BANNER ELK, N.C. — There’s a new attraction in North Carolina’s High Country. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, the first Alpine coaster to be built in the Blue Ridge Mountains has opened.
The coaster is owned and operated by Army veteran Eric Bechard and his wife, Tara.
The couple’s daughter, Ashley Brown, told Durham’s WTVD her family enjoyed riding Alpine coasters when they were stationed in Germany and, since retiring, her parents wanted to bring an attraction to the area that families could do in their downtime when visiting the mountains.
Know before you go
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is located in Banner Elk at 3229 Tynecastle Highway, which is about a 2 1/2-hour drive from Charlotte.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, year-round.
The ride begins 770 feet up the mountain and is powered by gravity. It can cruise up to 27 mph, but riders will be able to control the speed with a brake on the side of the car.
There are three near-360-degree turns, but no significant drops.
The coaster’s cars are built for two riders, but you can go solo if you are at least 54 inches tall and at least 16 years old. Children must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall to ride. Children who meet the required height and age must be accompanied by a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Advance reservations are required Friday, Saturday and Sunday until July 12. Reservations are not required Monday through Thursday.
Adult tickets, for ages 14 and older, cost $16 for a single ride or $35 for three rides. Youth tickets, for ages 7-13, cost $13 for one ride or $29 for three rides. Children’s tickets, for ages 3-6, cost $5 for one ride or $12 for three.
Go to wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com for more information or to make reservations.
You can also follow Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster on Facebook here for updates.
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