did not purchase the video.

Overall it was a great experience and if it didn't cost so much, I'd gladly do it again. We bought the double ticket but wanted to try the...